President Obama was in Chicago yesterday, returning to his hometown to attend three fundraisers for his re-election campaign.
Obama’s first event was at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum attending an event for about 500 young supporters who paid from $44 to $100 for their tickets. It was hosted by CSI: NY actor Hill Harper and featured singer Janelle Monae.
“I’ve said before, I’m not a perfect man. I’m not a perfect President.” said Obama during his speech, “But I’ve promised you this, and I’ve kept this promise: I will always tell you what I believe, I will always tell you where I stand. I will wake up every single day thinking about how I can make this country better, and I will spend every ounce of energy that I have fighting for you.”
Obama’s second stop was a fundraiser for 60 people at the home of media mogul Fred Eychaner where tickets cost $35,800 per couple.
“This will be my last campaign.” Obama said, joking to supporters that having a friend in politics must be like always having a kid in college.
“I’m finally graduating.” he said.
The final event of the night, was held at the residence of Stuart Taylor, managing partner of The Taylor Group, a private equity firm. Over 140 people reportedly attended paying $7,500 for a ticket.
“It’s all my neighbors!” Obama said as he walked into the event, according to White House pool reports.
The president did stop by his old house in Hyde Park for about 20 minutes but he didn’t reveal his activities there to the press.
“Is somebody mowing the grass in front of my house?” he asked the crowd “…I don’t want people talking about me. ‘He’s a good president but nobody’s mowing the lawn. Bringing down property values.’ ”
The three events in Chicago raised at least $2 million.
