George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barack Obama were among those who attended a star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden. According to his re-election campaign, the event raised a record $30 million.

On Saturday night, several celebrities including Barbra Streisand and Julia Roberts took the stage at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host, interviewed Biden and former president Barack Obama who emphasised the importance of defeating former president Donald Trump in what is predicted to be an extremely tight contest.

To Kimmel's question about whether Americans were suffering from amnesia about the likely Republican candidate, Biden said, "All we gotta do is remember what it was like" while Trump was president.

A growing number of well-known figures in the entertainment industry have stepped up to support Biden's campaign. The Democratic president's decision to fly through the night from the G7 summit in southern Italy to Southern California indicates how crucial the event was to his reelection campaign.

When Kimmel asked President Biden what he was most proud of doing, he said that he believed the administration's economic strategy “is working”. “We have the strongest economy in the world today,” Biden said, stating, “We try to give ordinary people an even chance.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-no-choice-donald-trump-promises-largest-deportation-in-american-history-732318">'We have no choice': Donald Trump promises largest deportation in American history</a>

"Hopefully we have learned our lesson, because these elections matter in very concrete ways," Obama said, referring to the Supreme Court.

Three judges that Trump picked were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, the historic ruling that upheld the constitutional right to an abortion. When the topic of Roe was brought up, the audience shouted their disapproval. Obama's response was, "Don't hiss, vote."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the Biden team stated that even though they were still counting, the event on Saturday night raised over $30 million, the most ever for a Democratic candidate.

That means exceeding Biden's $26 million fundraiser held in March at Radio City Music Hall in New York, when late-night presenter Stephen Colbert conducted interviews with Biden, Obama&nbsp;and former president Bill Clinton.

(With inputs from agencies)

George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barack Obama were among those who attended a star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden. According to his re-election campaign, the event raised a record $30 million.

George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barack Obama were among those who attended a star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden. According to his re-election campaign, the event raised a record $30 million. On Saturday night, several celebrities including Barbra Streisand and Julia Roberts took the stage at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host, interviewed Biden and former president Barack Obama who emphasised the importance of defeating former president Donald Trump in what is predicted to be an extremely tight contest. To Kimmel's question about whether Americans were suffering from amnesia about the likely Republican candidate, Biden said, "All we gotta do is remember what it was like" while Trump was president. A growing number of well-known figures in the entertainment industry have stepped up to support Biden's campaign. The Democratic president's decision to fly through the night from the G7 summit in southern Italy to Southern California indicates how crucial the event was to his reelection campaign. When Kimmel asked President Biden what he was most proud of doing, he said that he believed the administration's economic strategy “is working”. “We have the strongest economy in the world today,” Biden said, stating, “We try to give ordinary people an even chance.” Also read: 'We have no choice': Donald Trump promises largest deportation in American history "Hopefully we have learned our lesson, because these elections matter in very concrete ways," Obama said, referring to the Supreme Court. Three judges that Trump picked were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, the historic ruling that upheld the constitutional right to an abortion. When the topic of Roe was brought up, the audience shouted their disapproval. Obama's response was, "Don't hiss, vote." Meanwhile, the Biden team stated that even though they were still counting, the event on Saturday night raised over $30 million, the most ever for a Democratic candidate. That means exceeding Biden's $26 million fundraiser held in March at Radio City Music Hall in New York, when late-night presenter Stephen Colbert conducted interviews with Biden, Obama and former president Bill Clinton. (With inputs from agencies)

Star-studded fundraiser for Biden's re-election campaign sets record with $30 million raised

As the race to the White House continues to heat up, presumptive presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hold a mostly negative view among voters, shows a new poll.&nbsp;

The poll conducted by SSRS for CNN found that while 58 per cent of voters have an unfavourable view of Biden, 55 per cent felt negatively about Trump. However, 53 per cent also said they were dissatisfied with the candidates they had to choose from in this year's presidential contest.

However, despite the largely negative view, Trump, as per the poll, continues to hold the edge over US President Biden.

<h2>The numbers</h2>

<h2>Support</h2>

As per the CNN poll, 49 per cent of the 1,212 adults, including 967 registered voters, surveyed voiced their support for Donald Trump. On the other hand, Biden saw the support of around 43 per cent of voters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grown-man-running-against-a-6-year-old-biden-roasts-trump-at-white-house-correspondents-dinner-715995">‘Grown man running against a 6-year-old’: Biden roasts Trump at White House correspondents’ dinner</a>

<h2>First time as president: Success or failure?</h2>

The presumptive candidates for the Republican and the Democratic Party are both vying for their second term in the White House.&nbsp;

Public opinion of their first terms found that 55 per cent feel that Trump's first stint as President was a success, while 44 per cent feel it was a failure.&nbsp;When asked what they thought about Biden's presidency so far, only 39 per cent said it was a success and a whopping 61 per cent said it was a failure. This in large part was due to the disapproval of his handling of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza — 71 per cent to just 28 per cent approval.

