Obama and Clinton Join Biden Support Rally... "Reelection Is a Given" (Comprehensive)

"President Joe Biden is worthy of re-election (Bill Clinton)." "He is a president who has done an outstanding job (Barack Obama)."

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election this November, former Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton have made a full-fledged appearance to support President Biden. At a fundraising event in New York, three former and current presidents appeared simultaneously, raising more than $25 million (approximately 33.7 billion KRW) in just one day.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

◆Former and Current Democratic Presidents Mobilize...Appealing "Biden Must Be Re-elected"

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others, on the evening of the 28th (local time), President Biden attended a fundraising event at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, New York, along with former presidents Obama and Clinton. At the venue, which bore the phrase "An Evening with Joe Biden Barack Obama Bill Clinton," about 5,000 people attended, where dialogues between former and current presidents and performances by singers took place. The Biden campaign confirmed that the event raised approximately $25 million, calling it "the most successful fundraising event in U.S. history."

The three former and current presidents, appearing on stage without ties, defined the upcoming November election as one for democracy and freedom, appealing for support for President Biden. Former President Obama said, "It's not just because of the negative aspects of the opposing nominee (Donald Trump)," but evaluated Biden as "a positive example of someone who has done an outstanding job as president." He added, "We also have a positive story to tell about the future," emphasizing "what President Biden has diligently worked on every day." Former President Clinton also praised Biden's key policy achievements, stressing that "he is worthy of re-election."

Direct remarks targeting former President Donald Trump, who is expected to have a rematch with Biden, were also made. Stephen Colbert, who moderated the dialogue, joked, "Three presidents came to New York, but none of them had to appear in court," mocking Trump's legal risks. President Biden directly described Trump as "somewhat old and broken." He also warned of the possibility of a second Trump term, saying, "This is not a joke; our democracy is in jeopardy," calling it a "turning point in history."

WSJ reported, "They gathered for the common purpose of defeating former President Trump," contrasting the achievements of Biden and Trump in turn, and mentioning Trump’s incitement of the January 6 Capitol riot, warning that his return to the White House would threaten the nation's ideals. The Associated Press (AP) also conveyed the atmosphere, stating, "During the approximately one-hour dialogue, former Presidents Obama and Clinton continuously explained how difficult Biden's job is," and "they tried to explain why he is the best fit for the position."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

◆"United Against the Trump Threat"

The full-scale appearance of the two former presidents is considered highly significant for President Biden, who faces a rematch with former President Trump this November. Attention is particularly focused on the roles and levels of involvement they will take in the upcoming full-scale election campaign. Given the serious concern that a second Trump term could open, it is analyzed that they may take a more active role than ever before.

Former President Obama has recently expressed serious concerns about the possibility of Trump winning the election and is reportedly regularly calling White House aides to strategize and advise. WSJ noted that the relationships among the three former and current presidents were complicated in the past, especially regarding Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential run, but now "they are all united against the threat posed by former President Trump."

The $25 million raised at the event demonstrates the success of their joint efforts. This amount is more than $5 million greater than the political funds raised by former President Trump in February alone. As of the end of last month, Biden’s campaign had secured a total of $155 million, while Trump, burdened with legal expenses, had only $37 million.

Leon Panetta, who served in the Clinton and Obama administrations, emphasized to AP that the event was important for Biden’s election campaign, saying, "It is about expanding and strengthening the support of all Democrats." He added that former Presidents Clinton and Obama, who are regarded as having effective political communication skills, could positively influence Biden’s re-election.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

◆Trump Also Visits New York to Mourn NYPD Officer’s Death...Aware of Fundraising Event?

On the same day, former President Trump also visited New York. He attended the funeral of an NYPD officer who died during a traffic stop on Long Island for about 30 minutes, then told reporters, "We must stop (crime) and return to law and order." Locally, Trump’s condolence visit was seen as being mindful of the Democratic fundraising event scheduled for that evening.

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, stated in a press release that the actions of the two presidential candidates show contrasting aspects of leadership. He pointed out, "Former President Trump attended the funeral of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Dela, while President Biden attended a fundraising event with former Presidents Obama and Clinton, drinking wine and dining with celebrities."

Unlike Biden, who enjoys full support from former presidents, Trump has not received endorsements from former Republican President George W. Bush, former Vice President Mike Pence, or primary rival Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In an email sent to supporters the day before, Trump disparaged the event as a "Trump hate talk show," openly expressing displeasure. He urged donations, saying, "We must defeat the Obama-Clinton cartel."

The New York Times (NYT) reported, "New York became the center of the presidential campaign that day," noting, "President Biden campaigned with the strength of the Democratic Party, while former President Trump is almost alone."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

◆Arab Americans Turn Away from Biden...Protests and Disruptions Inside and Outside the Venue

Although the Democratic fundraising event was filled with supporters who paid from at least $250 up to $500,000 to attend, tensions were evident as public sentiment, especially among Arab Americans, turned away. Outside the venue, hundreds protested against Israel regarding the Gaza war despite the rain, and some disrupted the event multiple times inside the Music Hall. Throughout, President Biden faced accusations such as "stain your hands with blood," "you are a liar," and "you incited genocide." Bloomberg News reported that "the presidents were interrupted at least four times by pro-Palestinian protesters."

In response to questions about the Gaza situation, President Biden emphasized that "there are too many innocent victims on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides," highlighting that he is considering both perspectives. He also said, "I have cooperated not only with Saudi Arabia but also with Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, among other Arab countries," and stated, "I am ready to fully recognize Israel." He added, "There must be a plan after the Gaza situation." Former President Obama also emphasized that "President Biden has shown moral conviction and clarity on the Israel issue," highlighting his willingness to listen to both sides. Former President Clinton stressed Biden’s commitment to a two-state solution in the region.

Meanwhile, only a few media outlets were allowed to attend the event, and video recording was prohibited. Before the fundraising event, the three Democratic former and current presidents participated in a joint podcast interview. The White House announced that the interview will be released separately at a later date.