Obama Goes Hollywood: Hits L.A. for $35,800 a Person Fundraiser With the Stars
- Posted on October 25, 2011 at 8:52am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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(Photo: AP)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor Will Smith and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson for dinner and Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas for post-meal canapes. President Barack Obama waded into the domain of the stars Monday as he hit the California fundraising circuit in one of his busiest donor outreach trips of the season.
Smith, in an elegant three-piece suit, and Johnson, the standout former point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, were guests at the home of producer James Lassiter and his wife, Mai. About 40 contributors, including actress Hilary Duff, contributed $35,800 each for a cozy dinner and a chance to chat with the president. Obama, eager to reinvigorate his supporters, ticked off his administration’s accomplishments.
“Sometimes I think people forget how much has gotten done,” the president said as he urged his backers to rally once again, at the same time joking, as he often does, that he is older and grayer now. “This election won’t be as sexy as the first one.”
The Lassiter dinner, followed by a larger affair at the home of Griffith and Banderas, were part of a three-day, fundraising-rich swing through Nevada, California and Colorado. California, however, is his biggest donor state and he raised about $1 million in the Los Angeles area alone during the past two fundraising quarters, according to an Associated Press review of contributions above $200.
At Banderas‘ and Griffith’s house, its entrance path lined with rose petals and votive candles, Obama told about 120 mostly Latino contributors that he has kept a list of his campaign promises and that, by his count, he has accomplished about 60 percent of them.
“I’m pretty confident we can get the other 40 percent done in the next five years,” he said to loud applause.
The Griffith-Banderas event was the first Latino fundraiser for Obama’s candidacy, with donors giving at least $5,000 per person to attend. It featured guests such as actress Eva Longoria, comedian George Lopez, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, and mayors Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles and Julian Castro of San Antonio.
Obama drew the loudest applause when he vowed to tackle an overhaul of immigration laws, a promise from 2008 that has gone unfulfilled in the face of Republican opposition.
Testing a re-election theme, Obama is also telling donors that the country is suffering from an economic crisis and political crisis. “People are crying out for action,” he says.
Pointing to elements of his $447 billion jobs plan that was rejected by Republican lawmakers, Obama said they likely would linger as campaign issues in 2012.
“This is the fight that we’re going to have right now, and I suspect this is the fight that we’re going to have to have over the next year,” Obama told about 240 donors at a fundraising event earlier Monday at the Bellagio hotel and casino in Las Vegas. “The Republicans in Congress and the Republican candidates for president have made their agenda very clear.”
The Las Vegas fundraiser attracted about 240 people who paid from $1,000 to $35,800 toward Obama’s re-election campaign and to the Democratic National Committee. The bigger donors met the president personally.
Others at Lassiter’s Hancock Park home included Troy Carter, the manager of Grammy award winner Lady Gaga. The singer herself was a guest at a fundraiser last month at the Atherton home of Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg.
While in Las Vegas, Obama spelled out a plan to help homeowners refinance their homes even if their home values had dropped dramatically below what they owed on their mortgages. Obama ventured into a working class development in the Las Vegas suburbs that benefitted from a community revitalization program like one he is pushing Congress to approve now.
But the president displayed campaign-style vigor, wading into the neighborhood crowd to shake hands and even lift a baby. His handlers reminded him it was time to leave, but Obama strode to yet another group of residents for one last handshake, autograph and photograph.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Obama headed to a diverse neighborhood minutes from Lassiter‘s home south of Hollywood and stopped at Roscoe’s, a popular Los Angeles chicken restaurant chain. Obama roved through the dining booths greeting customers, leaving at least one awestruck young boy holding his hand aloft after shaking the president’s hand. One man gave him a hug and a Hispanic man told his daughter that if she studied hard “you’ll be like him.”
Most of his remaining time during this three-day Western swing is being spent raising money. On Tuesday he will tape an appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” his second as president and fourth appearance overall. He also will attend fundraisers in San Francisco and Denver.
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Comments (89)
LibsAndCopKillersALoveStory
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:30amThis is why OWS will never make any real change: they target the conservative rich while embracing the liberal rich. Hence, the only change they can make is through violence, the natural outcome of any liberal protest.
Report Post »netmail
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 11:32amSo which story is wilder, this one or the Alabama Waffle House throw down?? Two extremes of the exact same insanity.
Report Post »Morris
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 12:12pmWhat did they have to eat at these dinners with Dictator Barack Hussein Obama our Muslim-in-Chief?
Report Post »PORK CHOPS,HAM,PORK ROAST,JUST WONDERING???????
@leftfighter
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 12:25pmAh yes, the OWS hypocrisy re: their swooning love for ObaMao and his love of “I’m Richer Than You” parties.
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 3:41pmWell I just added Smith, Banderas, Woppie, Griffith and Johnson was already on my no fly list. Johnson because of his playing with the queers.Obama has lost 8 Democrat votes because his actions as president. He has reached out and touched us all by his actions. We all wanted change but not this kind. This includes my wife and myself + my 3 sons and their wives. My 4 grand sons will have to pay off his 15 trillion debt.
