Want lunch and a picture with the president? It'll cost ya.
President Barack Obama arrived by motorcade to the USC campus Friday before noon. But it was almost two hours before the president addressed a crowd estimated at 30,000 to 40,000-strong at Alumni Park.
What did he do before the rally? The President hosted a fundraiser for California Senator Barbara Boxer. It was, according to one of the 300 in attendance, a wildly successful, upbeat lunch with superstar entertainment.
Stevie Wonder addressed the crowd and played several songs. Magic Johnson was scheduled to attend but got stuck in traffic. A lot of prominent Democrats were on hand, but the only speakers were Boxer and Obama.
The luncheon was a fundraiser for the junior senator from California. Tickets ranged from $1,000 to $32,000. The $1,000 scored donors VIP Parking, lunch and VIP seating at the rally on Campus. If you ponied up $32,000, donors got a private moment with the President and a photo op.
When guests arrived, lunch was ready and on the table. It was light, California fare -- chicken on a bed of micro greens, vegetables and lemonade. Dessert was chocolate mousse.
After Obama addressed the luncheon, he said “I’ve gotta go. I’ve got 30,000 folks waiting for me outside.”
