Forget dark restaurants and hotel ballrooms. The hippest spot for a congressional fundraiser these days is at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour or a concert stop on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. Some lawmakers are crazy in love with the idea, one they know all too well.
In a twist on the meet-and-greet schmooze fests that routinely dot the fundraiser party circuit, some members of Congress are shaking hands — or exchanging friendship bracelets — with donors and others at concert venues, in VIP boxes or suites. Just as the Federal Reserve credits Swift’s tour for boosting the tourism industry, and the overall economy, the Eras and Renaissance World Tours have been a means for lawmakers to boost their own campaign coffers.
These fundraisers are not necessarily illicit affairs. Candidates are generally allowed to spend their campaign funds as they wish, including renting out corporate space for fundraisers at market rate. In these cases, the event spaces just happen to be at venues for entertainers headlining the highest grossing concert tours in history. And those spaces can cost thousands of dollars.
The concerts, however, do not appear to be raking in the cash for lawmakers.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) rented a suite at Swift’s second Las Vegas show for a March fundraiser that he estimated netted profits between $20,000 and $30,000, after expenses. His campaign reported spending more than $17,500 on the ticket resale platform StubHub in January, and more than $6,000 for catering at the concert venue, Allegiant Stadium. Tickets to the fundraiser went for $2,500 each, according to an invite reviewed by POLITICO. Swalwell could not remember the exact number of attendees, but estimated there were between 12-40 people.
“No one leaves a Taylor Swift concert sad,"e; he said. "e;It’s like one of the happiest, most uplifting, uniting experiences I think anyone can be a part of, and my job, you don’t get a lot of that.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) estimated her May fundraiser at a Swift concert in Philadelphia netted $25,000 for her campaign. About 18 people attended, she said. Tickets went for $3,000 a person, or $5,000 for two. Some attendees paid less than that, and some paid more.
“I gotta come clean: my granddaughter inspired it,&pos; she said of the 12-year-old, Aubrey, a &pos;certified Swiftie.&pos;
Aubrey, her mother, and her stepmother tagged along to the fundraiser, too. Some campaign staff were disappointed they did not make the cut, Dean said. One of her senior staffers said there had been a bit of rancor over selecting a Swift concert for the fundraiser instead of a Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour stop. (Perhaps those staffers could have aided Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester when her campaign held a fundraiser at a Beyoncé concert. The Delaware Democrat declined to comment, through a spokesperson, on details of the event.)
For Swalwell, his reputation as a Swiftie goes back years. (&pos;Five years ago, I was bopping ‘Cruel Summer,’&pos; he said. &pos;Subpoena my playlist.&pos;) In 2020, his team was the first to partner with Swift for a political ad, getting her permission to use her song, "e;Only the Young."e; It depicted youth at protests and President Donald Trump and allies against the lyrics, "e;The big bad man and his big bad clan."e;
In addition to his Las Vegas fundraiser, Swalwell appeared at fundraisers at Swift concerts for Dean in Philadelphia and for Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) in Pittsburgh. His campaign reported spending over $1,200 for food and beverages at Swift’s Philadelphia venue. Swalwell also held a second fundraiser around the Eras Tour movie that premiered last month, he said.
Some officials interviewed maintained there was a unique benefit to engaging with donors outside the typical D.C. reception circuit. Karl Thurmond, who co-chairs California Democratic Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove’s finance committee, said the concert fundraisers allow donors to get to know the politician on a more relaxed and personal level. The Kamlager-Dove campaign held a fundraiser at a Beyoncé concert in September — on the same night as the singer’s birthday. The group at the event spotted Kris Jenner and other celebrities by their suite, Thurmond said.
“Everybody was whooping and hollering, including the congresswoman,&pos; he said of the "e;about 16"e; people who attended. “Everybody was dancing in our suite.”
That their campaigns were able to snag tickets — which can cost several hundred dollars each — over many beleaguered fans unable to grab some at a reasonable price on Ticketmaster has not been lost on lawmakers. Congress and the Department of Justice have been reviewing monopoly concerns around Ticketmaster after the botched pre-sale for Swift concert tickets in 2020. The company blamed the malfunction on a "e;technology failure."e;
“I totally get your concerns about the optics and potential conflicts of interest that arise from these concert fundraisers. It’s definitely a complex issue that raises important questions about campaign financing and the influence of wealthy donors in politics. Striking a balance between fundraising necessity and maintaining the integrity and transparency of our political system is no easy task. Perhaps implementing stricter regulations and disclosure requirements could help address these concerns. It’s definitely a conversation worth having!”
