Wonder what Obama really thinks about Biden’s health.
President Biden experienced an awkward moment on stage and needed assistance from Barack Obama after a star-studded campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
This incident occurred following a 45-minute interview with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel at the Peacock Theater. After the interview, as Biden and Obama stood to receive applause, Biden appeared to become distracted by the crowd, remaining motionless for about 10 seconds. Obama then took Biden’s wrist and guided him offstage.
This incident is part of a series of recent episodes where Biden seemed confused or disoriented in public. One notable instance occurred at the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, where Biden appeared to wander off during a parachute exhibition. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gently guided him back for a group photo with other world leaders.
The fundraiser event was a significant success for the Biden campaign, raising over $30 million. The event attracted numerous Hollywood stars, including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand. However, it was also met with protests from hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators who attempted to block entry to the gala. Tickets for the event ranged from $250 to $500,000.
Police in riot gear formed a barrier outside the theater to prevent the protesters from advancing. The demonstrators chanted slogans critical of Biden and called for a ceasefire, while also waving Palestinian flags. Despite the tensions, the LAPD reported no arrests.
The substantial $30 million raised at this event is reportedly the highest single-night fundraising total for a Democratic candidate. This achievement is crucial for the Biden campaign, which is striving to counteract the fundraising success of former President Donald Trump. Trump raised over $50 million during an April fundraiser in Florida and garnered additional millions following his recent legal troubles.
Throughout the event, Biden, Obama, and First Lady Jill Biden energized the crowd with familiar political themes, criticizing Trump for issues such as the January 6 Capitol riot, the conservative shift of the Supreme Court, and his threats against political opponents.
Recent polling data has presented challenges for the Biden administration, showing him trailing Trump in key states like Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. A particularly concerning poll from Marist College revealed that Trump has gained a slight lead in Pennsylvania, Biden’s home state, with a majority of registered voters expressing they felt better off under the former president.
In response to the footage of the onstage incident, the White House issued a statement defending Biden, arguing that critics were overreacting to the President taking a moment to acknowledge the applauding crowd.
WATCH:
That’s a wrap on record-setting Democratic fundraiser for Joe Biden’s reelection campaign (netting $28M). Former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden offer final waves to Peacock Theater crowd as Obama then grabs Biden’s hand to lead him offstage following 40-minute… pic.twitter.com/xbE2jf3jdz
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) June 16, 2024