There was also some overlap in opinions; 14 per cent of Americans said both were a failure, and just eight per cent called both a success.

<h2>Issues important for the American voters</h2>

The poll found that a majority of the voters — 65 per cent of registered voters, said that economic concerns mattered when choosing a candidate.

58 per cent feel protecting democracy is a noteworthy issue in the upcoming November elections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newly-proposed-tax-on-fossil-fuel-giants-could-raise-900bn-by-2030-716068">Newly proposed tax on fossil fuel giants could raise $900bn by 2030</a>

According to the poll, approximately 48 per cent of voters consider immigration, crime, and gun policy to be deeply significant. Similarly, around 4 in 10 voters deem health care, abortion, and nominations to the US Supreme Court important, with each issue garnering a 43 per cent, 42 per cent, and 39 per cent share of voters, respectively.&nbsp;

On the other hand, foreign policy seems to be less of a concern to voters, with only 33 per cent considering it important. Climate change, the war between Israel and Hamas, and student loans follow suit, with 27 per cent, 26 per cent, and 24 per cent of voters respectively considering them as significant issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the race to the White House continues to heat up, presumptive presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hold a mostly negative view among voters, shows a new poll.

As the race to the White House continues to heat up, presumptive presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hold a mostly negative view among voters, shows a new poll. The poll conducted by SSRS for CNN found that while 58 per cent of voters have an unfavourable view of Biden, 55 per cent felt negatively about Trump. However, 53 per cent also said they were dissatisfied with the candidates they had to choose from in this year's presidential contest. However, despite the largely negative view, Trump, as per the poll, continues to hold the edge over US President Biden. The numbers Support As per the CNN poll, 49 per cent of the 1,212 adults, including 967 registered voters, surveyed voiced their support for Donald Trump. On the other hand, Biden saw the support of around 43 per cent of voters. Also read | ‘Grown man running against a 6-year-old’: Biden roasts Trump at White House correspondents’ dinner First time as president: Success or failure? The presumptive candidates for the Republican and the Democratic Party are both vying for their second term in the White House. Public opinion of their first terms found that 55 per cent feel that Trump's first stint as President was a success, while 44 per cent feel it was a failure. When asked what they thought about Biden's presidency so far, only 39 per cent said it was a success and a whopping 61 per cent said it was a failure. This in large part was due to the disapproval of his handling of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza — 71 per cent to just 28 per cent approval. There was also some overlap in opinions; 14 per cent of Americans said both were a failure, and just eight per cent called both a success. Issues important for the American voters The poll found that a majority of the voters — 65 per cent of registered voters, said that economic concerns mattered when choosing a candidate. 58 per cent feel protecting democracy is a noteworthy issue in the upcoming November elections. Also read | Newly proposed tax on fossil fuel giants could raise $900bn by 2030 According to the poll, approximately 48 per cent of voters consider immigration, crime, and gun policy to be deeply significant. Similarly, around 4 in 10 voters deem health care, abortion, and nominations to the US Supreme Court important, with each issue garnering a 43 per cent, 42 per cent, and 39 per cent share of voters, respectively. On the other hand, foreign policy seems to be less of a concern to voters, with only 33 per cent considering it important. Climate change, the war between Israel and Hamas, and student loans follow suit, with 27 per cent, 26 per cent, and 24 per cent of voters respectively considering them as significant issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 50% of US voters don't like Trump for president, but more would prefer him over Biden: Poll

For years, fans have looked out for Easter eggs and hints in Taylor Swift's songs on heartbreaks. Swift's love life- however much she tried to keep it discreet- has been fodder for gossip as well as her lyrics, as the men Swift has dated in the past are mostly actors and singers, and celebrities in their own right. But her recent romance with Kansas City Chiefs NFL player Travis Kelce has captured the imagination of not only the couple's fans but also conspiracy theorists in America, mainly from the right wing. Now, that's a first even for Taylor Swift.&nbsp;

All eyes are on the Super Bowl 2024 where Kansas City Chiefs take on San Fransico 49ers on February 11. The Super Bowl is considered one of the biggest sporting events in America but this year is extra special as the NFL hopes to gain more viewers because the game will have Swift in the stands cheering for her beau Kelce.&nbsp;

<h2>Conspiracy around Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance</h2>

Celebrity love stories, especially when they involve Taylor Swift, are always under the public lens. But her romance with Kelce has reached, hilariously enough, the corridors of the Pentagon.