Using concerts as fundraising opportunities is an interesting strategy for politicians. It allows them to tap into the enthusiasm and energy of concert-goers. However, it’s important to ensure that campaign funds are spent transparently and ethically, especially when it comes to ticket acquisition and pricing.
It’s fascinating to witness the intersection of the entertainment industry and politics through these concert fundraisers. While the article indicates that renting out corporate spaces at concert venues for fundraisers is within the legal boundaries, one can’t help but question the optics and potential conflicts of interest that arise from these events. It raises an important discussion about campaign financing and the influence of wealthy donors in the political realm. How can we strike a balance between fundraising necessity and maintaining the integrity and transparency of our political system?
The use of concert venues for congressional fundraisers appears to be a creative way for lawmakers to engage with donors outside the traditional fundraising circuit. It allows for a more relaxed and personal interaction, potentially fostering stronger connections between the politicians and their supporters. However, it is important to ensure transparency and adherence to campaign finance laws to avoid any perception of impropriety. The expenditure of campaign funds on concert tickets and event spaces should be properly documented and accounted for. Additionally, considering the expensive nature of concert tickets, lawmakers should be mindful of the accessibility and fairness of acquiring these tickets for fundraising purposes.
The use of popular music icons like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé as fundraising platforms is an interesting phenomenon. Concerts have always been a space for unity and enjoyment, and it seems politicians are capitalizing on that positive energy. These events not only allow candidates to engage with donors in a unique and relaxed setting but also create an opportunity to spark interest among younger potential voters. It remains to be seen how effective these concert fundraisers are in terms of generating substantial campaign funds, but they definitely contribute to the cultural relevance of political campaigns.
I totally feel you on the concerns about the optics and conflicts of interest with these concert fundraisers. It’s a tricky balance between fundraising and maintaining transparency. Stricter regulations and disclosure requirements could definitely help. Let’s keep the conversation going!
It’s interesting to see how politicians are using concert venues as a new tactic for fundraising. Attending these concerts allows donors to have a more relaxed and personal interaction with the politicians, which can be beneficial for building relationships. However, it’s important for lawmakers to be transparent about the expenses incurred and the profits made from these events to maintain trust in the fundraising process.
It’s essential to consider the optics and potential conflicts of interest that arise from these concert fundraisers. Campaign financing and the influence of wealthy donors are critical topics to address. Striking a balance between fundraising necessity and maintaining the integrity and transparency of our political system requires careful consideration and reform. We need to explore alternative methods that prioritize the voices of ordinary citizens and reduce the reliance on big donors.
Using concerts as venues for fundraisers seems to be a creative way for politicians to engage with donors. It creates a more casual and enjoyable experience for both the lawmakers and the supporters. However, it’s crucial for the politicians to ensure that these events are not just an excuse to enjoy the concert themselves, but rather a strategic effort to raise funds for their campaigns.
These concert fundraisers provide an interesting twist on traditional meet-and-greet events. It allows lawmakers to connect with donors in a more relaxed and personal setting, outside of the usual D.C. circuit. However, the cost of renting out these event spaces at high-grossing concert venues raises questions about campaign spending. It’s worth considering whether these fundraisers truly benefit the overall campaign coffers or if they just create an attractive photo op for the politicians involved.
The crossover between politics and entertainment is not a new phenomenon, but these concert fundraisers bring it to a whole new level. While they offer a unique way for lawmakers to engage with donors, there are valid concerns about the transparency and fairness of ticket distribution. Additionally, the fact that some campaigns are spending significant amounts on ticket resale platforms raises questions about the use of funds. Ultimately, it’s necessary to ensure that these fundraisers do not compromise the integrity of the political process and give undue advantage to certain individuals or groups.
Attending a concert fundraiser definitely adds a unique twist to the traditional fundraising scene. It allows supporters to combine their love for music with their political interests, creating an exciting and engaging experience. It’ll be interesting to see if other artists jump on this trend and how it continues to evolve. Who knows, maybe we’ll see more artists becoming part of the fundraising scene in the future!
