Los Angeles, CA – The Biden campaign and supporters managed to raise over $30 million in contributions during a star-studded fundraising event, setting a new record in Democratic Party fundraising history. The event featured appearances from President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, renowned actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Campaign co-chairperson Jeffrey Katzenberg expressed excitement over the overwhelming support from the media and entertainment industry, emphasizing the critical importance of the upcoming election.
The fundraiser’s proceeds are intended to help establish campaign offices, hire organizers, and launch media campaigns to engage directly with voters, according to a campaign official. Initially reported at $28 million on Saturday, the fundraising numbers continued to rise, surpassing $30 million by the end of the event. However, the Democratic National Committee has yet to confirm whether this record-breaking fundraising event will be reflected in Federal Election Commission data.
This latest fundraiser in Los Angeles outpaced the previous record set by a March fundraiser in New York City, which raised $26 million. Similar to the New York event, the Los Angeles fundraiser included a moderated conversation between presidents, this time between Biden and Obama facilitated by Jimmy Kimmel. Discussion during the event touched on various policy issues, with a notable focus on the impact of former President Donald Trump’s administration.
The conversation also highlighted the significance of the upcoming Supreme Court nominations and the concerns surrounding healthcare, particularly the fate of the Affordable Care Act. Former President Obama emphasized the importance of voting based on values and accomplishments, rather than solely against a particular candidate. The event additionally featured performances and appearances from various celebrities, including Jack Black, Jason Bateman, and Barbra Streisand, who praised First Lady Jill Biden’s dedication to education and women’s health initiatives.
As the Biden campaign continues to amass substantial fundraising amounts, maintaining a significant financial advantage over the Trump campaign, the focus remains on mobilizing support and engaging voters leading up to the election. The contrasting fundraising figures between the two campaigns indicate a competitive landscape, where financial resources play a pivotal role in shaping campaign strategies and outreach efforts.