That's because the conspiracy theorists see a psychological operation or psy-op to get US President Joe Biden re-elected.&nbsp;

Now, ordinary mortals like you and me would scratch their heads thinking how the romance of a singer and football player could have anything to do with Biden getting back in office. But that's the beauty of America. It is the land of bizarre conspiracy theories that may not make sense to laymen like us, but those who hatch it are always very convinced about it.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-taylor-swift-sends-legal-notice-to-us-student-tracking-her-private-jet-travels-687714">Taylor Swift sends legal notice to US student tracking her private jet travels</a>

Right-wing inhabitants of what now seems to be a 'Trump land' seem to feel that the Super Bowl is rigged and the result will be in favour of the Kansas City Chiefs, one way or the other. Some outlandish theorists have also claimed that post-win, Kelce, and Swift will announce their engagement and subsequently endorse Biden for president.&nbsp;

Swift is a well-known Biden supporter and had backed him in 2020. Kelce, on his part, had supported the Pfizer vaccine, which the Biden-led US government had rolled into the US market. (Vaccines were a contentious issue during the Covid pandemic, often rejected by the conspiracy theorists). So it makes both pro-Democrats.&nbsp;

<h2>Pentagon and NFL react</h2>

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy called Swift and Kelce an “artificially culturally propped up couple.” &nbsp;Another even called Swift a Pentagon asset for Biden's re-election- a claim that the Pentagon had to shut down.

"To set the record straight - Taylor Swift is not part of a DOD psychological operation. Period," said spokesperson Sabrina Singh, while cheekily using a Swift song title, "Shake It Off."&nbsp;

Who would have possibly imagined that the Pentagon would have to comment on a cultural phenomenon like Swift and her latest romance? But it did.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, NFL chief Roger Goodell dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift as “nonsense”. &nbsp;

“Anybody in society in a public position is subject to criticism,” Goodell said of the conspiracy theories.

“But I think the idea that this is within a script, this is pre-planned, is just nonsense,” Goodell said. “It’s frankly not even worth talking about.”

<h2>Why is Swift's new romance so hard to digest?</h2>

Let's face it. Much of America is conservative in its way of thinking.&nbsp;

For years, the country has managed to sell its liberal-modern attitude and ever-accepting nature to the world but when you dig deeper, you realise that many in the country are still very orthodox, sexist, and racist.&nbsp;

The US cannot yet have a woman leading the country, its political leaders need to showcase their happy families and perfect marriages to win elections, and its abortion laws are questionable, to say the least.

It is only natural then, that many people raise doubts when a 34-year-old successful woman, loved by the world, has a successful romance very much in the public eye.&nbsp;

So the easiest way for them is to dismiss Swift's romantic sojourn at the NFL games and her very PDA-filled romance with Kelce as a political conspiracy.

Here are some samples:

Fox News recently ran a show that discussed: "Is Taylor Swift a Pentagon asset?"

And the anchor, Jesse Waters, said: “Around four years ago, the Pentagon’s psychological operations unit floated turning Taylor Swift into an asset. It’s real. The Pentagon psy-op unit pitched NATO on turning Taylor Swift into an asset for combating misinformation online.”

A pro-Trump broadcaster, Mike Crispi, recently said: "EVERYONE knows Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is fake and the Super Bowl is rigged. You’re a whacko at this point if you DON’T believe it."

These conspiracy theories have gained currency in right-wing media and spread like wildfire in parts of the population that can now access Twitter without the filters, now that its chief Elon Musk has removed them after taking over the social media platform and renaming it X.&nbsp;

It is easy to label a celebrity of Swift's stature to always have a motive behind every move. She can't possibly be genuinely in love with someone, can she? Where is the time?

Cynics have always been after her and Swifties have always defended her. Whether or not the romance is real is something that time will tell, but till then, let the lovebirds be. And look out for their romance at the Super Bowl. Everything need not be about politics.

For years, fans have looked out for Easter eggs and hints in Taylor Swift's songs on heartbreaks. Swift's love life- however much she tried to keep it discreet- has been fodder for gossip as well as her lyrics, as the men Swift has dated in the past are mostly actors and singers, and celebrities in their own right.

