First lady visits LA-area for Biden campaign fundraiser

First lady Jill Biden speaks about veterans of WWI and the National World War I Memorial, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

LOS ANGELES – First lady Jill Biden made a brief visit to the Southland Friday, speaking at an afternoon fundraiser for her husband’s reelection campaign – the third fundraiser she has attended in two days in two
states.

Biden arrived at Hollywood Burbank Airport early Friday afternoon, then spoke at a Biden Victory Fund event at the home of Kimberly Marteau Emerson and John Emerson north of Beverly Hills, near Upper Franklin Reservoir and Mulholland Drive.

John Emerson was US ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama, while his wife was spokeswoman for the US Information Agency under President Bill Clinton.

In a roughly 12-minute speech, Biden told the roughly 50 people in attendance that President Joe Biden has been a source of stability – both for her and the nation.

“Through the highs and lows of our country and this world – a pandemic, an assault on our capital, a war – he is that same steady leader, the faithful warrior, battling for the soul of our nation,” she said.

“I wouldn’t wish the tragic world events of these past few years on any American president, but I’m so grateful that Joe is our president during these uncertain, unpredictable and tumultuous times.”

She said her husband wakes up every morning thinking about the American people, whereas former president Donald Trump “wakes up every morning caring about one person and one person only himself.”

She wrapped up her remarks by urging people to fight for a Biden reelection, saying Americans’ rights and democracy are at stake.

“This election is going to take all of us,” she said. “So I’m looking forward to working with all of you because we are going to win.”

John Emerson told the crowd the event had raised more than $450,000.

Following the Beverly Hills event, Biden headed back to the airport for a short flight to Phoenix, where she was set to attend another political event.

Biden spoke at fundraisers Thursday in Portland, Oregon, and Kentfield, a San Francisco suburb in Marin County.

President Joe Biden arrived in San Francisco on Thursday evening to participate in two campaign receptions in the San Francisco Bay Area on Friday, then fly aboard Air Force One for Seattle for another campaign reception. (CNS)