President Joe Biden criticized the U.S. Supreme Court as “out of kilter” at a high-profile fundraiser in Los Angeles, joined by former President Barack Obama and numerous Hollywood celebrities. The event raised over $30 million.
Late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel opened with a video comparing Biden’s record to that of his predecessor and current Republican challenger, Donald Trump, garnering cheers from a packed Peacock Theater. Notable attendees included George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
Biden, who has often criticized specific Supreme Court decisions, remarked, “the Supreme Court has never been as out of kilter as it is today.”
He highlighted conservative Justice Clarence Thomas’s comments on reconsidering issues like in vitro fertilization and contraception after the court overturned the federal right to abortion.
Biden pointed out that Trump had nominated three of the six conservative justices controlling the nine-member court and warned that if Trump were re-elected, he might appoint two more justices.
Referring to Justice Samuel Alito, Biden mentioned the controversy over Alito allowing upside-down American flags to fly outside his homes, which are associated with the movement to reverse Trump’s 2020 loss.
Democratic lawmakers have urged Alito to recuse himself from cases involving Trump’s claim of presidential immunity related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Since Biden’s presidency, the conservative majority on the court has restricted affirmative action, gay rights, gun control, and environmental regulation while blocking parts of Biden’s agenda on immigration, student loans, vaccine mandates, and climate change.
Obama stressed the importance of elections in determining the power of the Supreme Court, stating, “What we’re seeing now is a byproduct of 2016.”
He also referenced Trump’s felony convictions, which received applause from the crowd.
The Biden campaign aimed to demonstrate strength despite low approval ratings and concerns about Biden’s age, 81.
The event was described as one of the largest Democratic fundraisers, surpassing a previous record set by a March fundraiser in New York City.
Celebrities like Jack Black, Jason Bateman, Kathryn Hahn, and Sheryl Lee Ralph participated, and prominent figures like Mark Hamill, Robert De Niro, and Steven Spielberg have supported Biden’s campaign efforts.
While Biden’s April fundraising lagged behind Trump’s, Democrats maintained an overall cash advantage.
Biden and Trump are currently tied in national polls, with Trump leading in key battleground states.
Despite this, California remains a significant source of financial support for both candidates, with Biden raising $24 million and Trump $11.7 million in the state through April 30, according to the Federal Election Commission.
The president resumed high-dollar Hollywood fundraisers following industry strikes, including a notable event in December with top tickets nearing $1 million.