On September 20, 2024, Barack Obama took center stage at a fundraiser for Kamala Harris in Los Angeles, generating $4 million for her presidential campaign. The event marked a significant moment in the increasingly active role the former president is playing in Harris's electoral efforts.
Obama, who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017, leveraged his enduring popularity within the Democratic Party to bolster grassroots fundraising and mobilize younger voters. His involvement has proven highly effective, with events featuring Obama and his grassroots fundraising appeals reportedly generating at least $76 million during this presidential campaign cycle.
The fundraiser, hosted at the residence of James Costos, former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, and his partner Michael S. Smith, who served as White House decorator during Obama's presidency, attracted over 65 attendees. Notable guests included Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, actress Jennifer Coolidge, and comedian Conan O'Brien.
In his address, Obama framed the election as a critical juncture for the nation and the world. He emphasized the need to guard against destructive forces arising from demographic changes, globalization, and the information revolution. The former president portrayed Harris's campaign as an effort to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all Americans.
Obama and Harris share a long-standing friendship and political alliance dating back to when they first met during Obama's Senate campaign in Illinois. Harris was among the earliest supporters of Obama's 2008 presidential bid, demonstrating her commitment by campaigning for him in Iowa, a state known for its significant role in the U.S. presidential election process due to its early caucuses.
Their relationship has faced similar challenges, with both leaders enduring attacks from political opponents questioning their racial heritage. These tactics, reminiscent of the "birther" movement that falsely claimed Obama was not a natural-born U.S. citizen, were also employed against Harris when she became the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be elected Vice President in 2020.
"If we win — when we win — it won't solve all the crazy that's out there. But each time we win, it's solidifying this new future. It is ushering in these new possibilities. Eventually, that will become the new normal and the new reality."
The fundraiser's success underscores Harris's significant financial advantage over her opponent. Federal Election Commission reports filed on the same day revealed that Harris raised more than four times the amount of her rival in August, highlighting the strong support she has garnered from donors.
As the election approaches, Obama's involvement in Harris's campaign continues to intensify. His efforts include strategic advice, fundraising assistance, and get-out-the-vote initiatives, such as a major push with social media creators for National Voter Registration Day in the week preceding the fundraiser.
The former president's commitment to Harris's campaign reflects their shared vision for America's future – one that strives for a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking nation. As the race unfolds, their alliance stands as a powerful force in shaping the political landscape and mobilizing voters across the country.