3 presidents, celebrity performances and protester interruptions at Biden campaign's $26M fundraiser
President Joe Biden was joined Thursday by two of his Democratic predecessors for a star-studded fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall that his campaign said brought in more than $26 million.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton participated in the event in New York with more than 5,000 supporters in attendance — including several protesters who interrupted the program when the three presidents were speaking.
Actor and comedian Mindy Kaling hosted the program, which ended at around 10 p.m.,and late night host Stephen Colbert moderated a conversation with Biden, Clinton and Obama. Special guests include celebrities like Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele.
During the nearly hourlong moderated conversation, Colbert joked that the moment was historic because "three presidents have come to New York, and not one of them to appear in court," taking a jab at former President Donald Trump's criminal indictments and civil trials.
Clinton also took a swipe at Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, arguing that he "had a good couple of years because he stole them from Barack Obama."
But the discussion was interrupted at least five times by protesters. Colbert acknowledged one protester and asked Biden about the U.S. role in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Biden said more needed to be done to get relief into Gaza but added that Israel's very existence was at stake.
"There has to be a train for a two-state solution," Biden said. "It doesn't have to carry today. There has to be a progression. And I think we can do that."
His response was met with a standing ovation and chants of "four more years."
Obama sternly addressed a protester when he was interrupted, saying,