After former President Trump’s eventful visit to California, President Biden made his way back to the West Coast to tap into the state’s Democratic stronghold. With the November election approaching, Biden will be appearing on a late-night TV show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel alongside former President Obama. The star-studded fundraiser, featuring Hollywood heavyweights like George Clooney and Julia Roberts, has already broken records by raising over $28 million.
However, Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, managed to raise over $50 million in April at a fundraiser in Florida, surpassing Biden’s previous fundraising record. Both candidates have been focusing on California to boost their campaign finances, as it has proven to be a lucrative state for fundraising. Political scientist Jack Pitney highlighted how California attracts politicians due to the significant financial contributions it offers.
Tickets for Biden’s recent gala in Los Angeles ranged from $250 to half a million dollars, providing various levels of access to the event. Trump’s campaign also raised significant funds through multiple events in California and Las Vegas. The competition between the two candidates to raise campaign funds has been intense, with Trump recently surpassing Biden in fundraising for the first time.
The article also delves into the different strategies employed by Biden and Trump to raise money. While Trump leveraged top-dollar donors from the tech industry and hedge fund sector, Biden’s fundraising events have been closely tied to Hollywood. Despite not having as strong connections in the entertainment industry as his predecessors, Biden has managed to attract support from stars and well-known personalities.
The influence of Hollywood in political fundraising is evident, with Hollywood figures playing a key role in supporting Biden’s campaign. The article also mentions the involvement of Hollywood director Steven Spielberg and actor Robert De Niro in fundraising efforts for Biden. The campaign has enlisted various celebrities to help boost Biden’s reelection bid, showcasing the significant impact of star power in political fundraising.
In contrast, Trump’s recent fundraising efforts in California were accompanied by criticism from his campaign regarding Biden’s attendance at a Hollywood fundraiser. The Trump campaign accused Biden of prioritizing celebrity donors over attending important international events. Despite the different approaches taken by both candidates, the race for campaign funds continues to be a crucial aspect of the 2024 election.