Biden event with Obama, Clinton nets record $25M
NEW YORK — A fundraiser for President Joe Biden on Thursday in New York City that also stars Barack Obama and Bill Clinton is raising a whopping $25 million, setting a record for the biggest haul for a political event, his campaign said.
The eye-popping amount was a major show of Democratic support for Biden at a time of persistently low poll numbers. The president will test the power of the campaign cash as he faces off with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Obama hitched a ride from Washington to New York aboard Air Force One with Biden. They waved as they descended the plane’s steps at John F. Kennedy International Airport and got into the motorcade for the ride into Manhattan. Clinton was expected to meet them at the event.
The hourslong fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall had different tiers of access depending on donors’ generosity. The centerpiece was an onstage conversation with the three presidents, moderated by late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert. There was also a lineup of musical performers — Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele — hosted by actress Mindy Kaling. Thousands were expected, and tickets started at $225.
More money earned donors more intimate time with the presidents. A photo with all three was $100,000. A donation of $250,000 earned donors access to one reception, and $500,000 got them into an even more exclusive gathering.
Biden had $155 million in cash on hand through the end of February, compared with $37 million for Trump and his Save America political action committee.