Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential nominee has contracted COVID-19, forcing her to withdraw from a high-profile Hamptons fundraiser on Monday.
Page Six reported that the event, which was held in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, saw a last-minute substitution with former President Bill Clinton stepping in to fill the gap left by his wife.
The last-minute change did not dampen the enthusiasm at the event, which raised significant funds and showcased strong support for Harris, with the involvement of notable figures.
The Sag Harbor fundraiser was hosted by renowned art collectors Lisa and Richard Perry, attracting a well-heeled crowd eager to show their support for the Democratic ticket.
Originally scheduled to feature Hillary Clinton, the event took a turn when she was diagnosed with COVID-19, prompting Bill Clinton to step in alongside Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris' husband.
The event was no ordinary gathering. Tickets at the highest tier were priced at $100,000 each, underscoring the exclusivity and significance of the occasion.
The fundraiser was described in the invitation as "one of the last small events in the NY area before the election," emphasizing its importance in the final stretch of the campaign season.
In addition to the Perrys, the event was chaired by a group of influential individuals, including Sharon and Jon Corzine, Crystal McCrary McGuire and Ray McGuire, Brooke Garber Neidich and Dan Neidich, and Laurie Tisch. The presence of these prominent figures further highlighted the high stakes of the evening, as well as the strong network of support behind Harris and Walz.
Earlier that same day, another Democratic fundraiser took place at the home of MWW chief Michael Kempner.
Kempner, who has a history of hosting significant political events—including a gathering for Barack Obama at his New Jersey home in 2010—helped raise additional funds for the campaign. The combined efforts over just four days reportedly brought in over $2 million, reflecting the intense enthusiasm for the Democratic ticket.
Hillary Clinton's COVID-19 diagnosis came at a time when concerns about the virus were once again on the rise. At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Clinton received a standing ovation, multiple attendees tested positive for COVID-19.
The virus’s presence among such high-profile gatherings raised questions about the safety of in-person events, even as the campaign season intensified.
The wave of COVID-19 cases among attendees at the Democratic National Convention led many to share their diagnoses on social media, further highlighting the virus's ongoing impact.
Despite the health concerns, the enthusiasm for Harris and Walz remained undiminished, as demonstrated by the substantial sums raised at the fundraisers.
Bill Clinton’s participation in the Sag Harbor fundraiser was a last-minute decision, made necessary by his wife’s illness.
Despite the sudden switch, Clinton's presence was well-received, and he effectively stepped into the role intended for Hillary, helping to maintain the event’s momentum and ensuring that the message of support for Harris and Walz was clearly communicated.
The Sag Harbor event was positioned as one of the last opportunities for major fundraising in the New York area before the election. With the stakes higher than ever, the presence of both Bill Clinton and Doug Emhoff at the fundraiser underscored the importance of the event in the broader campaign strategy.
The last-minute nature of Hillary Clinton’s withdrawal and the rapid adaptation to Bill Clinton’s involvement are emblematic of the unpredictable nature of this campaign season. As the election approaches, the ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances—whether they be health-related or otherwise—will likely play a crucial role in the final outcome.
The two fundraisers, held within the span of a single day, contributed significantly to the campaign’s coffers.
The fact that these events raised over $2 million in just four days is a testament to the strong support for Harris and the Democratic ticket among influential donors and supporters.
