Obama to Appear In His First Virtual Fundraiser for Joe Biden

WASHINGTON – Former President Barack Obama is making his fundraising debut for Joe Biden next week, appearing at an online event aimed at reaching thousands of small-dollar donors

Biden, who was Obama’s vice president, announced the fundraiser via Twitter Monday night.

“Folks, I’ve got some big news: Next week, I’m getting together with my friend and former boss, President @BarackObama, for a virtual grassroots fundraiser. We would love to see you there,” he said.

Biden’s tweet linked to a campaign fundraising page and to a form for those who want to ask a question of the two Democrats.

The announcement came just hours after the Biden campaign said it and a pair of affiliated Democratic groups had raised $81 million in May — the strongest fundraising showing of his political career.

The event is being held on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:15 p.m. It will be the first time the two have appeared together since Obama endorsed Biden in April.

Obama endorsed his former vice president after Biden won the support of former rival Bernie Sanders. It is not yet known how often Obama will appear in person with Biden or on his behalf.

The campaign is reportedly hoping Tuesday’s haul will surpass a virtual event with former candidate Pete Buttigieg held on May 22, which drew 36,000 people from all over the country and raised more than $1 million, with an average contribution of $26.

Biden’s recent displays of virtual savvy show he has come a long way since the coronavirus outbreak shut down traditional campaigning in March.

That month, Biden dipped his toe in the virtual pool with a March 20 event held for New Jersey donors.

After speaking for about 10 minutes, the candidate volunteered to take questions from volunteers only to be told it wasn’t technically possible.

He recovered at that time by suggesting people send him questions, which he promised to answer by phone or email.