Biden hosts farewell dinner for donors at White House; people debate 'love fest' or 'losers party'
US President Joe Biden, alongside US First Lady Jill Biden, speaks as they host a dinner to thank longtime supporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on November 21, 2024. Photograph:( AFP )
Story highlights
Former Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, were also spotted at the party, who were seen talking with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
Former Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, were also spotted at the party, who were seen talking with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted a farewell dinner for their donors and insiders at the White House at a weekend.
Biden addressed the guests during the dinner at the South Lawn, where the pool and fountain are located, jokingly telling them not to jump in the pool.
“Good evening everyone,” Biden said. “If you have a seat, please take it. Don’t jump in the pool!”
“[First Lady] Jill [Biden] and I are hosting this dinner tonight for a very simple reason — to say thank you. Thank you to so many dear friends,” he said, according to a video on C-SPAN.
“We began this journey to redeem the soul of the nation and define the light in the darkness. And I never could have gotten to where the White House has become without you and we never could have gotten as much done as we did without you. And that’s not hyperbole. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.”
Former Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, were also spotted at the party, who were seen talking with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
‘Real love fest’ or ‘the losers party’
While some attendees described the dinner party as a “real love fest” and called it “absolutely gorgeous”, some insiders were not so happy with Biden’s loss to Trump in the presidential elections, calling the event “the losers party ” and disappointed in spending for the campaign that failed.
Also read | From picking Vance to blocking Pompeo, Trump junior is calling shots in US transition process
Some donors did not attend the party and many said they did not want to be associated with the Democrats after their embarrassing loss to Trump, according to Page Six, who cited a source.
“Weirdly, it was also really fun — like a last hurrah,” a source told Page Six.
The black-tie event also witnessed musical performances. Biden also praised the first lady, however, did not mention the election or Trump.
(With inputs from agencies)
