Obama hosts fundraiser for Harris in Los Angeles on Friday

Former President Barack Obama is making a significant return to the political arena by hosting a high-profile fundraiser for Vice President Kamala Harris in Los Angeles. This event, scheduled for Friday, aims to raise funds for Harris's campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and various Democratic state parties. It marks Obama's first dedicated campaign event for Harris, following his appearance at the Democratic National Convention last month. The fundraiser coincides with a separate lunchtime event for Harris hosted by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, highlighting a coordinated effort among prominent Democrats to bolster Harris's campaign. The Harris campaign has adopted a unique fundraising strategy, contrasting with the approach taken during Biden's campaign. This strategy has been effective, as evidenced by Harris's recent fundraising success, where she raised $361 million last month compared to Trump's $130 million. Additionally, Harris's favorability ratings have improved, becoming net positive for the first time since mid-2021, suggesting a growing enthusiasm among voters. Ticket prices for the fundraiser range from $500 to $1 million, with the lower-priced tickets already sold out, indicating strong interest in the event. Obama previously raised $30 million for Biden through a fundraiser co-hosted with celebrities, showcasing his continued influence and popularity within the Democratic Party. As the election approaches, the collaboration among high-profile Democrats like Obama and Clinton reflects a concerted effort to energize the party base and support Harris's candidacy against Trump. This event is seen as a crucial moment in the campaign, potentially influencing voter sentiment as the election date draws near.