Obama Fundraiser - No shows: Streisand, Spielberg...

[Control-Z]

Reported on KFI, AM Talk Radio - Barbara Streisand, Steven Spielberg and other big name celebrities were no shows for the Obama fundraiser that was held tonight at the home of TV executive John Wells, writer, director and producer on the series "The West Wing".

I didn't catch all the names, but it sounded like quite the snub. I don't know how credible these guys are on KFI, but they made it sound pretty bad.


Edit: to fix quotation marks.

[Liberty Belle]

1. Babs & Spielberg are Jewish. Maybe they didn't like his comments

supporting a mosque near Ground Zero.

gotta agree, while Muslims have a right to open a mosque, out of respect for the victims who lost family at 911, the right thing would be for them to respect that pain and not exercise their "right" in this location.

Open it someplace else, not in the shadow of the WTC.

[Bluebear]

2. OH FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE what a reach!!

:rofl:

Ridiculous.

[JI7]

4. most opposing the Mosque are Christians

[jberryhill]

37. The ADL is Christian now? /nt

[JI7]

38. i said most, not all

[jberryhill]

39. Did you take a poll?

Of course among any "group having an opinion" where the "group" is composed of Americans, your "most" statement will be trivially true, as a simple result of demographics.

Most Americans who support, say, Likud, are Christians too - of the variety for whom Armaggedon is a necessary condition for Jesus to return.

My guess is that the ADL and the Simon Wiesenthal Center are fairly mainstream organizations, both of whom have gone into un-American conniptions over this thing, along with, yes, more numerous whackadoodle Christian organizations.

[MichiganVote]

6. That's funny, I thought it was terrorism that brought us 911, not Muslims.

I must have it confused with the Christians and the crusades.

[Desertrose]

7. You do realize that there were many Muslim lives lost on 9/11, too

don't you? That many many were first responders. This is a slap in the face to those who risked their lives to save everyone.

Why shouldn't they be allowed to build their COMMUNITY CENTER where they want?

[Jim Sagle]

10. + infinity

:headbang:

[niyad]

13. did you hear KO's special comment tonight? you should

[CocaNova]

15. Do you have a problem with Jewish people,dear ?

If not then sorry for assuming you were.

[niyad]

23. welcome to DU

[CocaNova]

24. Thank you !

:)

[Cherchez la Femme]

35. My

first though aussi.

Welcome, welcome to DU!

[Liberty Belle]

60. My Dad was Jewish. My grandparents lost their entire family in the holocaust.

So I have a pretty good idea of the depth of pain that 911 victims' families are suffering.

Why anyone would want to add to their pain is beyond me. There are many places to build a mosque. Of course not all Muslims are terrorist. Most are not. But people in NY who lost loved ones have suffered enough, and should not be asked to live in fear in the shadow of something that symbolizes the belief system that motivated their loved ones murderers. Just as it would not be a great idea for a German society to open an office next door to a Holocaust museum. How about showing as much concern for the innocent victims and their families as for the people who are chosen to seek a mosque in the least possibly welcoming location? This is the equivalent of poking a stick in the eyes of people who have already suffered and lost enough.

[caledesi]

18. LB, almost 100 muslim-americans also died at WTCs.

what about those families??

[Starbucks Anarchist]

58. They're not "real Americans."

:sarcasm:

[Bluebear]

61. .

[Golden Raisin]

31. Yes, of course!

All Jews, like all Muslims, and all Christians, think, agree and act exactly alike. :sarcasm: As a Manhattanite, I say we ban ALL religious establishments/edifices south of Canal Street. No, make that 14th Street. That'll solve the "in the shadow" problem.

[malaise]

43. They either have a right or they don't have a right

Their right cannot be influenced by your opinion. The Constitution says they have the right - deal with it.

[joeybee12]

48. The constiution gives the right to exercise religion, NOT

a right to exercise of religion BUT.....

Series-ly...you hear these idiots saying, yes, it's their right BUT

Either it is or it isn't.

[jillan]

46. That's silly - Rabbi's have come out in support of the Mosque.

[Bluebear]

53. Silly Rabbi's, Trix are for ....

never mind :)

[LostinVA]

51. OMFG

:rofl:

[proud2BlibKansan]

56. Good grief

:rofl:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

57. Then explain the rabbis who support the mosque, genius.

[NYC Liberal]

62. Mmm, and what about the Muslims who lost families

on 9/11?

Or is it only Christians and Jews who could ever be victims and feel pain?

Why, exactly, is a community center "painful"?

