The Hollywood fund-raiser on Saturday night for President Biden’s re-election campaign turned into a fiery platform for some of the toughest attacks on former President Donald J. Trump to date. Entertainers, Barack Obama, and even Jill Biden took the stage to assail Mr. Trump’s ethics and suitability to return to the White House.
The event, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, raised at least $28 million, surpassing the previous fund-raiser at Radio City Music Hall. The star-studded evening saw appearances from George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel, who asked hard-hitting questions that set a different tone from previous events.
Ms. Biden, introduced by Barbra Streisand, emphasized the choice between her husband, who honors the rule of law, and Mr. Trump, who she accused of seeking absolute power and avoiding accountability for criminal actions. Mr. Obama also joined in, highlighting Mr. Trump’s felony convictions and the need for a change in leadership.
The event was not without controversy, as protesters outside the theater criticized Mr. Biden’s support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite the financial success of the fund-raiser, it served as a reminder of the risks involved when mixing politics and Hollywood.
Overall, the event showcased the strong support for President Biden in the entertainment community and highlighted the urgency of the upcoming election. With Mr. Trump’s recent surge in fund-raising, Democrats are gearing up for what is expected to be the most expensive election cycle in history.
