Bad timing for Barack Obama to hobnob with Hollywood celebs?

The sense is visceral among many Democrats that when John McCain expressed confidence in the "fundamentals" of the economy to start the week, he returned the focus of the presidential race to a fundamental issue that will benefit Barack Obama.

The Democrat's chief strategist, David Axelrod, certainly thinks so; chatting with reporters today, he said the campaign had been "blasted" back to first principles -- pocketbook concerns.

He made his comment on the Obama flight to Burbank after two days of stumping in Colorado, where the candidate hammered McCain as out of touch with average Americans.

But where was Obama headed after landing in Burbank? To Beverly Hills, for a couple of off-the-charts, star-studded fundraisers (including one headlined by Barbra Streisand).

Axelrod, reporter Michael Finnegan of The Times' relates, was asked about prospective Republican attacks on Obama for hobnobbing with Hollywood royalty.

“I think [voters] have heard the whole Republican whoop-de-do before, and this time, I don’t think they’re going to subscribe to it, because there’s so much at stake,” he replied. "I honestly think that [GOP] efforts to deflect attention from the fundamental situation in our economy are just going to fail."

We'll see, because McCain took a shot at Obama's evening itinerary as he wrapped up a rally with running mate Sarah Palin in Vienna, Ohio.

“He talked about siding with the people … just before he flew off to Hollywood for a fundraiser with Barbara Streisand and his celebrity friends,” McCain said. "Let me tell you, my friends, there is no place I’d rather be than here, with the working men and women of Ohio.”

The Times' Noam Levey, on the trail with McCain, notes that he made no mention of the well-heeled crowd he mingled with Monday night in Miami at a particularly lucrative fundraiser for his campaign.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Republican Folly]

The Republican strategy to turn around the economic disaster of the last eight years will be to....

“He talked about siding with the people … just before he flew off to Hollywood for a fundraiser with Barbara Streisand and his celebrity friends,” McCain said. "Let me tell you, my friends, there is no place I’d rather be than here, with the working men and women of Ohio.”

Is this the main concern of the Republican candidate? So I take it there are no answers from the Republican party as to what direction we need to go. The is only idle cocktail gossip. Are your voters that dense?

[LA Crimes]

Where's the other side at this blog? This is entirely right leaning. This is not representative of LA Times' readers. I'm getting sick and tired of one nasty Republican missive after another constituting this blog. Take it to the Free Republic if you want to spew this garbage and give your subscribers a BALANCED blog to enjoy.

[Barbara]

John McCain is such an idiot, he continues to try to portray Obama as a celebrity. Well he failed to mentioned his huge fund raiser being held in England where the media is not welcomed. I for one do not want that lying slithering slimmy snake in the White House. But, we must be careful of the dumb people who will still vote for him and his lies.

[Sandra S]

Dishonorable John McCain has some nerve mocking Obama. He has brought sensationalism into the race and elevated an unqualified candidate to celebrity status for her gender alone. Frankly, Barbra Streisand is probably more qualified than Palin. She has been around awhile and knows the issues affecting America. Palin has to be given a fast track course on America - and then coached by handlers on how to read cue cards. John McCain is showing who he really is now - a liar, a dishonorable man who is willing to do anything to get elected. I consider his credibiity and integrity compromised and does not deserve to hold a position of trust.

[holly]

It is simple

Obama is an elitist.

He hangs out with movie and music stars. He has no idea how the rest of us live.

Go Sarah Go.
Now Sarah is part of the regular guy crowd. Hurray for US.

[Carl C]

McCain says Obama has too little experience to lead, then gets Palin as a running mate. He says Obama is mixing with the stars, and yet he is doing the same thing. McCain voted 90 percent of the time with Bush, and we have a near economic collapse, but he thinks the economy is sound, and that the middle class is people who earn 5 million a year. Hmmmm. No wonder the blogs are 3 to 1 in favor of Obama!

