NEW YORK — Pro-Palestinian protesters repeatedly interrupted President Joe Biden’s fundraiser with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton on Thursday evening — underscoring a serious electoral challenge for the incumbent Democrat even as he raised $26 million.
The frequent protests including screams of “blood on your hands” — caused flashes of frustration from the former presidents on stage as Biden faces mounting domestic fallout from the war between Israel and Hamas.
“You can’t just talk and not listen. That’s what the other side is doing,” Obama said, according to the reporters gathered in the room.
Clinton used the protests to push for Biden’s re-election, arguing that Biden cares about Palestinian self-determination and achieving a two-state solution. Obama also said Biden had the moral clarity to lead during this conflict.
For his part, Biden called for an end to “efforts that are resulting in significant deaths of innocent civilians” in Gaza, adding that he is working with Arab countries, which are “prepared” to “fully protect Israel for the first time.” acknowledge.”
The star-studded spectacle – which featured an appearance by Lizzo and was hosted by actress and screenwriter Mindy Kaling – shattered fundraising records for a single event. Late Show host Stephen Colbert interviewed the trio of presidents Thursday evening, all sitting in armchairs on the Radio City Music Hall stage.
“Three presidents have all come to New York and not one of them is here to appear in court,” Colbert said, explaining former President Donald Trump’s various legal battles.
Trump was also in New York on Thursday to attend the aftermath of a New York City police officer who was killed during a traffic stop on Monday. Trump’s campaign used the split-screen to attack Biden for spending his time raising money from wealthy donors and celebrities.
Biden’s fundraising campaign represents two advantages to his re-election bid: a significant campaign war and establishment party unity. The event, which raised nearly double what Trump brought in in the entire month of January, will almost certainly build on Biden’s financial lead over the former president. And the joint appearance of popular Democratic ex-presidents gave the appearance of a united party behind Biden.
Trump, on the other hand, easily won the nomination in a crowded field, but there are notable setbacks. The only living Republican president, George W. Bush, has not supported Trump’s third run, and neither has Mike Pence, his former vice president.
Biden’s strong fundraising, rousing State of the Union address and slight increase in job approval ratings has allayed some Democratic concerns about his age. But the pro-Palestinian protests Thursday night underscored one of Biden’s weaknesses as he faces mounting pressure from his left flank over his handling of the war between Israel and Hamas.
Public polling among young voters shows Biden faces major challenges in regaining their support, while he still trails Trump in head-to-head polling averages.
Before the event, hundreds of protesters marched past the line of Biden supporters waiting to enter Radio City Music Hall, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticizing Biden. As attendees left, protesters lined up on Sixth Avenue shouted “genocide supporter” and “ceasefire now.”
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), who attended the fundraiser, called the protests “small,” adding that he “didn’t think this was marred.” [the event] not at all. It’s part of what our democracy is about.”
All three presidents emphasized the threat they see in Trump’s return to the White House. Citing Trump’s comments he would be dictator “for one day” if re-elected“He’s not kidding,” Biden said. “He is serious about this and it is shaking the whole world to its core as to what is going on.”
Obama urged Democrats to also make a positive case for Biden’s reelection, noting his efforts to cap the price of insulin based on the Affordable Care Act and the Children’s Health Insurance Act, legislation that respectively was signed by Obama and Clinton. He urged protesters to view the election, as Biden has done so often, as a choice.
“Look, passions are inflamed by what we oppose, and Joe is absolutely right that we have not just a nominee, but frankly a party and an entire infrastructure that seems increasingly concerned with the essence of America,” said Obama. . “But we also have a positive story to tell about the future, and that is something Joe Biden has been working diligently on every day.”
Colbert also asked Biden to respond to those who think “you’re too experienced for the job.” Biden, who is 81, argued that Trump, who is 77, represents ideas that “come from the 18th, 19th centuries.”
“If you pay close attention, one thing age brings is a bit of wisdom, and I know I don’t look much older than forty. I know that,” Biden joked. “All joking aside, I think this is one of the advantages I’ve had.”
Tensions aside, the events still attracted thousands of Democrats, who waited for more than an hour in the cold and rain on Fifth Avenue to participate in the event. New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores, who was among those in line, came straight from the legislative session in Albany to the event.
“Every election we hear about is the most important election of our lifetime,” Bores said. “I don’t want to pander to that trope, but the stakes of this feel pretty substantial.”
Former Mike Bloomberg press secretary Stu Loeser, who was also spotted in line, said young aides were not given free tickets to this event, as often happened at political fundraisers — every ticket was sold.
Inside, Jay Jacobs, chairman of the New York State Democratic Party, texted POLITICO that he was in line for a photo with the presidents.
“It’s a who’s who,” he said.
Ticket prices for the event started at $225. But admission to private receptions ranged from $250,000 to $500,000. A photo taken with the three presidents by famed photographer Annie Leibowtiz cost $100,000.
There were still lighthearted moments on stage. Biden joked about his dog, Commander: “Harry Truman said if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. I got one, and it bit a Secret Service agent.” (Commander, who has since been removed from the White House, did reportedly bit Secret Service personnel 24 times.)
And Colbert teased Obama about his formality, infuriating him for “spending some time with you and your wife.” [and] she has repeatedly asked me to call her Michelle, which I now do,” he said.
“I say, ‘hello, Michelle.’ I keep calling you, ‘Mr. President,’ because you never invited me to call you anything else,” Colbert continued. “So my question is to Presidents Biden and Clinton: Don’t you think I should be able to call him Barack at this point?”
“No, but your wife does,” Obama said. “I like her. That’s why you might not get another invite.”