'I'm your biggest fan": Lady Gaga pays $35,800 to attend Obama fundraiser

[ClarkUSA]

Here are names of other Obama fundraising donors in Hollywood:

$38,500 donors:
Will Ferrell, Gwyneth Paltrow, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Ellen DeGeneres, Eddy Murphy, and Steven Spielberg

$10,000 donors:
Jane Lynch and David Hyde Pierce

Other donors:
Alec Baldwin, JJ Abrams and Will.I.Am

Lady Gaga was last night paid $35,800 to attend an exclusive Obama fundraising event in California.


Fan: Lady Gaga paid tribute to Mr Obama at the fundraising dinner (file picture)

The singer did not perform at the event attended by around 75 guests, but thanked the President for what he has accomplished and asked a question during a Q&A... According to a source, Gaga asked a question during the Q&A, when she referred to the suicide last weekend of a bullied 14-year-old gay fan of hers.


Tragic death: Lady Gaga asked a question following the suicide of Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old gay fan of the singer's who said he was bullied

She thanked the President for what he has accomplished in office and then read from a letter from a fan about the suicide of another fan who had been bullied... Gaga praised the President for holding an anti-bullying conference with the First Lady and then made a plea to everyone in the room to do what they can to prevent bullying.

http://tinyurl.com/ladygagasupportsobama

[Tarheel_Dem]

1. K & R

:dem:

[dionysus]

63. why is that donkey feller kicking joe biden? what is the meaning of that? does he like fightin'?

;)

[lillypaddle]

2. Kick & Rec nt

[Arctic Dave]

3. Elitist circle jerk?

[ClarkUSA]

5. "elitist" is a RW slur for liberals who are highly educated and/or wealthy. Why are you using it?

It was a popular RW smear used against both Al Gore and John Kerry during their presidential campaigns. Republicans have begun to use it against Elizabeth Warren in her MA Senate race. It's troubling when I see it being used against pro-Obama donors at a Democratic forum.

What's "elitist" about Lady Gaga?

[Arctic Dave]

8. A slur? LOL

Anyone in any political party that shells out that type of money is an elitist.

[ClarkUSA]

9. Yes, it was used against Al Gore & John Kerry. Now the GOP are using it against Elizabeth Warren.

"Anyone in any political party that shells out that type of money is an elitist."

You must be pretty god-like to sit in judgment of people you don't know. Do you even know what the term means?

1. A person who believes that they are superior to others (and thus deserve favored status) because of their intellect, social status, wealth, or other factors.

2. Somebody who believes that society should be ruled by an elite class.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=elitist

What evidence do you have that Lady Gaga or anyone else on that donor list is an "elitist"? Hmm?

I think you'd be more credible if you reserved the term for conservative donors, who actually fit the description exactly.

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ClarkUSA]

12. Lady Gaga runs the world? Who knew?

:rofl:

[Whisp]

14. she has a control device in her Electric Chapel

for all that world ruling she is doing.

:rofl:

[ClarkUSA]

17. Meanwhile George Clooney is hypnotizing global womenfolk into doing his bidding with his eyes...

:rofl:

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ClarkUSA]

19. "Obama is." You're now dusting off a RW talking point from 2008.

And you keep proving you have no clue what "elitist" means.

[Arctic Dave]

21. I read your definition. I do know what it means. Thank you for that.

By your own post, I am correct.

I am not trotting out anyones talking points but reality's. It does have a liberal bias though.

[ClarkUSA]

22. What evidence do you have that Pres. Obama, Lady Gaga, George Clooney etc. are "elitist"?

Do you have any supporting evidence that backs up your claim? Remember, here's the definition of "elitist" from Urban Dictionary:

1. A person who believes that they are superior to others (and thus deserve favored status) because of their intellect, social status, wealth, or other factors.

2. Somebody who believes that society should be ruled by an elite class.

Having made serious money in one's lifetime doesn't make anyone an elitist, just like being a member of the middle-class doesn't make anyone a populist.

And you're welcome, BTW.

[Arctic Dave]

28. So you are saying Obama doesn't want the best person to run things?

Are saying he is into cronyism?

