Democratic Heavyweights Unite for Fundraiser as Kerry Continues Campaign Push

At a crowded fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee, several high-profile Democrats, including former President Jimmy Carter, former President Bill Clinton, and Senate Minority Leader John Kerry, gathered to raise money for the party. With a total of $11 million in "hard" money raised, the event aimed to support the party's efforts in the upcoming general election. However, the evening's event, which brought together two former presidents and the party's presumptive nominee, exposed some coordination issues among the Democratic heavyweights.

Key Takeaways:

• Former President Jimmy Carter appealed to Ralph Nader, advising him not to risk costing the Democrats the White House as he did four years ago.
• Former President Bill Clinton praised Howard Dean, stating that he was the first person to legitimize dissent against the current administration.
• Senator John Kerry's speech focused on his campaign promises, including a tougher stance on national security and a more effective war on terror, and he pledged to fight back against the Bush campaign's tactics.
• The Kerry campaign has received several key endorsements, including those from Howard Dean, the United Auto Workers union, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
• The UAW has pledged $30 million to mobilize its 1.4 million members in support of the Kerry campaign.
• The event raised $11 million in "hard" money, the limited, regulated kind that donors can give to national parties.

Statistics:

• $11 million: The amount of "hard" money raised by the Democratic National Committee at the event.
• 1.4 million: The number of members in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which has pledged $30 million to support the Kerry campaign.
• $30 million: The amount pledged by the AFSCME to mobilize its members in support of the Kerry campaign.
• 2,000: The number of donors present at the fundraiser.