President Joe Biden jokingly asked a roomful of Democratic fundraisers and insiders not to jump in the White House pool during a weekend meal to thank them before he leaves office.
However, several participants still felt disheartened following the election.
“Good evening everyone . . . If you have a seat, please take it. Don’t jump in the pool!” Biden remarked with amusement at the tented black-tie soirée on the South Lawn of the White House, where the pool and fountain are situated.
“[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. 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,” he went on, as per a C-SPAN video.
Significant benefactors and members of Biden's cabinet attended, along with "friends and others who have consistently supported the Bidens over the years." Previous and present ambassadors attended the prestigious event.
Former Democratic vice presidential contender Governor Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, were observed conversing with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo amidst the crowd.
A source told PageSix that specific donors who contributed $250,000 or more opted to forgo the event.
Insiders who were invited but did not go referred to it as "the losers' party." Numerous individuals expressed a desire to dissociate from the Democrats at present due to Donald Trump's humiliating defeat in the election and dissatisfaction with the $1.5 billion expended on the unsuccessful campaign.
However, another participant described the occasion as a “real love fest,” adding, “It was obviously sad, but also just a real sense of respect for the Bidens. It was just stunning.”
The insider stated that, oddly, it was also quite enjoyable – akin to a final celebration. Musical performances also occurred.
Biden, 82, commended Jill but refrained from referencing Trump or the election. He stated, "Our cause endures."
Meanwhile, on November 21, Biden welcomed the championship-winning Boston Celtics basketball team, joking about his Irish heritage and throwing a basketball into the audience. However, the U.S. president could not avoid drawing a more significant lesson.
“When we get knocked down, we get back up. As my dad would say, ‘Just get up, Joe. Get up.’ Character to keep going and keep the faith; that’s the Celtic way of life. That’s sports. And that’s America," the most powerful man in America said.
Such events remain part of the ceremonial responsibilities of a "lame duck" president with diminishing influence. Biden has appeared weakened in recent months, initially relinquishing his opportunity for re-election and subsequently being marginalized by his vice president's unsuccessful presidential campaign, Kamala Harris.
However, with Donald Trump threatening his legacy, the president is encountering demands to alleviate the impending crisis. Advocacy organizations assert that Biden, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, may still implement measures in his remaining two months in office to expedite expenditures on climate and healthcare, safeguard civil liberties, and fortify certain foundational aspects of US democracy against potential threats from Trump.
Trump's hallmark campaign pledge was a severe enforcement of illegal immigration laws. He has nominated officials, including Tom Homan and Stephen Miller, architects of family separations at the southern border during his first term, and vowed to use the US military to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
The proposals entail compulsory detention, which may confine immigrants in terrible conditions for extended periods while they contest deportation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is spearheading a campaign imploring Biden to cease the ongoing development of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, particularly those with histories of human rights violations.
The White House dinner and Biden's concluding months in office elicited varied responses on social media. "$1.5B wasted on a campaign? No wonder top donors skipped this so-called celebration," a netizen penned on X. “Biden thanking his supporters shows he’s still committed. Respect his message about faith and resilience," a supporter stated.
“Trump’s immigration plans are terrifying. Biden needs to act quickly to protect basic civil liberties," a third source said. “Biden tossing a basketball at the Celtics event was fun, but the real focus should be on his final policies," another netizen commented.
“Democrats must regroup. Biden’s farewell events are nice, but we need action on climate and healthcare," a fifth X user added. “Time’s running out. Biden has to halt ICE facility expansions before Trump doubles down on cruelty," another netizen responded.
Business Times has reached out to President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for comments.