[ClarkUSA]

32. Those are strawman fallacies. I've repeatedly asked you for evidence for your claims.

You obviously have none.

[Arctic Dave]

33. How many truck driver were there? How about teachers? Construction workers?

Oh yeah, that's for cattle calls and speechifying to say he's one of "them".

[ClarkUSA]

34. You have no proof for your ridiculous claims and you can't admit it.

Gotcha.

[RichGirl]

23. People with wealth, fame, etc...are elitest...SO WHAT!!!

There is nothing wrong with being an elitest, in fact, I don't know of anyone who wouldn't like to be one. Unless some weirdos think being poor and unsuccessful is really cool!

Republicans have made it a dirty word as if it's a bad thing which proves how stupid and desperate to find fault they are since McCain, Romney...even Bachman and many other republicans are elitest as well.

So really...what is the purpose of you pointing out that these donors are elitest??? Do you think that there's anyone here who didn't already know that????

I for one...would LOVE to be an elitest!!!! I would tattoo the word on my forehead!!

[stevenleser]

60. Reality DOES have a Liberal bias. Trouble is, you're not being a Liberal.

Making sweeping negative generalizations about people you havent met and whose behavior you havent observed is not Liberal. It's the opposite of Liberal or progressive.

[treestar]

42. Why should we feel bad about that?

Sounds like you want us to feel left out or something! Very junior high.

[Mimosa]

26. ^ Not the best definition ^

Clark, I think the definition below, from the online "Free dictionary" is more precise.

e·lit·ism or é·lit·ism (-ltzm, -l-)
n.
1. The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources.
2.
a. The sense of entitlement enjoyed by such a group or class.
b. Control, rule, or domination by such a group or class.

I've no dogs in this hunt but IMO perceiving a group of people, particularly the ultra-rich in show business, as elitists, is not particularly 'right wing'. People who happen to have socialised with people of the caliber of those on the list, even if we are leftists, are able to understand the insulated, privileged, aura which surrounds them. Yes, many are elite, catered to, and the more sheltered from 'reality' they become the more elitist some are.

Lady GaGa isn't a very bright person at all. I doubt she understands concepts including the 1st amendment which would prevent the President from issuing an executive order or a dictate against 'bullying' in schools. OTOH, George Clooney is a very intelligent man. Anybody who'd put his muscle behind "Good Night and Good luck" and "Up in the Air" would seem to know a lot about important issues.

[ClarkUSA]

35. Arctic Dave also called Pres. Obama an "elitist". That is particularly a right wing meme from 2008.

So is sneering at liberal Hollywood supporters of Democratic presidents as "elitists". Anyone who has the money to donate $38,500 is an "elitist" according to Arctic Dave, which is ridiculous. There is zero evidence to back up such a judgmental claim.

[musicblind]

46. Lady Gaga is actually very intelligent and very well informed.

She comments on politics very often, and nobody should be surprised that she would attend a fundraising dinner for Obama.

She was granted early admission to the Tisch School of Music. She writes all her own songs, and plays multiple instruments. She writes songs for a lot of other artists you have probably heard of. From Adam Lambert to Cher. More recently she even directs her own music videos.

George Clooney seems to also be a very intelligent man.

However, I do not see where you get the notion that Lady Gaga is politically unaware. She has pushed the importance to a younger generation of people knowing their own congressmen and calling them to let their voices be heard. She has made youtube videos, spoken at rallies, and has always been a very vocal and active constitute.

[Fearless]

48. Not that I care either way but at least lets use a reputable definition...

e·lit·ist
  Show IPA
adjective
1.
(of a person or class of persons) considered superior by others or by themselves, as in intellect, talent, power, wealth, or position in society: elitist country clubbers who have theirs and don't care about anybody else.
2.
catering to or associated with an elitist class, its ideologies, or its institutions: Even at such a small, private college, Latin and Greek are under attack as too elitist.
noun
3.
a person having, thought to have, or professing superior intellect or talent, power, wealth, or membership in the upper echelons of society: He lost a congressional race in Texas by being smeared as an Eastern elitist.
4.
a person who believes in the superiority of an elitist class.


http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/elitist

[GSLevel9]

10. you're reaching.