Report Post »Mr. Powers
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 4:57pmRomans 16:17-18
17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Seem like someone you know?
Report Post »Fantastic Four
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 5:16pmMATTHEW 13:25
But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.
kinds rings true no?
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 9:56pm@TURKEY13, Thank you, I was making a mental note of who I would boycott at whatever they might do. Now, I can just make a copy of your list without having to re-read the stupid article.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:24amHollywood huh? This is where the pimple of Liberalism festers!
Report Post »Founding Father2
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:28amIt’s interesting how little Hollywood cares about our economy and businesses, and how Obama is destroying both… and jobs. Steve Wynn has come out today and yesterday talking about this disastrous president and how he is killing business: http://www.americanparchment.com/video/2011/oct/wynn_death_business.html
Questions is, how do we stop these disastrous regulations from this disastrous president?
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 11:16amThis is where Obama is in his element…among others who make their living pretending to be other people.
Report Post »Fantastic Four
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 5:14pmThe limosine Liberal 1% I am assuming doesn’t count right?…..
It’s seems that SCROTUS is helping the comming of the Madhi by KILLING foreign leaders that are holding the muslim brotherhood from achieving their goal, I am just asking cuz his actions are just not plain normal or have common sense.
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 9:57pmI appreciate Steve Wynn. Next time in Vegas, I will stay at his hotel, regardless of the extra expense.
Report Post »quiltgal
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:19amSexy? I think what he really meant was, “I screwed America the first time but I’m not sure I can do it again.”
Report Post »starman70
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:46am40 people at $35,800 per plate = $1,432,000. How far would that money have gone if they put it to feeding hungry children in Appalachia, aiding deficient schools in L.A. or helping pay for eligible college tuitions.
Here are is cross section of the elitest 1% in America, all gathered at one place.
Where was OWS @ LA? Why were they not demonstrating against those money hoarders? Many of these “Donors” (Lib speak for influence buyers) are multi-millionaires. This represents the money made off the backs of average Americans who buy tickets (Sometimes forgoing needs of their families) to their movies or sporting events.
OWS @ LA, YOU MISSED A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY!
Report Post »The Scarecrow
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 12:42pmI agree with starman70, just think about how much is spent on campaigns to get these clowns elected. Think how much good it could do for a lot of different projects including children right here in America who don’t get enough to eat. These clowns spend it on a campaign and then don’t do anything to represent the people, once they‘re elected it’s all about them. Sexy campaign my a@#.
Report Post »mrsmileyface
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 2:08pm@Starman70 They didnt miss it…they were told to look the other way or just ignore it. Just like good little usefull idiots.
Report Post »nocalifornia
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:19amWhats the extra $800 for, that right it goes to the how many votes can I buy fund or was it the get out the dead vote or maybe it was the get me the best shyster in town to defend me during impeachment fund?
Report Post »quiltgal
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:17amNo, Obama, people haven’t forgotten how much has gotten done. It’s too frightful to forget.
Report Post »TerryJ70
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:10amIs there something magical about $35,800? Why are all his fundraisers that amount? I can’t understand why the rich are so willing to pay him to continue with his class warfare tactic. This is going to be the ugliest election we have ever experienced. Conservatives must remain strong. Get a good conservative like Santorum on the ballot.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 12:47pmhe hates rich people, until he needs them for their money. so lame
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:03amLet me guess the idiots paid that much to see the worst president ever. LOL
Report Post »Agnes
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 4:22pmDon’t forget the CLOWN hates rich people – until he can uses and abuses them for his own interest.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:54amStrange how these people pay this kind of money to support someone that basically want to screw them. Says a lot for the mindless fads they follow. That mind washing their getting is astounding, like shooting fish in a barrel. Is this a great country or what?
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:20amJust remember these people get paid to mouth words of fictional characters. I seriously doubt that any of them can carry on a discussion beyond scripted talking points. They are so disconnected with Americans that their reality is actually alien. Why people spend 1 dime on their movies is something I don’t understand.
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:53am35k a plate dinner fundraiser to 9.1% Unemployment, no jobs, and over 40 million on food stamps. Where are the OWS protesters?
Report Post »ambrosia
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:47amObama is nothing but a losing user.
He will use anybody & anyone to stuff his failing bid for re-election
with lots of “Capitalist” dough which he deifies on all other levels.
Remember, all these superficial “Stars” always “GROSS-UP”
their salaries, in reality, they don’t pay any taxes on their horrid work.
If they want to walk away with 10 million net on one of their crappy films,
their agent demands a salary 40-60 % more, so they clear the taxes & get
their “REQUIRED” take home pay
& that all ends up costing the consumer more in the long run.
The consumer not only pays for their outrageous salaries but also THEIR taxes-
after all SOMEBODY has to cover it
& it is always the consumer.
Our only alternative is to stay away from their meaningless product
& let their work dry up & ignore their cheap, political rhetoric.
C’mon, have you EVER heard one smart, cohesive, statement
come out of the mouths of Melanie Griffiths & the like ?
