News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/17th June 2024
US President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court, declaring it “has never been as out of kilter as it is today.” He made these remarks at a high-profile fundraiser attended by former President Barack Obama and Hollywood celebrities such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand. The event successfully raised $28 million for Biden’s campaign.
Biden, who typically refrains from publicly attacking the Supreme Court, emphasized his disapproval, stating, “The Supreme Court has never been as out of kilter as it is today.” He criticized the court for being “far out of step” with the nation, specifically mentioning conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, who suggested that the court reconsider issues like in vitro fertilization and contraception following its decision to overturn the long-standing federal right to abortion.
Since Biden assumed office, the Supreme Court has made several significant rulings affecting gay rights, gun control, and environmental regulation. It has also blocked key elements of Biden’s agenda, including immigration reforms, student loan forgiveness, vaccine mandates, and climate change policies. Notably, former President Donald Trump appointed three of the six conservative justices who currently dominate the nine-member court.
The star-studded fundraiser aimed to energize potential supporters for the upcoming November election, which many attendees stressed as one of the most crucial in American history. In a conversation with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, Biden and Obama highlighted the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in what is expected to be a closely contested race. When Kimmel asked if the nation had forgotten about the challenges of Trump’s presidency, Biden responded, “All we gotta do is remember what it was like” during Trump’s time in office.
The event featured performances by Jack Black and Sheryl Lee Ralph, with actors Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman introducing Kimmel. Kimmel, in turn, introduced Biden and Obama, emphasizing the high stakes of the election, including issues related to women’s rights, health care, and the expansion of voting rights.
The fundraiser was particularly significant for Biden, who traveled from Italy after completing the G7 summit, spanning nine time zones, to attend. This demonstrated the importance of the event for his reelection efforts. However, this meant Biden had to miss a summit in Switzerland focused on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Vice President Kamala Harris representing the United States instead. This highlighted the delicate balance between Biden’s geopolitical responsibilities and his bid for a second term.
The event underscored the urgency and high stakes of the upcoming election, as Biden and his supporters mobilize to secure a victory. The fundraiser not only showcased the financial and celebrity support behind Biden but also highlighted the significant political challenges and priorities his administration faces. With the Supreme Court’s conservative majority frequently opposing his policies, Biden’s critique reflects broader frustrations within his administration and the Democratic Party.
As the election approaches, Biden’s campaign is likely to continue emphasizing the contrast between his administration’s vision and the actions of the Supreme Court, particularly on issues such as reproductive rights, health care, and climate change. The high-profile nature of the fundraiser, along with the involvement of prominent figures from politics and entertainment, underscores the importance of this election for the Biden administration and its supporters
