President Joe Biden is set to attend a high-profile fundraising event in Los Angeles this week, marking his first such event since disruptions in the entertainment industry impacted his fundraising efforts. The event, hosted by celebrity interior designer Michael Smith and former HBO executive James Costos, is anticipated to raise millions and attract a star-studded crowd, featuring performances by Lenny Kravitz. Hosting the event are luminaries like director Steven Spielberg, Shonda Rhimes, David Geffen, Rob Reiner, and Nancy Pelosi, with Barbra Streisand expected to attend.
The fundraiser is part of Biden’s broader effort to amass financial support for a challenging reelection campaign against potential Republican candidate Donald Trump. The Los Angeles event, along with planned fundraisers in Boston, Washington, Maryland, and Philadelphia, is crucial for replenishing campaign funds. The joint fundraising agreement with the Democratic National Committee and state parties allows Biden to receive substantial contributions from individual donors.
The event in Hollywood also involves some behind-the-scenes intrigue, with Jeffrey Katzenberg, a key figure in presidential fundraising in Los Angeles, hosting his own event during Biden’s visit. The dynamics among Hollywood donors could potentially shift during this fundraising cycle. Katzenberg, a co-chairman of Biden’s campaign and co-founder of DreamWorks Pictures, has played a significant role in shaping fundraising events in Hollywood.
The event signifies a convergence of political and entertainment worlds, with influential figures from both realms coming together to support President Biden’s reelection campaign.