Harris, Obama, and Clinton Unite for Major LA Fundraisers This September
High-profile Democrats converge on Los Angeles to boost Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign coffers.
ABC News reported that Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are set to hold separate fundraisers in Los Angeles this month.
The fundraising blitz kicks off on September 20, with Obama and Clinton hosting separate events. Harris will follow up with her own fundraiser on September 29, offering tickets ranging from $500 to $1 million.
The high-stakes gatherings underscore the party's commitment to Harris's campaign and their efforts to maintain a competitive edge in the 2024 presidential race.
Star-Studded Support For Harris Campaign
Clinton's fundraiser, scheduled for lunchtime on September 20, will feature notable Hollywood figures. Actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Sally Field are expected to attend, adding star power to the event. Obama's fundraiser, set for the evening of the same day, is likely to draw its own cadre of influential supporters.
Harris's September 29 event marks her first fundraising appearance in the Los Angeles area since announcing her campaign.
The event offers a range of ticket prices, with the $500 option already sold out. Higher-priced tickets include perks such as a reception with Harris, a "liberty luncheon," and photo opportunities.
These events follow a successful fundraiser held in June for then-candidate President Joe Biden, which featured Obama, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts.
That event raised an impressive $30 million for Biden's campaign, setting a high bar for the upcoming Harris fundraisers.
Campaign Momentum And Financial Prowess
Harris's campaign reported raising $361 million in August, her first full month as a candidate. This substantial sum came from nearly 3 million donors, indicating broad grassroots support. In contrast, former President Donald Trump's campaign reported raising $130 million in the same month.
The campaign is capitalizing on the momentum generated by Harris's recent debate performance. A new ABC News/Ipsos poll shows that 58% of Americans believe Harris won the debate, compared to 36% for Trump. This marks a significant reversal from the Biden-Trump debate in June, where Trump was seen as the victor.
To maintain this momentum, the Harris campaign has launched an intense schedule dubbed "A New Way Forward." Despite strong poll numbers, the campaign is positioning itself as the underdog, perhaps to energize supporters and maintain a sense of urgency.
Upcoming Campaign Activities
Harris's schedule for the coming week includes several high-profile appearances. On Tuesday, she is set to participate in an event with the National Association of Black Journalists.
Thursday will see her in a live-streamed event with Oprah Winfrey in Michigan, followed by campaign stops in Wisconsin on Friday.
These events and the fundraisers demonstrate the campaign's multi-pronged approach to building support and maintaining visibility. The involvement of Obama and Clinton also signals a unified front among Democratic leaders in support of Harris's candidacy.
Obama's role in the campaign is expected to expand in the coming months. According to sources familiar with the planning, he will begin holding larger campaign events for Harris and participating in candidate-specific events for down-ballot races.
This increased involvement from a popular former president could significantly boost Harris's campaign and down-ballot Democratic candidates.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles fundraisers represent a crucial juncture in Harris's presidential campaign. With the support of Democratic Party stalwarts and Hollywood celebrities, the vice president aims to solidify her financial foundation and campaign momentum. The events highlight the party's unified effort to support Harris's bid for the presidency. As the campaign intensifies, these fundraisers may prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the 2024 presidential race.