President Joe Biden will host a big-ticket fundraiser in New York City with his two Democratic predecessors in hopes of reigniting enthusiasm for a rematch with former President Donald Trump in 2024.
Actress Mindy Kaling will host the event Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall, and the program will feature a debate between Biden, Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton, hosted by Stephen Colbert. . The event will also feature performances by Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, Lea Michele and more.
Despite generally weak approval ratings, Mr. Biden maintains a significant financial advantage over Mr. Trump. Thursday's fundraiser is expected to be Biden's biggest haul of the cycle. The president had more than $150 million in cash on hand at the end of February, about $100 million more than President Trump, but Trump's fundraising has been offset by mounting legal costs and fines from dozens of federal indictments. It is used to offset the
Tickets for Thursday night started at $250, but upgraded status, which includes a photo alongside Biden, Obama and Clinton, could cost attendees up to $100,000. Attendees can also purchase tickets to the high-profile reception and after-party for up to $500,000. Biden Victory Fund finance chair Chris Koji told NBC he expects Thursday's fundraiser to draw more than 3,000 participants and potentially raise more than $10 million. .
Questions about Biden's age and growing dissatisfaction with his handling of the Gaza conflict have left the president losing support among young, black and Latino voters. But Democrats remain optimistic that joining him on stage alongside his predecessors will help the president consolidate his 2020 coalition victory ahead of the November election. .
“Joe Biden has everything to gain by standing next to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama,” explained Leon Panetta, a veteran of both the Obama and Clinton administrations. “That photo has great value in today's politics.”
By comparison, Thursday's event will highlight President Trump's fractured relationship with establishment Republicans, Biden campaign officials said. washington examiner They expect Democratic unity to be a major theme of this fundraiser.
“Presidents Obama and Clinton strongly support President Biden's leadership and clearly his policies. We have seen this president's success over the past three years, including an economy that works for everyone and leaves no one behind. All three parties overwhelmingly agree on the issues they have been fighting for: an economy that is built from the bottom up, middle out, and that ensures we protect our vital freedoms,” said White House Press Secretary Karine. Jean-Pierre spoke to reporters Wednesday ahead of Biden's visit to New York.
She went on to say, “Both former and current presidents believe in what we are trying to do with the Biden-Harris administration and what we are trying to do to move this country forward. We will protect our democracy and We're trying to protect freedom and build an economy that doesn't leave anyone behind, and I think that's what's most important here.”
Although their paths are unlikely to cross, President Trump also plans to take a stroll through New York City on Thursday. He plans to attend a vigil for a New York City police officer who was recently shot and killed during a traffic stop in the city.
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Jean-Pierre declined to say whether Biden intended to address the death of a New York City police officer, but said, “My heart goes out to this police officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.” Ta.
“President Biden deeply appreciates the sacrifices that police officers make to keep our communities safe. “It's another painful reminder of the kind of impact we have,” she said. “That's why the president signed more than 20 executive actions. That's why we were able to pass a bipartisan agreement to address gun violence in this country. Obviously, more. A lot of work needs to be done. We need Congress to continue to act to keep our communities safe. And, again, our hearts go out to this police officer and his family. It hurts. It's a difficult time for them.”
