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President Obama arrived aboard Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
President Barack Obama started a two-day visit to the Los Angeles area Wednesday so he can attend three fundraisers on behalf of his re-election campaign.
The president arrived at Los Angeles International Airport about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. He came from San Francisco, where he had been scheduled to conduct two fundraisers.
Wednesday's POTUS pop-in was Obama's fourth visit to the Southland so far this year.
President Obama addressed the LGBT Leadership Council Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel Wednesday night where he talked about gays and lesbians serving in the military. Telling the story about having met a marine in Hawaii who thanked him.
"He said, 'oh no, sir I'm not gay. It was important to me because I've had friends in my unit that were, and I know how much that tore them up,'" recalls President Obama. "I didn't think that was right. I tell that story so if anybody out there asks you what this campaign is about? You tell 'em it's still about hope and change. We will win this election!"
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres also spoke and Darren Criss, who plays Blaine Anderson on the Fox musical comedy-drama "Glee,'' performed.
Tickets began at $1,250 per person, and approximately 600 people were expected, a campaign official told City News Service.
Many attendees in line outside said they decided to support the president's reelection after he came out in favor of same-sex marriage.
"I think he's done a great job on gay rights in general, keeping his promises," said one man in line. "But certainly, a month or so ago, when he came out for equality for marraige, it moved me terribly and made me double down my support for the president."
After the Beverly Wilshire event, Obama headed to the nearby home of "Glee'' co-creator Ryan Murphy for a $25,000 per person dinner with 70 people, the official said.
His visit, like past presidential trips to LA, affected traffic on the Westside.
The Los Angeles Police Department on Wednesday afternoon advised drivers to avoid the Westside, including 405 Freeway, Wilshire Boulevard and adjacent streets, and Beverly Hills. Those areas had rolling closures in affect from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.
President Obama will conclude the trip Thursday with a fundraising breakfast at the home of developer Charles Quarles and his wife JoAnn in View Park.
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