These wealthy attention whores certainly ARE elitist...

[ClarkUSA]

13. You and Arctic Dave have no clue what the definition of "elitist" is.

1. A person who believes that they are superior to others (and thus deserve favored status) because of their intellect, social status, wealth, or other factors.

2. Somebody who believes that society should be ruled by an elite class.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=elitist

What evidence do you have that Lady Gaga or anyone else on that pro-Obama donor list is an "elitist"? Hmm?

I think you'd be more credible if you reserved the term for conservative donors, who actually fit the description exactly.

[Ter]

51. You're right

I prefer limousine liberal. Although that wouldn't fit Gaga, she's right 100% on this and only recently became rich. Baldwin and Sean Penn, however, are the definition.

[boppers]

43. Oh, a call for infighting? I think I'll pass.

On all future posts, as well.

[dionysus]

64. i take it you you're offended by obama raising money for his campaign.

[Booster]

4. I love Lady GaGa - glad she's on our side.

[Booster]

6. Forgot to add I hope she gets all her Little Monsters to vote.

[YellowCosmicSun]

7. That is true power right there. She can organize like no campaign could.

[Booster]

24. Yes, I believe she is a powerful source and she has millions of

followers. Hell, I'm 68 and I think she's talented as Hell, not to mention a very kind soul.

[ClarkUSA]

41. I agree. I hope she will help Democrats get out the vote come November somehow.

[Booster]

25. Again, I forgot to add Welcome to DU (it's an age thing - ha)

[Life Long Dem]

15. Saw news that Obama should make $8 million in the next 4 days.

It was flashed across the screen of one of the cable news channels - either CNN, FOX, or MSNBC had it. That's a good chuck of money.

[JoePhilly]

16. At least he thinks he should pay taxes on that money.

Sad the GOP disagrees.

[Mimosa]

27. Political campaigns do not pay taxes on contributions, do they? n/t

[JoePhilly]

29. The person I responded to suggests that Obama "made" $8 million.

Are they wrong????

Were they lying???

[ChadwickHenryWard]

31. The money doesn't go in Obama's wallet.

It's for his Presidential campaign. It won't be taxed because it cannot be construed as his income.

[TheWraith]

55. "Made" as in raised for his campaign, not "made" personal income. nt

[Dreamer Tatum]

57. facepalm nt

[vaberella]

20. God...I just can't get past my dislike of these celebrities. n/t

[ChadwickHenryWard]

30. This raises serious questions about money in politics.

I don't know about the rest of the posters on this board, but I don't have $38,500 to give to the candidate of my choice. In fact, right now I don't have any money I can spend on influencing politics. While my concerns are just as valid as any attendee of a $10,000 a plate fundraiser, I can't buy access to decision-makers like some of the exceptionally wealthy individuals listed here. All I have is my voice in public fora like the Internet, which, you will note, doesn't account for much.

Don't get me wrong: the cause that Gaga is promoting is a very important one. She is using the exceptional wealth and fame with which she has been blessed to promote the well-being of marginalized people in American society. This is probably one of the most effective ways that she can promote her cause. To be honest, I think Gaga is totally blameless in doing what she did, even if it contributes to the pernicious influence of money on our politics. But here's the problem: the cause itself only benefits because a wealthy and influential individual has taken it up. I could have a concern that is just as important as anti-gay bullying. I just don't have the money and influence necessary to promote my issues. And of course, many of the people that have money and influence (Koch brothers, e.g.) promote some very bad ideas. The issue doesn't stand on its own merit - it only fares as well as the money and fame of it's advocates can manage.

[KoKo]

36. Isn't that Something...I wonder when Madonna and Paul McCartney will get on Board...

That's really cool. I hope it brings in more big buck.

Thanks for the post... Fascinating.

