The rich and powerful gathered in Manhattan Thursday evening for a massive fundraiser for President Joe Biden. But protesters also came out in droves, and former President Barack Obama took the opportunity to chastise those exercising their First Amendment freedoms.
The star-studded event raised a cool $25 million for the Democrat’s reelection bid, but it was his policies on Israel’s war in Gaza that drew demonstrators to the site.
Protesters on multiple occasions interrupted the proceedings at Radio City Music Hall. Obama finally had enough and barked, “You can’t just talk, you have to listen.”
The New York Post reported that host Stephen Colbert was interrupted at least six times by vocal demonstrators.
One of the most visible attendees was a woman who repeatedly blew a whistle and displayed a “war pig” sign. Another upset individual shouted “Shame on you, Joe Biden,” and several others yelled “Blood on your hands” before being shown the exit.
The street outside the venue was mobbed with people chanting “Genocide Joe has got to go!”
🚨 MASSIVE presence of Anti-Biden protesters outside of his fundraiser in New York with Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Stephen Colbert and Lizzo.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 29, 2024
Many Palestinian flags adorned the streets adjacent to the posh setting, and signs denounced Biden and his Democrats as “war criminals” for their support of Israel.
NYPD officers watched the demonstrations unfold behind barricades and arrested at least one protester for disorderly conduct.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) started the festivities with an introduction of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
The Democratic senator told the throng that they came together to ensure that the “chaotic, dishonest, mendacious, ineffective regime of Donald Trump” is not repeated. He added the secondary goal is to get Biden reelected in November.
Schumer showered praise on the incumbent for marriage equality, the environment and confirming “190 progressive judges.” As if having more jurists who disregard victims’ rights and keep the revolving door justice system going is something to be celebrated.
And the irony hardly stopped there.
Incredibly, some Democrats described the $500,000-per-plate event as a “grassroots” effort. There is one U.S. political party that believes it can say anything and the public will march in lockstep.
