Former presidents Obama, Clinton join Biden in New York to attract eyeballs and funds

It wasn’t short of a star-studded massive Democratic gala Thursday night (Mar 28), where US President Joe Biden and two of his predecessors attended an event that helped them rake in $25 million for the presidential campaign. Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and some 5,000 supporters gathered at Radio City Music Hall in New York, in a closely-held event to keep the protesters at bay. But guess what, the speeches by the three presidents were interrupted by protesters at least five times.

The event was also attended by actor and comedian Mindy Kaling, late-night host Stephen Colbert and special guests including celebrities like Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele.

During a conversation, Kaling even joked that the moment was historic because “three presidents have come to New York, and not one of them to appear in court,” taking a jab at former president Donald Trump’s criminal indictments and civil trials.

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Interruptions

Biden’s speech was interrupted by a pro-Palestinian protester, reacting to which the president assured of a peaceful and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians. He also highlighted that Israel’s existence was at stake but added more needs to be done to allow aid into Gaza. The crowd cheered at the response, with some chanting “Four more years.”

Watch:US Elections 2024: President Biden rakes in $25 million in US fundraiser

Obama’s speech was interrupted too, with the former president confronting the protester by saying, “You can’t just talk and not listen." He added, "That’s what the other side does.”

Protests held outside

The scene was less welcoming outside the Radio City Music Hall for the Democrats. More than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters stood the ground, chanting slogans like “Biden, Biden, you’re a liar,” and waving Palestinian flags and signs with anti-war messages.

The protests were held by a group called Abandon Biden, which encouraged the people to stage protests over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

“We cannot idly sit by as our president aides and abets genocide in Gaza,” the group’s New York co-chair Mosaab Sadia said in a statement. “The movement to Abandon Biden is only just beginning,” he added.

This happened even as Biden’s campaign has taken several steps to steer clear of protesters, including making events smaller and withholding exact locations longer than usual.

(With inputs from agencies)