[patrice]

3. What do they care about what happens between now and 2012; they'll never need Medicare.

[JI7]

5. stupid, it's one of those where if they attended the whores would have went on about wealthy Stars

hanging out with Obama and Obama being out of touch.

[Dawson Leery]

8. Scheduling conflicts?

[Control-Z]

21. Unfortunately, they were supposed to be

co-hosts along with a few other big names.

'Spielberg, Streisand among those hosting Obama's L.A. fundraiser'

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/08/spielberg-streisand-among-those-hosting-obamas-la-fundraiser.html

[Pirate Smile]

22. and it was known that they wouldn't be there but they obviously still wanted to be listed as hosts.

I'm sensing a lot of concern.

[Control-Z]

25. I'm not sure what

"I'm sensing a lot of concern" means. I'll skip over that for now.

So are you saying that these guys (on KFI) are stirring up shit over something that was already somewhat planned? I wouldn't put it past them. It's a right wing station with the worst hosts imaginable (including Rush Limbaugh).

[blogslut]

9. Were they invited?

UPDATE: Looks like it doesn't matter if Ms. Streisand or Mr. Spielberg were there or not - both were sponsoring the event:

http://www.thewrap.com/deal-central/column-post/president-obama-hollywood-fundraiser-tonight-20154

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118022952.html?categoryId=14&cs=1#ixzz0wmMB9ZBV

[Control-Z]

17. The were to headline the event -

'Barbra Streisand, Steven Spielberg to Headline Obama Fundraiser in L.A.'

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20013786-503544.html

For that reason, it will probably stand out even more than it would normally have. Not that it would have been overlooked.

[blogslut]

20. That's not what Variety says

When it comes to the biz we call "show" I'll trust the accuracy of their reporting over CBS any day of the week.

[Cherchez la Femme]

36. Why would they sponsor and not show up to their own shindig?

:shrug:

[JDPriestly]

41. They gave money. Usually, some sponsors often show up and others don't.

Giving money is the most important thing. It's more important that being there. The point of this party was to collect campaign money. Was the party to benefit Obama, the DNC or Barbara Boxer? Does anyone know what it was really for?

Because if the party was to benefit Barbara Boxer in any way, I would like to remind everyone that she is, herself, Jewish I believe, so the absence of Spielberg and Streisand would not have anything to do with religious issues.

Spielberg and Streisand are probably somewhat bored with these kinds of events. They have most likely been involved in a lot of them for various political and charitable causes. These things become rather tiring for people who attend them a lot.

[niyad]

11. is there any independent confirmation of this?

[Control-Z]

27. I don't know of any.

The hosts on this station practically salivate over any negative news they can find about Obama. They could be out and out lying.

[Merlot]

12. Have you ever listened to KFI

It's not faux news, but it would probably love to be.

[Control-Z]

28. Unfortunately I have.

But not often - just enough to know they lean way right and broadcast Rush Limbaugh. I'm sure they're not above lying or exaggerating.

[Politicalboi]

59. Except for Handel in the morning

KFI is very close to being Faux, if not owned already by Faux. Handel can be more funny than political.

[Pirate Smile]

14. Here you go: "not expected to attend the event because of schedule conflicts"

By evening, Mr. Obama was in Los Angeles for a glitzy fundraiser expected to raise $1 million for Democratic congressional candidates. The event was hosted by television producer John Wells, whose hits include "The West Wing." Filmmaker Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. founder Jeffrey Katzenberg are among the hosts, but were not expected to attend the event because of schedule conflicts. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced the president at the event.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/08/17/politics/main6779328.shtml

If they wanted to snub Obama then they wouldn't be listed as hosts of the party.

edit to add - here is the pool report:

Pool Reports: Obama Fundraiser in L.A.Fundraiser pool report

Motorcade departed at 6:10 Pacific time from the Beverly Hilton, speeding down Century City and Olympic boulevards, where Angelenos snapped cell phone pictures and waved. One held a small sign proclaiming, "We need jobs," but this was a friendly crowd. Motorcade turned onto Hudson Avenue, passed lush lawns and lovely houses to the home of John Wells, producer of television shows such as West Wing, ER and China Beach.

The 10-minute ride brought us to a landscaped front yard that was more English garden then lawn, with topiaries, paths, and a fountain with a large great blue heron spouting water.

The event has raised $1 million. Entry was $2,500, but co-hosts, such as JJ Abrams, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Cindy and Alan Horn, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg (not actually here), Janet and Tom Unterman and Barbra Streisand (not actually here) paid $30,400 a couple.

Judd Apatow is also here, as is House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Former NFL head coach Dennis Green is also here, as is Taye Diggs and wife and Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, who will entertain.