[MarkD]

meh.. no big deal. McCain just did a fund raiser there as well. only difference is McCain wants it to be secret. he'll take h-wood money as long as he can deny it. hypocrite

[Jane]

Stop it! Stop it, LA Times! Stop it, press! Both candidates fundraise, and there's nothing illegal or immoral about fundraising in Hollywood. In fact, judging by the magazines at the grocery store checkouts, middle America actually likes Hollywood. So stop stop stop stop stop stop covering the "hobnobbing with celebrities" stuff when our whole financial system is undergoing a seismic shift! Stop catering to the lowest common denominator! Stop stop stop stop stop stop stop! And for shame!

[Terri]

No. Obviously it was a pre-planned event. McCain had the same type of event in Miami on Monday. Why isn't that making headlines?

[Anon]

This is an irresponsible article. This fundraiser is only an issue if people like Don Frederick make it an issue by writing pointless articles about. What exactly are we supposed to take away from reading this blog article?

Both candidates raise vasts sums of money by attending "well heeled fundraisers."

This article is what we call a distraction and bad journalism. Please find some real issues to talk about.

[lil]

Relax... Obama is Hollywood, that's just the way it is... but so was Clinton... oh, that didn't end so well did it?

[Clugs]

It gets old when BOTH campaigns are constantly telling the media what the average American thinks. Axelrod saying that most Americans won't care what Obama is doing with celebrities is stupid. Neither candidate has a clue what voters want (an actual discussion on the issues)

[Keith B]

It is beyond belief for Obama to think that this doesn't matter. I truly believe that when the elite in Hollywood use their fame to affect the rest of us - we take note and I for one am offended by it. I like to vote with my pocketbook, personally. It some small way I can quietly have my say. Since the last election I never pay to see someone whom I feel has utilized their fame to take advantage of the rest of us who don’t have a soapbox before millions to influence others. For goodness sakes, these people say memorized lines to a camera or sing words of a song. These are our guides? We are in real trouble. I live in Southern California and this place is so far left I am afraid it is going to fall off into the ocean any day. It DOESN’T represent America by any measure. It is totally loony out her. Just look at the Pelosi, Boxer, etc… Kind of embarrassing isn’t it?
I urge others to do the same. Simply stop paying to see them. Let them depend on their liberal left-leaning friends to put the millions into their banks accounts. Walk the talk.

[JOJO]

Now Repos they have their own celebrity thhey don't envy Obama for that.

[Thomas]

This woman looks like death warmed over. Can't he do better than this??

[sallie]

hey folks,
Obama either takes your tax dollars to campaign (which he declined) OR he earns his own through donations (which is admirable). You can't have it both ways....McCain is usiing YOUR money to blow on lying ads---AND YOU GET NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER, while Obama is getting VOLUNTARY donations from the poor, middle class and rich to fund his campaign.
What, you wish Obama had decided to suck your public $84 million iinstead?

[Mike Paulson]

It's no big deal that Obama is flirting with Celeb's, after all McCain firts with the Celeb Cindy all the time. (that would be the super rich Celeb he dumped his wife to marry)

[George]

Yes.

In a time when the economy has major issues, people are losing their homes, I am struggling to pay for gas, and people have to choose between food or medication, Obama goes to Hollywood and charges $31,000+ per person to be in his presence?

Now, if it were a fundraiser to help Michigan families pay their mortgage or help provide money for alternative energy research, it would be much more palatable.

It just reinforces the Obama is one way in Scranton and another in San Francisco line...

[cta]

7 houses

$310,000 outfit

Who's out of touch?

[Martin, GA]

better keep a promise, a schedule and tell the truth then playing McGaimes

[Larry Clifton]

Obama is Santa Clause to the Republicans and Jouhn McCain. He just want stop giving. Babs is the poster girl for elitist Hollywood narcissism and rich left-wing loon squads. These are the very people that most Americans nver relate to in their world.... And there he is, Jeremiah Wright's alter boy, talking in circles about change that he can't articulate the meaning of.
I'm sure glad he sacked Hillary. Pepublicans may even take back the House on McCain coattails.
http://americanpoliticalblog.wordpress.com/

[JHD]

What's the big deal? Politics in this day and age cost money so their will be hobnobbing for both parties.
And I am sure John McCain and his 7 houses just love rust belt Ohio...

