President Joe Biden returned to Southern California on Saturday for a high-dollar campaign fundraiser in downtown Los Angeles. The event, which could be the last major appearance for Biden in the Southland before the November election, was organized by entertainment mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg and featured former President Barack Obama and celebrity supporters George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel.
Biden's visit to Los Angeles comes after a brief stop in February when he met with entertainment industry leaders to lobby for campaign support. The president was last in the area in late February for a fundraiser at the home of Israeli American media mogul Haim Saban.
The fundraiser took place at the Peacock Theatre and could raise up to $28 million for Biden's re-election bid. Tickets ranged from $250 to $500,000, with prices for a lunch reception starting at $3,300.
Despite the star-studded event, at least one protest was planned outside the theatre by Jewish Voice for Peace – Los Angeles. The group called on the U.S. to impose an arms embargo on US weapons sales to Israel immediately and end the ongoing genocide against Palestinians.
The California Republican Party criticized Biden's fundraiser, with chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson stating that 'Nothing says to struggling Americans, I understand what you're going through and am ready to help,' like spending a night schmoozing with Hollywood celebrities.'
Biden's visit to Los Angeles follows his attendance at the G7 Summit in Italy, where he met with other world leaders and Pope Francis. The president is expected to continue campaigning in the coming weeks ahead of the November election.