Here's the whole list:
Additional Attendees

Members of the California Congressional Delegation expected to be in attendance:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Chairman Howard Berman
Congressman Brad Sherman
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Congressman Joe Baca
Congresswoman Laura Richardson
Congresswoman Judy Chu
Congressman John Garamendi

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Former CA State Speaker and Congressional candidate Karen Bass (Bass is running CA-33, the Diane Watson open seat. The event is being held is Congresswoman Watson's district)

Debra Decker, the winner of a DCCC online contest for grassroots donors will be attending this fundraising event with her daughter Amber Romero. She contributed $25. They are from Phoenix, Arizona.

Final Pool Report

First the scene: the pool was ushered back through the Wells' estate and onto a veranda overlooking a walled courtyard with a pool, surrounded by grass lawn, manicured lemon trees, sage, rose bushes and Japanese maples. The crowd milled around, drinking wine brought by waiters. A string quartet stood down as first Chris Van Hollen spoke, then Nancy Pelosi, who praised "a very, very successful event," then introduced Potus.

He bound on to a brightly lit stage at 7:22, the air cool, the sun softening, and declared, "What a spectacular evening. Let's just hang out."

Speaking without notes or a teleprompter, Potus spoke of the tough times that greeted him. "This is exactly when you want to be president. This is why I ran, because we have the opportunity to shape history for the better." He said keeping Congress in Democratic hands would be "my focus over the next several months."

"I hope you understand why we're here tonight. It's not to take a picture with the president," he said. "We're here to make sure those who took the tough votes are rewarded."

To the Hollywood crowd, he declared, "We have been able to deliver the most progressive legislative agenda -- one that helps working families -- not just in one generation, maybe two, maybe three."

He then segued into the ditch imagery, when you want to go forward you shift to D, when you want to go backward, you shift to R, etc.

"Even as the other side wants to offer fear, we're going to offer hope," he concluded at 7:51, wrapping up a half-hour speech to loud applause.

He did not linger. The motorcade zipped back to Beverly Hills as the sun set over Olympic Boulevard. Good night, all.

http://thepage.time.com/pool-report-obama-fundraiser-in-l-a/

[Control-Z]

30. Thank you!!

I can't wait to show this to my future ex. He just loves to point out the president's mistakes and flaws to me and was gloating over the broadcast on KFI. He's a registered democrat but sounds more like a republican by the day.

[SidDithers]

52. +1...

Facts are good.

Sid

[Scurrilous]

55. Even if they're buried at the bottom of the thread.

:P

[lob1]

16. They're both very liberal. Maybe they were asked to

leave. Or maybe they were taking Rahms advice and shutting the F up. Money is speech the courts say.

[sandnsea]

19. Nancy Pelosi: "a very, very successful event"

Let them go support Nader I guess. Some people never learn.

[Kaleva]

26. Appears they paid $30,400 each even if they didn't show.

[JI7]

40. some snub

[uponit7771]

47. Yeap, their Obama hate is showin

[JI7]

29. Spielberg was also supposed to be at Chelsea's wedding

[saracat]

32. For God's sake. Co-Hosts are just names. They don't have to be there.

What a flap over nothing. They gave their stamp of approval. It isn't really a party.It's a fundraiser. They raised money .Big Whoop. The "star" was the Prez.

[K8-EEE]

33. Arg I we got stuck on Wilshire near La Cienega forever because of this

but hope it rased lotsa dough!

[Control-Z]

34. I heard it was really bad.

And starting somewhere around 4:00 pm? Eek. But I would love to have seen him. Were you anywhere near the motorcade?

[K8-EEE]

45. Nowhere, matter of fact

I didn't even know what was going on until I got where was going and heard people talking about it.

[JDPriestly]

42. We got stuck around there too and finally gave up and went home.

Never did reach our destination.

[K8-EEE]

44. We did get there but some people from the other direction didn't

We were traveling westbound on Wilshire to Beverly Hills to see a film (Ronald Colman's "A Double Life" - CLASSIC!) at the Academy Theater....we ended up parking a few blocks east and walking there. They postponed the movie for half an hour but later I heard that coming the other way did give up and turn around.

[county worker]

49. I don't trust the motives of KKKfi

Where they invited?

[K8-EEE]

50. The MC where I went had a funny joke about the traffic

He said the following Monday (it's an every Monday night film screening) Meg Whitman was having a fundraiser but not to worry since she & her checkbook were the only invitees so there wouldn't be much traffic. Somebody in the crowd yelled out "Million dollar a plate dinner!"

[spanone]

54. 'reported on talk radio' god, it HAS to be true