It’s definitely an interesting phenomenon to see lawmakers utilizing concert fundraisers to boost their campaign funds. While there may be questions about ticket allocation and the role of entertainment in politics, it’s worth exploring the impact of these fundraisers on the overall perception of lawmakers and their connection to popular culture. It’s a unique way for politicians to engage with donors in a more relaxed and personal setting, and perhaps it allows for a different kind of connection to be established.
As a fan of both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, I find the idea of having fundraisers at their concerts quite exciting. It adds a unique dynamic to the fundraising landscape and allows supporters to mix their passion for music with their political interests. It’ll be interesting to see if this trend continues and how other artists might become part of the fundraising scene.
The use of concert venues for congressional fundraisers is an interesting twist on traditional fundraising events. It allows politicians to engage with donors in a more relaxed and personal setting, potentially strengthening those relationships. Additionally, aligning with popular and influential artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé can help generate excitement and attract attendees. However, it’s worth noting the potential ethical concerns and the criticism surrounding the allocation of campaign funds for expensive concert spaces. The fact that these fundraisers are not necessarily lucrative for lawmakers raises questions about the overall effectiveness of this approach.
It’s interesting to see how lawmakers are using concert venues for fundraisers, especially with mega artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. While it’s not necessarily illegal, I wonder if it gives off the right message to voters.
I find it fascinating that lawmakers are using concerts as a medium for fundraising. It’s a creative way to engage with donors outside the traditional circuit. However, I can’t help but wonder if this gives an unfair advantage to campaigns with access to coveted concert tickets.
This article sheds light on the growing trend of lawmakers holding fundraisers at concert venues. It’s intriguing to see politicians taking advantage of the popularity and positive energy of these events to boost their campaign coffers. While these fundraisers may not bring in significant profits, they do offer a unique opportunity for donors to connect with politicians on a more personal level outside of the typical D.C. reception circuit. It’ll be interesting to see if this trend continues to gain traction in the future.
It’s interesting to see how lawmakers are using concert fundraisers as an unconventional way to boost their campaign coffers. While it may not necessarily be unethical, it does raise some questions about the fairness of ticket allocation and the role of entertainment in politics. It would be worth exploring the impact of these fundraisers on the overall perception of lawmakers and their relation to popular culture.
The use of concert venues for congressional fundraisers certainly adds a creative twist to the traditional fundraising circuit. However, one must question the ethics of reselling tickets at such exorbitant prices and the potential for preferential treatment in granting access to these events. While it’s understandable that lawmakers want to engage with donors in a more personal and relaxed setting, it is essential to ensure fairness and transparency in the fundraising process. The fact that Congress and the Department of Justice have been reviewing monopoly concerns around Ticketmaster further compounds the complexity of this issue.
Sounds like these concert fundraisers are more about the experience than the money. But hey, if it helps politicians connect with donors and have a good time, why not? Plus, who doesn’t love a Taylor Swift concert? It’s a win-win!
It’s interesting to see lawmakers using concert venues as a new way to fundraise for their campaigns. While it may seem like a fun and unique idea, it’s important to consider the potential ethical concerns, especially when tickets are being resold for thousands of dollars. It also raises questions about access, as campaign staff members were disappointed they didn’t make the cut. Overall, it will be intriguing to see how this trend continues to evolve and if there will be more scrutiny surrounding these types of fundraisers.
Wow, these lawmakers really know how to party! It’s intriguing to see them embracing the concert venue as a unique fundraising space. And who can blame them? Attending a Taylor Swift or Beyoncé concert sounds like a blast. However, they should definitely ensure transparency and accountability when it comes to campaign finance laws. Let’s hope they can strike a balance between having fun and being responsible.
While there may be appeal in hosting fundraisers at concert venues for a more relaxed atmosphere, the optics of spending large amounts of campaign funds on luxury concert experiences should be considered. It’s important for politicians to ensure that their spending aligns with the priorities of their constituents.
It’s interesting to see how lawmakers are using concert fundraisers as a means to boost their campaign funds. While there may not be anything illegal about it, it does raise questions about ethics and fairness. As mentioned in the article, some fans were unable to purchase tickets at a reasonable price due to the monopolistic practices of companies like Ticketmaster. It’s important for lawmakers to consider the optics of their actions and ensure that they are not taking advantage of their positions for personal gain.
