Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton joined incumbent Joe Biden in the election campaign. The three Democrats appeared together on Thursday evening (local time) at a major fundraising event in New York that raised more than $26 million, according to Biden’s campaign. Several music stars also attended the event at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. The show during the election campaign was accompanied by criticism of the US government’s Middle East policy: demonstrators interrupted the prominent Democrats on stage several times with arguments. Others demonstrated outside.
Republican former President Donald Trump, who wants to face Biden again in the presidential elections in November, was also in New York on Thursday – but for another appointment and not to collect donations. In general, Trump also tries to put money into his campaign coffers in every possible way. Recently even as a Bible seller.
A little show, a little war
Several thousand spectators attended the event with Biden, Obama and Clinton. According to American media, tickets cost between 225 and half a million dollars. Former President Obama flew with his former deputy Biden from Washington to New York on the government plane Air Force One. Clinton joined there alone. The three sat together on stage for a moderate discussion and talked about democracy, life in the White House, international conflicts and difficult decisions as president. Obama and Clinton praised Biden’s work. In turn, he repeatedly warned against Trump, who denies climate change, wants to limit fundamental rights and is on good terms with autocrats around the world.
Obama said voters are faced with the question of who really cares about their concerns. “I’m pretty sure the other guy doesn’t do that,” he said of Trump — and added, referring to Biden: “This guy does.”
The three Democrats also joked, trying to be light-hearted. There were also various show performances by singer Lizzo and rapper Queen Latifah, among others. Biden could use some glamor and spice in his election campaign. There are reservations both among the population and within his party because of his old age: Biden is 81. At the start of a second term he would be 82 and at the end he would be 86. He regularly makes a name for himself with slips of the tongue and misstatements. Trump in particular uses this to question the mental fitness of his competitor – even though the Republican, who is only four years younger than him, regularly makes embarrassing mistakes.
Middle East policy is causing criticism
Biden has been struggling with poor polls for months. Many voters see the economy looking bad, despite growth and low unemployment. Recently, the US government’s Middle East policy has also alienated voters. Many Muslims and younger, progressive Democrats criticize Biden in view of the many civilian casualties of the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip and find his tone towards the Israeli leadership too mild.
Currently, there is hardly a public appearance by Biden where he is not interrupted by troublemakers over his dealings with Israel. Same in New York. When the president and his predecessors spoke at length about the war in Gaza, several problems arose. Protesters shouted “Blood on your hands,” as reporters present reported. Biden, Obama and Clinton in turn referred to the complex situation in the Middle East and the suffering on both sides in the conflict.
The other ex-president and his campaign fundraising
For days, Trump had railed against the appearance of the three Democrats in calls for donations to his supporters and asked his supporters to give him money to counter the multimillion-dollar proceeds from the event. The Republican was also in New York on Thursday. He attended the memorial service for a slain New York police officer just outside the city limits. Trump’s campaign tried to create a contrast between his performance and those of Biden, Obama and Clinton: President Trump paid respects to a slain official as the three Democrats held a “stunning fundraising gala” with elite well-wishers.
However, the Republican himself never misses an opportunity to raise money for his election campaign. A few weeks ago, he released gold Trump sneakers for $399 a pair. A few days ago, just in time for Easter, he debuted a Bible that he’s co-marketing with country singer Lee Greenwood — priced at $59.99. “All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have a lot of them. It’s my favorite book »Trump said in a promotional video on the Truth Social platform he co-founded. “We need to get America to pray again.” Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA” plays at all Trump appearances. There is now the ‘God Bless the USA’ Bible.
Trump needs money not only for the election campaign, but also for the many legal problems he faces. Trump has been sentenced to pay huge fines in several civil cases and has to stand trial in four criminal cases. All these procedures cost him a lot of time and, above all, money in an election year. (saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
