While Republican presidential contenders debated one another at the first GOP primary debate in Cleveland, Ohio, Thursday night, Hillary Clinton mingled with celebrities at a Hollywood fundraiser that netted her campaign at least $675,000.
Music talent manager Scooter Braun, who represents young stars like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, hosted a fundraiser for Clinton at his home in Los Angeles that was attended by Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Kris Jenner and other stars, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Notably, Kim Kardashian posted a photo of herself, a grinning Clinton and West, her husband, on Instagram Thursday night, captioning it, "I got my selfie!!! I really loved hearing her speak & hearing her goals for our country! #HillaryForPresident."
The Clinton campaign shared the same photo on Hillary’s Instagram account shortly after, labeling the two stars her "new friends." Kris Jenner, Kardashian’s mother and Caitlyn Jenner’s former wife, also excitedly posted a photo of herself with Clinton to social media.
According to emails circulated by the Clinton campaign to supporters, the Democratic presidential candidate did not watch the Republican debate. Campaign manager Robby Mook during a commercial break interrupting the debate declared of the Republican field, "Hillary Clinton is going to do just fine against any one of them. They’re all so out of touch."
Meanwhile, Clinton--who has described herself as the "champion" of low-wage workers--expressed gratitude to her wealthy Hollywood crowd for having been "angel investors in my start-up." With admission priced at $2,700 per head, the event, attended by 250 individuals, funneled at least $675,000 to the Clinton campaign. Bloomberg reported that those who raised raised $27,000 or more also gained admission.
Usher, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Jessica Alba were also present at the fundraiser, during which Clinton spoke for 30 minutes, touching on the difficulty of running for president--"It’s hard," she lamented--and reaffirming her commitment to defend Planned Parenthood and "women’s right to choose."
The trip to Hollywood was Clinton’s third since the launch of her presidential campaign in April. The former secretary of state raised $3 million in a single day by attending three separate campaign events in the Beverly Hills area in May, returning again in June for fundraisers hosted by actor Tobey Maguire and HBO executive Michael Lombardo.
A majority of American voters currently do not believe that Clinton cares about the needs and problems of average Americans.
The Democratic presidential candidate has a slew of fundraisers planned for the month of August, three of which will take place in the Hamptons during the Clintons’ vacation to the ritzy New York destination.
One of the events, to be held at the estate of acclaimed fashion designer Tory Burch, will offer supporters the opportunity to pay $2,700 to appear in a photo with the Democratic presidential candidate.