For years, fans have looked out for Easter eggs and hints in Taylor Swift's songs on heartbreaks. Swift's love life- however much she tried to keep it discreet- has been fodder for gossip as well as her lyrics, as the men Swift has dated in the past are mostly actors and singers, and celebrities in their own right. But her recent romance with Kansas City Chiefs NFL player Travis Kelce has captured the imagination of not only the couple's fans but also conspiracy theorists in America, mainly from the right wing. Now, that's a first even for Taylor Swift. All eyes are on the Super Bowl 2024 where Kansas City Chiefs take on San Fransico 49ers on February 11. The Super Bowl is considered one of the biggest sporting events in America but this year is extra special as the NFL hopes to gain more viewers because the game will have Swift in the stands cheering for her beau Kelce. Conspiracy around Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance Celebrity love stories, especially when they involve Taylor Swift, are always under the public lens. But her romance with Kelce has reached, hilariously enough, the corridors of the Pentagon. That's because the conspiracy theorists see a psychological operation or psy-op to get US President Joe Biden re-elected. Now, ordinary mortals like you and me would scratch their heads thinking how the romance of a singer and football player could have anything to do with Biden getting back in office. But that's the beauty of America. It is the land of bizarre conspiracy theories that may not make sense to laymen like us, but those who hatch it are always very convinced about it. Also read: Taylor Swift sends legal notice to US student tracking her private jet travels Right-wing inhabitants of what now seems to be a 'Trump land' seem to feel that the Super Bowl is rigged and the result will be in favour of the Kansas City Chiefs, one way or the other. Some outlandish theorists have also claimed that post-win, Kelce, and Swift will announce their engagement and subsequently endorse Biden for president. Swift is a well-known Biden supporter and had backed him in 2020. Kelce, on his part, had supported the Pfizer vaccine, which the Biden-led US government had rolled into the US market. (Vaccines were a contentious issue during the Covid pandemic, often rejected by the conspiracy theorists). So it makes both pro-Democrats. Pentagon and NFL react Republican Vivek Ramaswamy called Swift and Kelce an “artificially culturally propped up couple.” Another even called Swift a Pentagon asset for Biden's re-election- a claim that the Pentagon had to shut down. "To set the record straight - Taylor Swift is not part of a DOD psychological operation. Period," said spokesperson Sabrina Singh, while cheekily using a Swift song title, "Shake It Off." Who would have possibly imagined that the Pentagon would have to comment on a cultural phenomenon like Swift and her latest romance? But it did. Meanwhile, NFL chief Roger Goodell dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift as “nonsense”. “Anybody in society in a public position is subject to criticism,” Goodell said of the conspiracy theories. “But I think the idea that this is within a script, this is pre-planned, is just nonsense,” Goodell said. “It’s frankly not even worth talking about.” Why is Swift's new romance so hard to digest? Let's face it. Much of America is conservative in its way of thinking. For years, the country has managed to sell its liberal-modern attitude and ever-accepting nature to the world but when you dig deeper, you realise that many in the country are still very orthodox, sexist, and racist. The US cannot yet have a woman leading the country, its political leaders need to showcase their happy families and perfect marriages to win elections, and its abortion laws are questionable, to say the least. It is only natural then, that many people raise doubts when a 34-year-old successful woman, loved by the world, has a successful romance very much in the public eye. So the easiest way for them is to dismiss Swift's romantic sojourn at the NFL games and her very PDA-filled romance with Kelce as a political conspiracy. Here are some samples: Fox News recently ran a show that discussed: "Is Taylor Swift a Pentagon asset?" And the anchor, Jesse Waters, said: “Around four years ago, the Pentagon’s psychological operations unit floated turning Taylor Swift into an asset. It’s real. The Pentagon psy-op unit pitched NATO on turning Taylor Swift into an asset for combating misinformation online.” A pro-Trump broadcaster, Mike Crispi, recently said: "EVERYONE knows Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is fake and the Super Bowl is rigged. You’re a whacko at this point if you DON’T believe it." These conspiracy theories have gained currency in right-wing media and spread like wildfire in parts of the population that can now access Twitter without the filters, now that its chief Elon Musk has removed them after taking over the social media platform and renaming it X. It is easy to label a celebrity of Swift's stature to always have a motive behind every move. She can't possibly be genuinely in love with someone, can she? Where is the time? Cynics have always been after her and Swifties have always defended her. Whether or not the romance is real is something that time will tell, but till then, let the lovebirds be. And look out for their romance at the Super Bowl. Everything need not be about politics.

Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance leading to conspiracy theories on Biden re-election bid ahead of Superbowl