A Hollywood fund-raiser hosted by President Biden on Saturday evening at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles became the stage for some of the strongest attacks on former President Donald J. Trump by the Biden campaign. Prominent entertainers, including Barack Obama and Jill Biden, criticized Trump’s ethics and suitability to return to the White House. Ms. Biden, introduced by Barbra Streisand, highlighted the contrast between her husband, who upholds the rule of law, and Trump, who she accused of seeking absolute power and trying to avoid accountability for his actions.
The event marked a shift in tone from past fund-raisers, particularly after Trump’s recent felony convictions in New York. The convictions triggered a surge in contributions from his supporters, narrowing the fund-raising gap between the two candidates and causing concern among Democrats. Notable personalities such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel attended the event and engaged in conversations with Biden, drawing attention to Trump’s actions during his presidency, including his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and his personal controversies.
Outside the theater, a group of protesters condemned Biden’s re-election campaign, accusing him of arming Israel and contributing to a genocide in Palestine. Despite the success of the fund-raising event, it highlighted the challenges politicians face when associating with Hollywood. Biden shared the stage with Clooney, who previously expressed concerns over White House criticism of the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the conflict in Gaza. However, there was no mention of these issues during Biden’s remarks at the event.
The gathering of Hollywood celebrities and Democratic leaders in Los Angeles underscored the high stakes of the upcoming election cycle, characterized by Trump’s strong fund-raising support. Notable figures such as Jeffrey Katzenberg, Gavin Newsom, and Karen Bass were in attendance, reflecting the heightened motivation and commitment of the entertainment industry to support Biden’s campaign. Despite the presence of influential backers and record-breaking funds raised, the event served as a reminder of the delicate balance politicians must strike when engaging with the entertainment community while navigating political and social issues.
The star-studded evening featured lively discussions and criticisms of Trump’s policies and behavior by entertainers and political figures alike. Obama referenced Trump’s felony convictions, and Kimmel raised concerns about the state of the Supreme Court. Biden stressed the importance of the upcoming election, emphasizing the need to protect democracy and restore balance. With the political landscape becoming increasingly polarized and competitive, events like this fund-raiser serve as crucial opportunities for candidates to rally support, raise funds, and engage with key stakeholders in the entertainment industry.
