President Joe Biden is set to join former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton in a high-profile fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The event aims to attract big-pocketed donors as Biden seeks to join the ranks of the only living two-term Democratic presidents. Tickets for the fundraiser range from $225 to $500,000, with some guests having the opportunity to have their photographs taken with the three presidents by Annie Leibovitz.
Over 5,000 donors are expected to attend the event, which will also include appearances by celebrities such as Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, and Lea Michele. The presence of three of the four living Democratic presidents at the fundraiser underscores the importance that Biden and Democrats place on the outcome of the upcoming election against former President Donald Trump.
While Trump will also be in New York on the same day, attending a wake for a slain NYPD officer, the focus will be on the high-dollar fundraiser with Obama and Clinton. The success of the fundraiser has already been significant, with the Biden campaign reporting over $25 million raised, making it the most successful single political fundraiser in terms of dollars raised. A significant portion of the funds came from small-dollar, grassroots donations of $200 or less made online.
The fundraiser is only the beginning of Obama’s involvement in Biden’s campaign, with plans for the former president to take on a larger role as the election draws closer. Obama recently visited the White House to record content with Biden that will be rolled out over the next few weeks. He is expected to travel to college campuses and crucial battleground states in support of Biden leading up to November.
The event on Thursday will feature a conversation with late-night host Stephen Colbert and is expected to draw in supporters from all over the country. In addition to the main fundraising events, there will be a separate pre-program for grassroots donors, hosted by campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodriguez and featuring Biden, Obama, and Clinton. The star power of the three presidents has proven to be effective in raising funds and energizing supporters for Biden’s campaign.
Overall, the fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall is a significant moment for Biden’s campaign as he seeks to secure the support needed to defeat Trump in the upcoming election. With the backing of Obama and Clinton, Biden is hoping to tap into their popularity and experience to rally donors and supporters across the country. The event marks the beginning of increased involvement from Obama in Biden’s campaign, with plans for more joint efforts and appearances leading up to November.
