Trump, Gaza conflict loom large at Biden’s high-profile NYC fundraiser
President Joe Biden went after Donald Trump at his New York City fundraiser on Thursday, where he was joined by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton at a star-studded event that was at times interrupted by protesters calling for a ceasefire in
President Joe Biden's New York City Fundraiser
President Joe Biden, alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, attended a star-studded fundraiser in New York City, which was at times interrupted by protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza [1]. Biden emphasized the absence of a president on January 6th and argued that Donald Trump was unfit to return to the Oval Office [1]. All three presidents issued warnings about the threat Trump would pose if reelected, with Biden stressing that democracy was at stake [1]. The event at Radio City Music Hall raised over $25 million, making it the most successful single political fundraiser in terms of dollars raised.
Addressing the Gaza Conflict
During the fundraiser, Biden addressed the conflict in Gaza, stating that Saudi Arabia and Arab countries are prepared to fully recognize Israel and called for a "post-Gaza plan" for Israel, including a progression towards a two-state solution. He also expressed an increased willingness to publicly call for Israel to enhance efforts to protect civilians in Gaza [1]. The event was interrupted multiple times by protesters, with some calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza [1].
Democratic Unity and Stakes for 2024
The presence of three of the four still-living Democratic presidents in the same room exemplifies the stakes Biden and Democrats believe hang in the balance in his contest against Trump [1]. Biden particularly focused on January 6th to argue that Trump is unfit for returning to the White House [1]. Meanwhile, Trump, who was also in New York, attended the wake of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was slain earlier in the week [1].
Fundraising Efforts and Grassroots Support
The fundraiser featured tickets ranging from $225 to $500,000, with more than 5,000 donors expected to attend, including celebrities like Queen Latifah, Lizzo, and others. The Biden campaign raised over $25 million, with around a third of the amount coming from small-dollar, grassroots donations of $200 or less made online. Additionally, supporters who contributed $25 were invited to participate in a "virtual pre-program for grassroots supporters" featuring the three presidents.
Future Involvement of Former President Obama
The fundraiser is expected to be just the beginning of Obama's involvement in Biden's campaign, with plans for him to take a larger role, including traveling to college campuses and crucial battleground states closer to November [1]. This story has been updated with additional reporting from various sources.
President Joe Biden, alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, attended a star-studded fundraiser in New York City, which was at times interrupted by protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza [1]. Biden emphasized the absence of a president on January 6th and argued that Donald Trump was unfit to return to the Oval Office [1]. All three presidents issued warnings about the threat Trump would pose if reelected, with Biden stressing that democracy was at stake [1]. The event at Radio City Music Hall raised over $25 million, making it the most successful single political fundraiser in terms of dollars raised.
Addressing the Gaza Conflict
During the fundraiser, Biden addressed the conflict in Gaza, stating that Saudi Arabia and Arab countries are prepared to fully recognize Israel and called for a "post-Gaza plan" for Israel, including a progression towards a two-state solution. He also expressed an increased willingness to publicly call for Israel to enhance efforts to protect civilians in Gaza [1]. The event was interrupted multiple times by protesters, with some calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza [1].
Democratic Unity and Stakes for 2024
The presence of three of the four still-living Democratic presidents in the same room exemplifies the stakes Biden and Democrats believe hang in the balance in his contest against Trump [1]. Biden particularly focused on January 6th to argue that Trump is unfit for returning to the White House [1]. Meanwhile, Trump, who was also in New York, attended the wake of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was slain earlier in the week [1].
Fundraising Efforts and Grassroots Support
The fundraiser featured tickets ranging from $225 to $500,000, with more than 5,000 donors expected to attend, including celebrities like Queen Latifah, Lizzo, and others. The Biden campaign raised over $25 million, with around a third of the amount coming from small-dollar, grassroots donations of $200 or less made online. Additionally, supporters who contributed $25 were invited to participate in a "virtual pre-program for grassroots supporters" featuring the three presidents.
Future Involvement of Former President Obama
The fundraiser is expected to be just the beginning of Obama's involvement in Biden's campaign, with plans for him to take a larger role, including traveling to college campuses and crucial battleground states closer to November [1]. This story has been updated with additional reporting from various sources.