(CNN)–Joining forces with Hollywood and Broadway starpower, President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton are looking to add more than three and a half million dollars to the Obama campaign coffers and that of the Democratic Party Monday during a whirlwind seven hour trip to New York City.
The evening begins with a high ticket reception for fifty people at a private residence in the city. The price for face time with both the president and former president doesn't come cheap. A Democratic campaign official tells CNN the tickets are $40,000 each.
The presidents then move on to a big gala at the tony Waldorf Astoria where rocker Jon Bon Jovi will entertain the 500 invited guests who each paid at least $2500 a ticket.
From there President Obama and former President Clinton move on to a star-studded concert at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theater. A mix of Hollywood and Broadway stars including James Earl Jones, Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Nina Arianda, Kerry Butler, Norbet Leo Butz, Bobby Cannavale, Stockard Channing, Chuck Cooper , Meagn Hilty, Cheyenne Jackson, Tony Kushner, Angela Lansbury, Audra McDonald, Hattienne Park, Patrick Wilson and Jeffrey Wright provide the entertainment. President Obama will deliver remarks at the concert. Tickets for the 1700 attendees start at $250 each.
The campaign, as in the past, has used these events as "grassroots” fundraisers. A contest, offering free seats as the prize, was open to those who contributed as little as $3. The winners were offered the chance to attend both the gala and concert with their guests, as well as meeting "privately" with Presidents Obama and Clinton.
A similar contest raised millions for the campaign and Democratic Party at George Clooney's Hollywood home last month. No word on how much money this contest has generated.
Proceeds from Monday’s events will go to Obama Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee of Obama for America, the Democratic National Committee and several state Democratic parties.
What about Wisconsin? Not enough 1%ers up there for Obama??
Even as an incumbent ... with a bully pulpit for 3 1/2 years ... 2 years with the White House and both houses of congress on his side ... 3 1/2 years with the entire media behind him ... all the Hollywood celebrities behind him ... millions and millions of dollars more than his opponent ... and, Obama is still falling behind Romney !!! This can only happen because Obama is a terrible President !!! It's obviously time for new leadership !!!
ROMNEY SUPERPAC IS OUTSPENDING EVERYONE. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Yea...What a wasted comment
I liked Bill Clinton as President. I think he worked well for the American people and I know he left America in good shape financially!! However, I do not trust him to back or support Barack Obama as President of The United States!! He and Hillary are still angry that he won over them!! I just don't believe he's genuine!
Such consumption of resources by both parties is a head scratcher.
Does this guy ever work?
we need all the money we can get just to fight the 11 billionairs funding mitt. Super pacs stupidist thing the supereme court ever did. Obama 2012
Who ever said Obama is not good at economics? It only cost the American taxpayer about $1.5 million for him to go on this trip and raise $3.5 million for his reelection. A bargain at twice the price, if you are a Democrat.
http://www.american.edu/spa/publicpurpose/upload/George-W-Bush-and-the-Permanent-Campaign-Trail.pdf
Enough Said!
Obama-Biden 2012
Forward!