Vice President Kamala Harris raised eyebrows and funds alike at a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser, even as Hurricane Helene left devastation in its wake.
Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism for prioritizing a fundraiser over addressing the impact of Hurricane Helene, which left millions struggling, Breitbart reported.
Amid the unfolding natural disaster, Vice President Kamala Harris was at the JW Marriott in downtown Los Angeles, where a high-profile event was taking place to support the Harris-Walz campaign. The event boasted a roster of celebrities, including Demi Lovato, Stevie Wonder, and Jessica Alba, drawing both applause and disapproval.
The fundraiser, aimed at bolstering the Democratic ticket, saw contributions from notable Hollywood figures like former Disney chief Jeffrey Katzenberg and Universal boss Donna Langley. Hollywood PR maven Kelly Bush Novak was also in attendance, highlighting the strong ties between Harris and the entertainment industry.
The event successfully raised over $28 million, signaling strong support from the entertainment sector. However, this took place against the backdrop of Hurricane Helene's devastation, which prompted a mix of responses from the public and media.
Critics argued that the Vice President’s presence at the glitzy event was ill-timed, as Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc, causing severe damage and affecting millions. This stark contrast between the fundraiser's glamour and the hurricane's destruction sparked a debate on priorities.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump announced plans to visit Georgia, one of the states hit hardest by the hurricane, to distribute relief aid. This move was seen by some as a direct challenge to Harris’s approach, emphasizing a hands-on response to the disaster.
Following significant backlash, Vice President Harris cut her visit short and returned to Washington, D.C. Her decision to leave early was seen as a response to the growing criticism over her initial choice to attend the fundraiser during a national crisis.
The reliance on celebrities for political fundraising is not new, but Vice President Harris's event brought it under fresh scrutiny. With stars like Lily Tomlin and Sterling K. Brown in attendance, the event underscored how integral Hollywood has become in political finance, particularly for Democrats.
NBC News reporter Matt Dixon commented on the situation, noting, "The courting of celebrity endorsements is a long-running tradition in presidential politics and one that Democrats generally win. But in the process, Democrats can open themselves up to an easy line of attack from Republicans: Democrats cater to Hollywood, not average Americans."
This sentiment was echoed in the broader context of rising consumer prices and economic uncertainties, which have left many Americans feeling disconnected from the glitzy world of celebrity-driven politics.
Amid the controversy, President Joe Biden made a statement that no additional federal resources would be allocated to those affected by Hurricane Helene. This decision further fueled the debate on the federal response to the disaster and its adequacy.
As the news of the fundraiser and its timing spread, both supporters and critics of the administration voiced their opinions loudly. Supporters pointed to the necessity of campaign fundraising in the run-up to elections, while critics lamented what they saw as a disconnect from the immediate needs of disaster-stricken Americans.
Harris’s remark upon arriving at the event, “Oh, it’s good to be home!” was met with mixed reactions, highlighting the complexities of political life and the challenges of balancing public perception with campaign necessities.
