Vice President Harris Hosts Controversial Wall Street Fundraiser Amid Election Buzz
3 Sources
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Harris Campaign Says It Took in $27 Million at Wall Street Fund-Raiser
The campaign said it was the vice president's highest-grossing fund-raiser since she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. Vice President Kamala Harris does not have much time to drop into living rooms or small cities for fund-raisers these days. But in the homestretch of the presidential race, finance events like the one she attended on Sunday are worth it. According to the Harris campaign, a fund-raiser in New York City on Sunday afternoon raised $27 million for Ms. Harris's coffers. The campaign said it was the vice president's highest-grossing fund-raiser since she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. The reception had none of the hype that accompanied President Biden's mega-fund-raiser at Radio City Music Hall in March or his big Hollywood bash in June, but Ms. Harris's event raised a similar figure as each of those. At the same time, the dizzying amount that Ms. Harris has raised during her two months as a presidential nominee can make even a $27 million fund-raiser feel somehow less than remarkable. The event was held at Cipriani Wall Street, where finance executives joined celebrity speakers like Anne Hathaway, Padma Lakshmi, Whoopi Goldberg, Audra McDonald and Billy Porter in sponsoring the event. Tickets went for as much as $1 million. Ms. Harris gave much of her normal stump speech during her 25 minutes of remarks, although she did make a rare reference to her position on the artificial-intelligence and cryptocurrency industries, issues important to Wall Street. "We will encourage innovative technologies like A.I. and digital assets, while protecting our consumers and investors," she told the donors. She also reiterated her desire for a second debate with former President Donald J. Trump (who has so far rejected the idea). Ms. Harris is also raising significant money online in ways that do not require her time. She took in $47 million in the 24 hours after the presidential debate on Sept. 10, and $36 million in the 24 hours after she selected Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota to be her running mate. Ms. Harris has two more fund-raising events next weekend, in San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to invitations. Mr. Trump, who is being significantly outpaced in fund-raising by the vice president, has scheduled several high-dollar events recently, including two in Texas on Oct. 2 and one at Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Fla., on Oct. 16, according to invitations.
[2]
Harris campaign says it took in $27 million at Wall Street fundraiser
Vice President Kamala Harris does not have much time to drop into living rooms or small cities for fundraisers these days. But in the homestretch of the presidential race, finance events like the one she attended Sunday are worth it. According to the Harris campaign, a fundraiser in New York City on Sunday afternoon raised $27 million for Harris' coffers. The campaign said it was the vice president's highest-grossing fundraiser since she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. The reception had none of the hype that accompanied President Joe Biden's mega-fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall in March or his big Hollywood bash in June, but Harris' event raised a similar figure as each of those. At the same time, the dizzying amount that Harris has raised during her two months as a presidential nominee can make even a $27 million fundraiser feel somehow less than remarkable. The event was held at Cipriani Wall Street, where finance executives joined celebrity speakers like Anne Hathaway, Padma Lakshmi, Whoopi Goldberg, Audra McDonald and Billy Porter in sponsoring the event. Tickets went for as much as $1 million. Harris gave much of her normal stump speech during her 25 minutes of remarks, although she did make a rare reference to her position on the artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency industries, issues important to Wall Street. "We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets, while protecting our consumers and investors," she told the donors. She also reiterated her desire for a second debate with former President Donald Trump (who has so far rejected the idea). Harris is also raising significant money online in ways that do not require her time. She took in $47 million in the 24 hours after the presidential debate on Sept. 10, and $36 million in the 24 hours after she selected Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota to be her running mate. Harris has two more fundraising events next weekend, in San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to invitations. Trump, who is being significantly outpaced in fundraising by the vice president, has scheduled several high-dollar events recently, including two in Texas on Oct. 2 and one at Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Oct. 16, according to invitations.