She couldn’t find Iran on the map if she was sitting inside of Tehran.
Hanging out with this inferior Hollywood crowd for greenbacks and
ego stroking is all this phony president is about.
He talks about “what he’s got done”-
Ha, dream on little, boy king-
YOU have got NOTHING done-
border guards killed, homeless & unemployed numbers out-of-control,
deficit breaking all records
and you’re out there redistributing dopey, Hollywood malcontent’s money
into Axelrod’s lock box.
Like all of them…You ar
Report Post »Tired-of-fools
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:42amYeah those actors are main stream and are connected with the average Joe. I wonder if they will give up a big chunk of thier money to become the 99%. The problem is that the OWS idiots don’t see through this guy. I got to give the Commie in Chief credit, he can talk out of both sides of his face better than anyone has ever done so, and so many are STUPID enough to believe him.
Report Post »GatorSkin
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:41amIsn’t this exactly what the morons on Wall Street are crying about, and yet obamao is doing exactly what they are against and they love him to death!!!!!! This is why I haven’t been to or seen a movie in years!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »flfshrmn
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:38amI would venture to say maybe 1% of the population could even afford a $35,000 dinner. 1%!
Report Post »Anybody hear me?……..1%……..Where are all the protesters?
Ohhhhh, that’s the wrong 1%……..I get it now.
loriann12
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:50am$35,000 is about half what I owe on my house I’m trying to sell. It would make it so much easier if I could pay off that loan, then I wouldn’t have to worry about selling it. Maybe a couple of those Obamao supporters could just donate to me?
Report Post »momrules
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:30amNow we know why he was at the home of Antonio Banderas, he is sucking up to the Latino vote. This is not the American vote but the illegal alien vote.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:20amFUNNY.. you don’t see the OWS crowd trying to disrupt THIS elite, MILLIONAIRE event? hmmm EVERY Conservative or Corporate event this week seems to have been cancelled due to impending violence by the Commies?
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:10amSo, he can identify with the flea baggers, he understands their “concerns” and whiny complaints, says that he’s a “middle class warrior” (LMFAO!!!) then he jets off to La La Land to rake in the cash? Seriously???
Obumbler’s MO: attack those who actually produce things (like jobs) then suck up to those who pretty much don’t produce a thing. The only thing they’re good at, like Obumbler, is merely dressing up and playing a part and saying what they’re told to say. Gee, now THAT takes talent….. The only name missing from the long and, um, “distinguished” list of absolutely useless and worthless creatures is that Kardashian chick. No, I don‘t know which one except I will say that it’s probably not the one who looks a little manly. The rest of them all look the same, don’t they? How many of them are there again?
Report Post »NOV15
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:09amThis is a great move by Obama. Spending time with the people who truly represent the American people. Hey Barack! How about having dinner with some of us simpletons who your SCREWING! Its common courtesy to buy us dinner first!
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:07amwhat a piece of crap…
Report Post »Blazing
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:07amI’d like to see the list of campaign promises… and what he intends is left to do.
Report Post »Bonnieblue2A
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:05amWhy? The only thing one can depend upon Obama to do is to lie. We have a Republic to save. This POTUS needs to be nullified and defunded by the GOP in the US House & Senate.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:05amI dont care how much money he raises , he is gonna lose in an epic landslide….. And they know it !
Report Post »barber2
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:04amI hope by 2013 this guy is Dancing with the Stars , not Dancing with Our Constitutional Rights.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:11amCan we team him up with Chaz Bono?
Report Post »barber2
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:00amRegarding Obama’s campaign promises : He’s “pretty confident we can get the 40 percent done in the next five years.” Please, dear Lord, do not give him the chance as I don’t think authentic Christianity can co-exist with the “change” this guy has planned for us !
Report Post »self-reliant man
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:45amWhat happened to his promises in getting it all done in four years. Now it’s eight?
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 11:01amThe article said he wanted it done in 5 years. Either he sucks at math or is planning on being dictator forever. We are so screwed.
Report Post »DanWesson455
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 8:59amMoney grubbing Politicians. It ruins the whole elective process. K Street and special interests get first chance at the trough. The rest of us have to pound salt. Until they get $$$ out of the election process we will continue to slide downhill. They need public funding of these things. That is the only way to have a fair chance of getting a fair shake after the election. Term limits is the other necessity. There is no reason why some schmuck need to be a congressman or a senator for 20, 30 or even 40 years and more. High priced welfare is all that is.
Report Post »dogpatch65
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 9:02amWill he use violent rhetoric here, too, or is this crowd not subject to that language?
Report Post »http://markamerica.com/2011/10/24/obamas-threats-of-violence/
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 8:58amWhy not have him in Hollywood — home of the truest band of useful idiots like Michael Moore and the rest of the radicals.
Report Post »http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (cat folk gallery)
kickagrandma
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 8:56amI so want to throw up when I read anything about this awful, awful, horrible excuse for a human being.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 10:28amI agree…he should change his name to barrack hussein hurlprovoker….
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