[lucy2008]

Dear Sir,
This is a nice but small article.

Yes, I agree with David Axelrod that there is too much that is dear at stake. The Republican campaign is bringing money like mad from many sources including evangelical churches who are also getting out the vote. Just because this is entertainers, does not mean that they are not allowed to contribute their efforts to the cause. And even on a sour day of crisis the cause can not be more deep. Barbara Streisand is a highly respected singer and rarely does any event. This means a lot.
People are upset about the Republican party and how right wing they have become and what Bush/Cheney have done to the country and overseas. When Mrs. Palin quoted the fascist and racist, Westbrook Peglar, during her VP acceptance speech at the RNC (a person who made statements for the assination of RFK), many have taken deeper notice. This election has a great deal of meaning on many levels and the sparkles and ting tingling of Hollywood will not take away from the goal.

[JudiNV]

I gotta say this article is pretty petty. I mean, if Obama wants to attend a fund raiser that is bringing in the big bucks, more power to him. The same goes for McCain.

Print some real news for cripes sake!

[sue]

If Obama and Hooywood Dems care so much for the "People of America" why doesn't he take this Hollywood cash and send it down to Texas where there is real devastation?

I boycott movies!

[Sherry]

At $28,500 a plate, that was one expensive meal!

[mbviews]

good post. a rare sign of journalism the way it should be. talking about the campaigns and the choices they make.

[Andy]

Who cares if he has celebrity friends. They’re people who are concerned about the economy just like the rest of us. Clearly the Hollywood elite are looking for change as well. Good for Obama for reaching out to everyone.

[I hate Sarah Palin]

...Nor did he make a mention (and you didn't either) that Palin fundraised today with W.J. Timken. Timken is somewhat notorious in Ohio. No tiny url, but here's the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/16/palin-fundraises-with-ohi_n_126840.html? And here's a quote:
"Timken's company, additionally, is a toxic figure within Ohio's working class community. Only four years ago, Timken Co -- one of the largest manufacturers of tapered roller and needle bearings in the country -- was responsible for job losses in one of the hardest economically hit areas in the United States: Stark County, Ohio.

"He is the stereotypical Republican," said Johnnie Maier, chairman of the Stark County Democrats. "In John McCain's book, Tim Timken makes more than $5 million so he is not middle class... They made $1 million in a [fundraiser] in a county where the private sector and the public sector are laying off people everywhere because people are broke."

In the 2004 campaign, Timken Co. found itself at the center of a provincial but significant political battle. A year and a half before that election, President Bush visited a Timkin plant to tout the trickle down effects of his tax cut policies. "The future of this company is bright, and therefore, the future of employment is bright for the families that work here," he declared.

But all was for naught. Slightly more than a year later, the company's then-chairman, W.R. Timken Jr. said he would close the plant in which Bush had spoken as well as two other plants in the Canton area. He cited business concerns. And more than 1,300 people were threatened with job losses...In May 2004, Bush returned to Canton, this time in full campaign mode. The president visited Timken, then a "ranger", having raised more than $200,000 for Bush's reelection..." The article also states that the fundraiser was held at a country club. Is this McCain's definition of "working" men and women?

[non-partisan]

Babs is certainly looking bitter these days...why is it that most Dems always look so unhappy...when they are always asking for the "moon?" Was it because they were always picked last on the playground and memories die hard?

[Sandra S]

How dare McCain mock Obama for his fundraiser with Barbra Streisand, a woman probably much more qualified to be VP than his performing monkey on a string? He grandstands Palin and pushes her celebrity status with his supporters and than mocks Obama? How dare this lying, dishonorable man.

Also, as noted in the article "he [McCain] made no mention of the well-heeled crowd he mingled with Monday night in Miami at a particularly lucrative fundraiser for his campaign."

[Lain]

After Obama went back on his word about public financing, he's been having to go around looking for new donors... next stop... Hollywood... funny.

[joni davis]

I honestly love that Obama is going to Hollywood for fundraisers. Thats where the money is for his campaign. Why not. mcsame does it all the time. I hope to see Obama raise 10 million dollars. California is his. Yea!!! Thank You BABA.