[ClarkUSA]

38. Well, considering some people are so "disappointed" in Pres. Obama they refuse to donate a dime...

... I'm glad others like myself and Lady Gaga are picking up the slack. :)

[KoKo]

37. AND...I can't wait for Bob Dylan to chip in! How much you think he and Brittany Spears are worth?

What about "SNOOKIE" from Jersey Shore.

Remember when some Media Whore asked Obama if he knew who "Snookie" was and he laughed..

I'm sure SNOOKIE is up for a few thousand.

I could go down the list. What about the KARDASHIAN GIRLS! They've gotta be on Obama's Side. After all they appear daily on Huffington Post. ....:eyes: Actually Huffington Post has them a few times a day. Even Josh Marshall at TPM featured SNOOKIE! and from time to time mentions...Jersey Place.

[ClarkUSA]

39. Obama will never raise as much Hollywood $$$ as Bill Clinton did in the bad ol' days of soft money.

But Citizens United compels him to do the best he can.

Considering I doubt you'll contribute a dime to President Obama's campaign given your history of consistently negative rhetoric , do you have a problem with his trying to raise money for the Democratic Party for what will likely turn out to be a very close election cycle where Republicans are going all out to win the Presidency, take the Senate and keep the House?

[Name removed]

40. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mimosa]

58. That's mean and unnecessary, Clark

Have YOU considered how many of us who did contribute a good bit early on to Obama's campaign -even in the primaries (I used to send my donations with the saying 'Early Money Is Like Yeast')- now are financially strained to the degree where we don't have any money to donate, even if we wanted to?

My little family is doing far worse than we were in 2007-2008, although working harder, much harder.

You may be secure. I'm happy you are. But please think how much thoughtless jibes may hurt the feelings of those who financially feel we're losing.

[ClarkUSA]

62. Not at all. You're conflating what I said into a false narrative, Mimosa.

[Mimosa]

65. 'Shaping narratives' is what PROFESSIONAL PR politicos do.

I don't get paid to post narratives or deliver talking point to gullible suckers. :7

[blue neen]

45. Is there a specific reason the people you mention can't support the candidate of their choice?

All American citizens have the same Constitution, right?

I'm wondering what the reason is for your anger at Bob Dylan.

[FrenchieCat]

44. I really appreciate Lady Gaga......

I've seen her everywhere lately.....Born to Dance, So you think you can dance.....

Seems like she's a very good advocate for the causes that are near her heart,
and that she puts her money where her mouth is. With a downturn economy, since its
much harder for people struggling to give, I see she doesn't mind taking up some of the slack.

[blue neen]

47. IMHO, people who stick up for the victims of bullies are not "elitest" in any way.

Lady Gaga is using her platform for good causes. :)

:dem:

[FrenchieCat]

49. I don't what it is with this labeling. How does this get anything done?

It's like, ain't we got better things to do with this big tent?

One minute folks are saying they aren't gonna give,
then, they don't want folks with money to give either.

How in the hell do we win election without NO money?
Where is this even coming from. Did the election law on money change,
and now, no one but the opposing party needs money to run a campaign?

Do we want to simply put a plastic bag over our heads, and call ourselves breathing better too? :shrug:

[tammywammy]

50. +1 n/t

[stevenleser]

61. Sure they are. They are elite humanists and elite empathizers. Elite and elitist are not necessarily

bad.

[donheld]

52. David Hyde Pierce? This is my favorite because

I had him figured as a republican. It's great to be wrong!

[JI7]

53. you might be thinking of Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce did work with Maureen Reagan

on Alzeimers issues and i think they were friends so some might think he was a republican because of that. he attended her funeral and i think spoke also.

[donheld]

54. I did think that because of his relationship to Kelsey. Like I said

I'm very glad to be wrong.

[TheWraith]

56. Actually, I was surprised to see him simply because he hasn't been that active lately.

I figured that he'd disappeared off somewhere to retire on the money he made doing "Frasier."

[Number23]

59. Dangit. Too late to rec. How the heck did I miss this???

She gives me the heebie jeebies but I do really like two of her songs and really like her message of empowerment and self-love. Her cover/interview in Vogue recently was magnificent.

Jamey was a beautiful little boy. God, my heart goes out to his parents.