Thank you for raising important ethical considerations regarding fundraising at concerts. It is crucial to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for concertgoers, especially when it comes to privileged access to tickets. Balancing the need for campaign financing with the perception of special treatment is a topic that warrants further scrutiny and discussion in the political landscape.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with politicians hosting fundraisers at concert venues, one has to question the ethics of spending campaign funds on such extravagant events. Additionally, the fact that they have access to tickets that many fans are unable to acquire raises concerns about preferential treatment. It would be more appropriate for lawmakers to focus on more accessible and inclusive fundraising initiatives.
The use of concert venues for political fundraisers can be seen as a creative way for lawmakers to engage with donors in a more relaxed and personal setting. It allows them to connect with supporters outside of the typical D.C. reception circuit and potentially build stronger relationships. However, the high cost of renting these event spaces and the fact that some lawmakers are able to secure tickets while fans struggle to do so raises ethical questions. It’s important for campaigns to be transparent about their expenses and ensure that they are not taking advantage of their position to gain access to coveted concert tickets.
It’s fascinating to see how politicians are capitalizing on the popularity of music concerts to raise funds for their campaigns. While these events may provide a unique opportunity for donors to interact with lawmakers, it is important to ensure transparency in campaign spending. The high costs associated with renting event spaces at these venues should be carefully scrutinized to determine if they are a worthwhile investment of campaign funds.
Using Taylor Swift and Beyoncé concerts as venues for congressional fundraisers adds an element of excitement and entertainment to the typical political event. It enables lawmakers to create unique experiences for their donors and potentially attract new supporters who are fans of these artists. However, the high cost associated with renting these concert spaces and organizing such events raises concerns about the influence of money in politics. It’s crucial that campaign finance regulations are followed to ensure transparency and accountability in these fundraising endeavors.
While the concept of fundraising at concerts may seem exciting and innovative, it’s important to examine the potential ethical considerations. The article briefly touches upon the issue of privileged access to concert tickets, where campaigns may secure tickets that should ideally be accessible to the general public. This raises concerns about fairness and the perception of special treatment for lawmakers and their donors. Balancing the need for campaign financing with ensuring equal opportunities for concertgoers is an aspect that should receive further scrutiny and discussion in the political landscape.
While it may be seen as a creative way for lawmakers to engage with donors, the high cost of renting concert venues and the potential ethical concerns cannot be ignored. Transparency is key in ensuring that campaigns are not taking advantage of their positions to gain access to coveted concert tickets. It’s important for lawmakers to be mindful of their actions and prioritize the interests of their constituents.
As a music lover, I can understand the appeal of hosting fundraisers at concert venues. It creates a more relaxed and personal atmosphere for donors to interact with politicians. However, politicians should also consider the potential optics of spending large amounts of campaign funds on luxury concert experiences.
The idea of lawmakers holding fundraisers at popular concert venues is an interesting twist on traditional fundraising events. While there may be some criticism surrounding the high costs and potential exclusivity of these fundraisers, it also allows donors to engage with politicians in a more relaxed and personal setting. It’s fascinating to see how the worlds of politics and entertainment intersect in this way.
I understand your concerns about the high cost of renting concert venues and the potential ethical issues surrounding lawmakers engaging with donors in this way. Transparency is indeed crucial to ensure that campaigns do not take advantage of their positions for personal gain. Lawmakers should always prioritize the interests of their constituents.
Thanks for your comment! I completely agree that politicians should prioritize raising funds for their campaigns rather than solely enjoying the concert. It’s important to strike a balance between having a good time and being strategic. And you’re right, who can blame them for wanting to enjoy a Taylor Swift concert? It’s a great way for them to connect with donors in a more relaxed setting.
There’s no denying the allure of attending a concert by artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. It’s interesting to see how lawmakers are leveraging their fandom and hosting fundraisers at these events. However, the focus should be on the effectiveness and impact of these fundraisers rather than the celebrity appeal. Are they truly generating significant funds for the campaigns, or are they more about the experience and photo opportunities? It’s crucial to evaluate the return on investment from these events and ensure that campaign funds are used wisely.
