President Obama swings west for campaign cash
Los Angeles (CNN) – President Obama is tapping his California ATM with a combination of star-studded concerts and intimate high-dollar dinners.
He's expected to raise nearly $9.5 million dollars for the Obama Victory Fund over two days.
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The West Coast swing kicked off with a star-studded concert at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, featuring performances by Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi, and Earth Wind & Fire.
The president did not attend the concert but made remarks to nearly 6,000 supporters, with tickets starting at $250.
“My understanding is it was an incredible show. These guys - and everybody here are just incredible professionals. They're such great friends, and they just perform flawlessly night after night. I can't always say the same,” he said, presumably poking fun of his own performance at last week’s debate.
Obama continued to criticize his opponent, Mitt Romney for his $5 trillion in tax cuts and plan to reduce spending.
“Obviously, the Governor knows his $5 trillion isn’t too popular, so a few weeks before this election he’s trying to pretend it doesn’t exist, because that’s a lot easier than trying to explain how he’d pay for it without asking middle-class families to pick up the tab,” the president said. “When he was asked what he'd actually do to cut spending, he said he'd go after public television. For all you Mom's and kids out there, someone is finally cracking down on Big Bird. Elmo has made a run for border. Romney plans to let Wall Street run wild, but bringing hammer down on Sesame Street.”
Obama also met privately with a dozen so-called high-dollar donors, along with former President Bill Clinton, and attended a dinner with 150 guests at $20,000 per person.
On Monday, the president heads to San Francisco, where he'll attend three fundraisers:
– A $40,000-per-person event at the Intercontinental Hotel,
– A $20,000-per-ticket dinner at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium,
– And another concert featuring John Legend and Michael Franti that's expected to draw about 6,000 people, with tickets starting at $200.
In a separate event at a private residence on Monday in Los Angeles, President Clinton is expected to raise an additional $160,000.
Campaign officials say this big fundraising push will help them compete in key battleground states where polls still show a tight race.
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Sounds like the non union america I know. Wow. Let's get by this creep and get back to work america. We have a big hole to fill and the sooner the better.
Nice to see Obama attending all these events thrown by celebrities that the avg Joe cannot afford. He doesn't care about the middle class, only their vote. The biggest phony ever to hold the office of the president
Campaign officials say this big fundraising push will help them compete in key battleground states where polls still show a tight race.
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...not after Obama loses the next 2 debates, too. You can't buy an election if your candidate loses on the issues. And Obama lost the first and only debate so far squarely on the issues. He didn't have a clue.
Welcome back Mr President. We have lot more then 9 million for the Obama campaign
And this is how you average $50 per donation!
I'm sick of all the money both parties are spending.
Yet , I'm more sick of Mitt Romney's Reagan acting abilities. The guy said nothing in the debates other then he is a wannabe tough guy.
It's so, so, high time to get rid of this empty chair. Hollywood, please take him and don't let him go.
It is ALL comes down to money.... no matter what side of the isle you stand on..... and then that is how you "owe" in return! Never trust a politician.....
I am making note of which artists support Obama. I will be sure not to spend a penny on their art.
Sounds like a great show. Hopefully, Obama will be able to have a better week, especially as people realize that Romney was lying about pre-existing conditions being taken care of under his current healthcare proposal(they aren't, unlike his previous healthcare proposal in Massachusetts-the one Obama and Congress passed but which Romney now opposes).
Why is it okay for democrats to have $40k a plate fundraisers, but not republicans?
How many 99%r's will be attending this event?
Katy Perry??????????? Now there is a reason to vote for this pozer hahahahaahahahahaha
The Obama campaign speaks about Romney and how much money they raise. I am astonished by the fact that money in California is so abundant with such high unemployment and social programs. Where Californians have this kind of money, the State is broke last time I checked and everyone is leaving the Golden State, Not much golden anymore. Our Country CEO needs Movie stars to surround him so he can look presidential and sharp after his first debate, Perhaps California’s do not think straight anymore from all the Toxic smog, mixed with Marijuana; maybe it’s affecting their thinking. I don’t know about you our country is still in recession and the 7.8% unemployment is not a real number, it does not add up. I don’t know about you but I stopped subsidizing these Liberals like George Clooney, after all George should tell Obama “What have you for me cause lately in Sudan? Answer Zero Nada!! Zero Zip.
Do it!
People, (and celebrities), believe in you, President Obama!
Go! Reach out to them! We know you're treating them the same as any other person whom you've wanted to connect with on your campaign trail!
Good luck!
MONEY is NOT the Answer!! JOBS dude – JOBS is what we wants and you cannot provide. Come on.. Spend those money to create JOBS and leave the whitehouse; you will have a name as a President.
Good. Pull out all the stops and star power. The Republicans can't win this one.
As democrat it is a sham to heard all ridiculous excuses about Obama debate. We cannot even be responsible and assume the failure.
And somehow, Dems rip Romney left and right for his fundraising and "rich" friends - Obama is no different, folks. He's just another blow-hard politician who is ultimately concerned about retaining his position of power.
What a Hippocrates!!! Talking about helping the poor with their money, but they spend thousands in Their liberal president, this people live in a bubble world, same as their president!!!
There's a role model...this President is laughable...it's a sad day when Hollywood defines our moral compass and when votes can be decided on style vs. substance...
Are you people impressed with obama's celebrity friends.
I'd be more impressed if he spent his time with Americans who are harder hit than those who will remain unaffected no matter who gets into office. I do think he enjoys his "star" status. Makes me feel like he doesn't take this election or issues seriously.
The hollywood elite is trying to pump up a hot air balloon with a big hole in it.
While the rich and wealthy dine with the President at $20,000 per plate inside the Bill Graham Auditorium,outside its doors thousands of homeless will be searching for food and shelter on the streets of San Francisco.Raising $9.5 million dollars in 4 days for political gain while people go hungry outside your door each night.America the Beautiful where have we gone?
We're in the midst of a national security disaster with wolves at the gates of our embassies throughout the mid-east, and our president is hobnobbing with Hollywood elitisst to raise money for his campaign.