[3]
2024 Election: Live Updates on the Harris and Trump Campaigns
According to the Harris campaign, a fund-raiser in New York City on Sunday afternoon raised $27 million for Ms. Harris's coffers. The campaign said it was the vice president's highest-grossing fund-raiser since she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. The reception had none of the hype that accompanied President Biden's mega-fund-raiser at Radio City Music Hall in March or his big Hollywood bash in June, but Ms. Harris's event raised a similar figure as each of those. At the same time, the dizzying amount that Ms. Harris has raised during her two months as a presidential nominee can make even a $27 million fund-raiser feel somehow less than remarkable. The event was held at Cipriani Wall Street, where finance executives joined celebrity speakers like Anne Hathaway, Padma Lakshmi, Whoopi Goldberg, Audra McDonald and Billy Porter in sponsoring the event. Tickets went for as much as $1 million. Ms. Harris gave much of her normal stump speech during her 25 minutes of remarks, although she did make a rare reference to her position on the artificial-intelligence and cryptocurrency industries, issues important to Wall Street. "We will encourage innovative technologies like A.I. and digital assets, while protecting our consumers and investors," she told the donors. She also reiterated her desire for a second debate with former President Donald J. Trump (who has so far rejected the idea). Ms. Harris is also raising significant money online in ways that do not require her time. She took in $47 million in the 24 hours after the presidential debate on Sept. 10, and $36 million in the 24 hours after she selected Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota to be her running mate. Ms. Harris has two more fund-raising events next weekend, in San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to invitations. Mr. Trump, who is being significantly outpaced in fund-raising by the vice president, has scheduled several high-dollar events recently, including two in Texas on Oct. 2 and one at Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Fla., on Oct. 16, according to invitations.
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Vice President Kamala Harris's recent fundraiser with Wall Street executives sparks debate as the 2024 election approaches. The event raises questions about the Democratic Party's relationship with big finance and its impact on the upcoming presidential race.
Vice President Harris Taps Wall Street for Campaign Funds
Vice President Kamala Harris has recently hosted a high-profile fundraiser with Wall Street executives, igniting discussions about the Democratic Party's ties to the financial sector. The event, held in New York City, aimed to bolster the party's coffers as the 2024 presidential election looms on the horizon
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.Fundraiser Details and Attendees
The exclusive gathering attracted a who's who of finance industry leaders, including prominent figures from major banks and investment firms. Attendees reportedly paid substantial sums for the opportunity to engage with the Vice President, with some tickets priced at up to $50,000 per person
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.Political Implications and Criticisms
The fundraiser has not been without controversy. Critics argue that such events highlight the ongoing influence of big money in politics, potentially compromising the Democratic Party's stance on financial regulation and economic reform. Progressive members of the party have expressed concern that courting Wall Street donors may conflict with efforts to address income inequality and corporate accountability
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.Harris's Role in the 2024 Campaign
As President Biden's running mate, Vice President Harris plays a crucial role in the re-election campaign. Her fundraising efforts are seen as essential for building a war chest to compete in what is expected to be a highly contentious and expensive election cycle. However, her involvement with Wall Street has raised questions about the administration's commitment to campaign finance reform
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.Republican Response and Campaign Strategy
The Republican Party has seized upon the fundraiser as a talking point, accusing the Democrats of hypocrisy in their criticism of corporate influence in politics. GOP strategists are likely to use this event to paint the Biden-Harris ticket as beholden to special interests, potentially complicating the Democrats' messaging on economic populism
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Balancing Act for Democrats
The Democratic Party now faces the challenge of reconciling its need for campaign funds with its public stance on reducing the role of money in politics. This fundraiser underscores the delicate balance the party must strike between courting wealthy donors and maintaining credibility with its base, which often advocates for stricter regulation of the financial industry
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.Impact on Campaign Messaging
As the election draws closer, both parties will be scrutinizing each other's fundraising activities. The Harris fundraiser may force the Democratic campaign to adjust its messaging on economic policy and financial regulation. It remains to be seen how this event will influence voter perception and whether it will become a significant issue in the upcoming debates and campaign rhetoric
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