Comment: The use of concert venues for congressional fundraisers certainly adds a creative twist to the traditional fundraising circuit. However, one must question the ethics of reselling tickets at such exorbitant prices and the potential for preferential treatment in granting access to these events. While it’s understandable that lawmakers want to engage with donors in a more personal and relaxed setting, it is essential to ensure fairness and transparency in the fundraising process. The fact that Congress and the Department of Justice have been reviewing monopoly concerns around Ticketmaster further compounds the
It’s definitely a unique and exciting way to engage with supporters and combine their love for music with their political interests. It’ll be interesting to see if this trend continues to grow and if more artists get involved in the fundraising scene. Who knows, maybe we’ll see even more creative and unexpected fundraising events in the future!
It’s interesting to see how politicians are finding new and unconventional ways to fundraise for their campaigns. Utilizing popular concerts as a platform to connect with donors not only adds an element of excitement but also allows for a more relaxed and personal interaction. However, it’s important for lawmakers to disclose all expenses and ensure they are spending campaign funds in compliance with the law.
“I totally agree with you! The use of concert venues for congressional fundraisers definitely adds a new twist to the usual circuit. However, the issue of reselling tickets at exorbitant prices is a valid concern. It’s important to ensure fairness and transparency in the fundraising process. Hopefully, the Congress and the Department of Justice will address the monopoly concerns around Ticketmaster to prevent such issues in the future. Transparency and ethics should always be a priority!”
While it may seem unusual for lawmakers to hold fundraisers at high-grossing concerts, it’s a strategic move to attract donors and supporters who are passionate about these artists. It creates an opportunity for politicians to connect with a wider audience. However, it’s essential for transparency and accountability that campaign expenses and ticket pricing are reported accurately and openly.
It’s fascinating to see how politicians are leveraging pop culture events like concerts to fundraise for their campaigns. By doing so, they are able to connect with donors and engage with them on a more personal level. However, it is important for lawmakers to ensure transparency in the use of campaign funds and avoid any appearance of impropriety. The accessibility of concert tickets for the general public should also be taken into consideration to maintain fairness.
The concept of congressional fundraisers at music concerts definitely brings politics and entertainment together. It’s intriguing to see how these events can generate substantial funds for campaigns. However, one should also consider the ethical implications of attending such events and whether it may give the impression of favoritism or influence for those who can afford to attend.
“Wow, it’s amazing how politicians are finding creative ways to connect with donors! Who would’ve thought that Taylor Swift concerts could be a platform for fundraising? It’s definitely a unique opportunity for politicians to interact with their supporters in a more relaxed setting. Plus, who can resist the positive vibes and uplifting atmosphere of a Taylor Swift concert? It’s a win-win for everyone involved!”
The use of concert venues for fundraisers adds a new dynamic to the traditional meet-and-greet events. It allows donors to connect with lawmakers in a more relaxed and personal setting, potentially fostering stronger relationships. However, it also raises concerns regarding access to tickets and the ethics of using public office to gain privileged access to entertainment events. Transparency and fairness should be key considerations when evaluating the appropriateness of these fundraisers.
The focus on the effectiveness and impact of these fundraisers is definitely important. It’s crucial to evaluate the return on investment and ensure that campaign funds are used wisely. While the experience and photo opportunities may be enticing, the ultimate goal should be generating significant funds for the campaigns. Let’s hope lawmakers are prioritizing the success of their campaigns over the allure of celebrity events.
Sounds like these concert fundraisers are a fun and unique way for lawmakers to engage with donors. It’s great that they’re finding unconventional ways to fundraise and connect with people. Plus, who wouldn’t want to attend a Taylor Swift or Beyoncé concert? It’s a win-win situation!
“It’s true that using concerts as fundraisers can be a creative way for politicians to engage with donors. However, it’s important for them to remember that the main goal should be to raise funds for their campaigns, not just enjoy the concert themselves. It’s all about finding a balance between having a good time and being strategic. And hey, who can blame them for wanting to enjoy a Taylor Swift concert? I mean, who leaves a Taylor Swift concert sad, right?”
Thank you for your comment! I agree that politicians finding new and unconventional ways to fundraise is interesting. It adds excitement and allows for a more personal interaction. It’s important for lawmakers to be transparent about their expenses and comply with the law when spending campaign funds. The concerts may not be huge money-makers, but they provide a unique opportunity for engagement with donors.