A high-profile fundraiser featuring President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton was marred by interruptions from protesters on Thursday. The event, which took place at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York, aimed to raise funds for Biden’s reelection campaign, reportedly garnering over $25 million in donations.
The evening included a discussion moderated by “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert, where Biden, Obama, and Clinton engaged in dialogue covering various topics, including the ongoing Gaza crisis. However, the event was repeatedly disrupted by protesters inside the venue, voicing their discontent with Biden’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Despite the interruptions, Obama and Clinton offered perspectives from their presidential experiences, emphasizing the complexities of handling international crises while in office. They defended Biden’s approach, highlighting the challenging balance between supporting Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights.
The presence of protesters both inside and outside the venue underscored the divisions within the Democratic Party over foreign policy issues, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some progressive voters expressed frustration with Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in response to Palestinian attacks.
The fundraiser also featured performances by musicians such as Queen Latifah, Lizzo, and Ben Platt, adding to the star-studded atmosphere of the event. Attendees had the opportunity to have their photos taken with the three presidents by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, Biden’s Republican challenger, was also in New York attending a separate event. Trump, who continues to rally support among his base, emphasized themes of law and order, contrasting his approach with what he perceives as Biden’s shortcomings.
The fundraiser highlighted Biden’s ongoing efforts to secure financial support for his reelection campaign, as polls indicate a tight race with Trump. Despite facing criticism and concerns over his age and approval ratings, Biden’s allies are mobilizing to demonstrate party unity and fundraising strength.
The event concluded with a lighthearted moment as Biden, Obama, and Clinton donned aviator sunglasses, symbolizing solidarity and camaraderie. Biden injected humor into the proceedings, referencing a meme about himself, as the evening came to a close.
As the November election approaches, both Biden and Trump are ramping up their fundraising efforts, with each campaign seeking to rally support and resources for the road ahead. However, the lingering divisions within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape suggest that the race will be fiercely contested until the end.
