SWITZERLAND/FILE: George Clooney's fundraiser for Barack Obama in Geneva a sellout

Record ID: 718993

  • Title: SWITZERLAND/FILE: George Clooney's fundraiser for Barack Obama in Geneva a sellout
  • Date: 4th September 2008
  • Summary: VENICE LIDO, ITALY (RECENT - AUGUST 27, 2008) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CLOONEY POSING WITH FELLOW ACTOR BRAD PITT FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF 'BURN AFTER READING' AT THE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL VARIOUS OF CLOONEY AND PITT SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS AT OPENING OF FILM VARIOUS OF CLOONEY AND PITT ON RED CARPET POSING FOR PHOTOS
  • Embargoed: 19th September 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA67UTHGP5IUKI4KMBB4AH9LDXX
  • Story Text: Academy award winner George Clooney hosts a fundraiser for Barack Obama, which could infuse over 900,000 U.S. dollars into the Democratic presidential candidate's campaign.
    American actor George Clooney raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama on Tuesday (September 2) by headlining an exclusive event for Americans in one of the world's most affluent cities, Geneva.
    The event was split into two parts: the first was a private cocktail at the "Musee International de la Reforme" where Clooney spoke to some 170 Americans who paid 1,000 U.S. dollars (USD) a head to attend the event.

    "I think everybody that was there was already fired up, but it only sort of affirmed what we believed already. It was a short speech, he definitely had his talking points down, it's a great delivery, he's very funny," said Sarah Chapman of Clooney's speech.

    "Mr. Clooney gave an excellent speech tonight. It was very stirring and very moving," added another Obama supporter who declined to give his name.
    The second part of the fundraiser was an exclusive dinner at the home of organiser Charles Adams -- where 75 invited guests paid a hefty 10,000 USD for a seat. Most of these guests flew into Switzerland from cities as far as Los Angeles, or nearby Prague, Zurich and London. Adams, the American lawyer who organised the twin "private" events, had the privilege of hosting the "intimate seated dinner" with the 47-year-old star at his apartment nearby.
    Clooney, approached several months ago through a mutual friend, responded "quickly and positively" to the idea of holding an overseas event. This was according to Adams, who serves on Obama's National Finance Committee and recently attended the Democratic Convention in Denver.
    The choice to hold the event in Geneva was influenced by the fact that Geneva is a city where reserve is a way of life; and the star was assured he wouldn't be attacked by fans.
    The Hollywood actor officially endorsed Obama early last year, comparing him to the likes of John and Robert Kennedy.

    "I'm a big Obama guy. I've been an Obama guy from the very beginning, but I think throwing your weight can often be the elephant in the room if you are not careful. You know, my father ran for Congress and I did not campaign for him because you can actually hurt them. The idea is to try and support them as much as you can and not get in the way," Clooney said earlier this year.
    The actor-director was fresh from his appearance at the world premiere of the Coen brothers' comedy "Burn After Reading" in Venice. He slipped without fanfare into Geneva for his first appearance on behalf of the Democratic nominee.
    The two events could infuse more than 900,000 USD into the Democratic war chest ahead of the November 4 election which pits the Illinois senator against Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, who is due to be formally nominated on Wednesday.
    In keeping with U.S. laws, only American citizens were allowed to buy tickets to the fundraiser which has had the normally sober Swiss city buzzing.
    Geneva's daily 'Le Temps' called the fundraiser the "most anticipated 'people' event of the year, but also the most discreet".
    Hollywood has long had a strong connection with U.S. politics. Actors Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger were both elected Republican governors of California, and Reagan went on to become the 40th U.S. president.
    Gwyneth Paltrow currently appears in a film ad on YouTube for Democrats Abroad, encouraging American expatriates to register and cast their ballots.
    Nearly 6 million Americans live abroad, including some 16,400 in Switzerland. Some 4,463 of them reside in Geneva, known for its high-end jewellers and watchmakers, as well as its private banks catering to the very rich.
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