Joe Biden taps Hollywood orbit for $28 million fundraiser
CNN
Joe Biden has raised $28 million heading into a star-studded fundraiser Saturday, campaign officials told CNN, as the president leans on his Hollywood friends to help boost his campaign war chest.
Joe Biden has raised $28 million heading into a star-studded fundraiser Saturday, campaign officials told CNN, as the president leans on his Hollywood friends to help boost his campaign war chest. The president’s Los Angeles event with former President Barack Obama, George Clooney and Julia Roberts marks the campaign’s latest effort to tap into celebrity appeal to help Biden win a second term in the White House. It also comes as the campaign is trying to maintain its cash advantage over former President Donald Trump, who has made significant gains in his fundraising since securing the Republican nomination for president. The Trump campaign said it saw a huge boost in donations in the 24 hours after his conviction in the criminal hush money trial, bringing in $53 million. Late night host Jimmy Kimmel will moderate a conversation with Biden and Obama at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. Other celebrities, including Jason Bateman, Jack Black, Kathryn Hahn and Sheryl Lee Ralph, are also expected to participate in the evening’s program, a campaign official said. Tickets for the Tinseltown event ranged from $250 to $500,000, with special access going to those purchasing tickets in the highest ranges, according to an invitation seen by CNN. Those donating $500,000 fall into the event chair category, which includes four tickets in the front row, a photograph with Biden and Obama, attendance at a special reception with the two presidents and tickets for the after party. The Biden campaign ran a contest geared toward small-dollar donors to win a chance to attend the fundraiser and meet Biden, Obama, Roberts and Clooney, who all sent e-mails or texts encouraging supporters to chip in. The campaign has also provided grassroots supporters at home an opportunity to tune into the event virtually with a donation of $20 or more.
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