[Zach]

They see Barack's popularity as a celebrity as a bad thing. But it actually promotes the candidate and makes people pay attention. Just ask Sarah Palin. I think it's a good thing Barack is having a celebrity fundraiser.

[E. in Houston, TX]

Is there any wonder why there's been little or no comment so far on this bone-headed premise of yours? Other than the no-solutions-on-anything McCain campaign which tries to grab at anything, folks with real issues and commom sense, I might add, will see this as what it is. A fund-raiser, period. Last I checked, unlike McCain, Obama rejected tax-payers funding for his presidential campaign. Where else do you suppose he will get the funding to run a campaign and defend himself against Mccain and so-called "reporters" with hidden agenda like you?

[gettyleigh]

how is this a biased blog? normally the trash that is written in the blogs at the La Times are left leaning. there have been several times that my comments contradicting the left leaning blogs were not even posted because they didnt align with the liberal views of the left or because i lambasted the writers of the blogs for not being objecctive. if you read the blog you'll see that there is a shot from obimbo fired at the McCain campaign. As for McCain being dishonest, thats the pot calling the kettle black. time and again obimbo has been proven wrong about his statements; especially those that surround his background.

"If you’re 20 and not a Liberal, You have no Heart. If you are 40 and not a Conservative, You have no Brain" Sir Winston Churchill

[Uppity Negro]

"It's deja vu all over again (thanks YB)."

Do you remember all those Bill Clinton ads in 1992 that began with "It All Starts With A Middle Class Tax Cut!"

Less than 3 months after his election he said he "worked harder in the past few weeks" than he "ever worked in his whole life" but just couldn't find any way to cut taxes.

In fact, he raised them. Clinton later unwarily admitted in front of a live mike in a half-emptied room that he "raised taxes too much." But he never attempted to correct that poor little over-taxing boo-boo.

Obama is not Clinton. But like Clinton, Obama's plans will require more money than now being collected.

Historically the only way to get more money is to cut taxes. JFK proved it; Reagan proved it. And (credit where it's due) Bush-43 proved it.

Many politicians and their client social classes instinctively enjoy raising taxes on "the rich" in order to "get even."

The more you tax rich people though, the less money they have left over for hiring and investment. The economy slows, less money changes hands, and fewer taxes get collected.

Obama's promise of unfair higher tax burdens on successful rich people proves one thing--that he's in favor of unfair taxation.

Unfair taxation is but one symptom of unfair government. There is something inherently evil in singling out any specified minority for unfair treatment, regardless of why it's a minority. And it's evil to support people who announce and espouse candidly their openly unfair policies.

I don't support McCain. But the more Obama reveals of himself the more I may eventually be driven to the McDud ticket (holding nose, and tipsy first).

[zach]

When McCain and Obama start to talk about the real issues notice how McCain starts to lose. McCain doesn't want to talk about policy, he wants to call Obama a "celebrity".

[Lo Harm]

Oh please -- get real ... before you sink this country any deeper!
McCain Holds Celeb-Packed Fundraiser

By Michael D. Shear
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Sen. John McCain continues to attack Sen. Barack Obama as a celebrity, but that doesn't mean that McCain is above associating with them.

At a fundraiser in Hollywood Monday night, McCain rubbed elbows with a chorus of television and movie stars while raising some cash in the final days before his Republican convention. About 1,600 crammed into a ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hilton, the campaign said.

Earlier, Patricia Heaton, star of "Everybody Loves Raymond" joined McCain on the Straight Talk Air today for a flight from Sacramento to Burbank, descending down the front stairs of the plane together and posing for pictures.

And in the morning, Daddy Yankee, one of the biggest stars in the Latino community, endorsed McCain in front of a gaggle of screaming teenagers...,

Before the fundraiser, McCain was on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

[Annie OMalley]

Obama once again proves that for him, it's about the money, and he can be bought. Part 2 of "Hollywood goes to Washington."

[theoatwa]

for me it's gop numbers never add up, which with most americans having a hard time balancing a checkbook or saving, it probably doesn't matter until it does, then we overreact sideways.

we've a 1 trillion hole right now after 2 tax cuts during 2 wars all borrowed with interest from china. mccain wants to double-down on the tax cuts so we've anothe... Read Morer 3.3 trillion piled on. and so far he's found 17 billion of earmarks to cut.

nobody will be able to escape the basic arithmetic. folks can dogmatically assert that tax cuts solve all economic problems big or small but the evidence say otherwise. in 7 years wages have fallen net inflation. that's never happened before.

lop-sided tax cuts for rich spurred markets/investments that flow overseas for best returns as rich don't spend (thus rich). and now we've a gluttony of financial and credit assets going through a firesale w/ prices tanking. and consumer demand, 2/3 of economic activity, has dried up w/ no wage growth or bubble credit left.

[MR]

I'm not a stupid guy and I for one am convinced that anyone that thinks taxing BIG Anything is going to save me money forgot to take the finance 101 final. I waffle back and forth between Obama and McCain. I think the only stupid voters are those that are so convinced that "their guy" is the only right guy. After all neither of them are going to get it 100% right.

[Lori]

Obama went to the $28000 per head dinner after talking about on people's side. What kind of people can afford a $28000 dinner? So much on people's side.

[Addison]

people dont trust Obama......He will not face of with McCain man to man. I want some debates......not all this crap..........
Palin will tear Biden to Pieces........

Democrats I know you have a problem with the way our democracy works......You think the election should be Decided by the Matt Daemons and Wolf Blitzers of this world but Im sorry to say that everybody gets one vote...and the people who elected G.Bush to office 2 times are the same people that will elect McCain to office this time.......

You guys just need to pick a halfway decent canidate next time.......This guy is Shady and unproven.

[Aycee]

I think McCain owes Barbara Streisand an apology. She's a terrific person who stands by her convictions. So she's a celebrity, so what. Isn't McCain, Palin and even Obama for that matter. The media has made them such. Stop your immature whining and get a life McCain, hopefully one that is as far from political life as possible. And while we are on the subject of Celebrity status, something that is generally equated with having a lot of money, property, and in general, a lifestyle that is beyond the reach of ordinary Americans, McCain has 12 properties. Of course he couldn't tell the reporter who asked him, where they are, but nonetheless, he's not an ordinary Joe like you or I. He's got it cushy. I doubt that even Barbara has 12 houses.

[Dmitriy]

Elitist Barack Obama not only mingles with celebrities of his own status but employs crooks like Penny Pritker. Who was the first subprime lenders to stick it to borrowers and have her bank seized and also Obama’s campaign Finance Chair (as confirmed on April 3, 2008) and a potential Secretary of the Treasury in an Obama administration.

With Obama's wealth redistribution our economy will go down the drain, because who do you think will pay rich people's taxes? You and me.

[SexintheCity]

This election is so dumb. To be honest, I have the same experience as Obama. I have not even heard anything about Biden or what he has been doing. Everything is all about McCain and Palin. This election is not about policies or the economy. It is a popularity contest like back in high school for the homecoming king.

[Grace]

It seems the Obama supporters are getting very skittish! Most articles are overly partisan to Barak Obama and he still can't get ahead in the polls. Don't knock John McCain because he is a stronger candidate. The problem is the Democrats have a poor candidate. You chose the wrong one- Hillary Clinton would have had a smooth, triumphant path to the White House!

[Right to Win]

palin believes that bringing on the end times is her duty as a pentecostal, fundamentalist christian. rapture queen. she loves hurricanes, thinks the wrath of god is sexy.

[RDJay]

John McCain is clueless. He wants to do whatever he wants to do and say and criticize Obama for doing or saying the same... He's proven that twice within in a week. First with that "Lipstick & Pig" gaffe and now criticizing Obama for doing the same thing that Palin did the night before...

On Monday, Sarah Palin hosted a major fundraiser on behalf of John McCain in Canton, Ohio. The event, which raised $1 million, was organized by W.J. "Tim" Timken Jr., a major Republican figure in the state.

Hypocrisy in it's rarest form.