CBS Exec Les Moonves attends Obama fundraiser, says journalism is ‘partisan’
The Los Angeles Times covered the latest in Barack Obama fundraisers, this one hosted by the LGBT Leadership Council in Beverly Hills, part of a two-day, five-event fundraising tour. Their reporter ran into CBS News president Les Moonves in line waiting for his wristband
Moonves waited with his wife, Julie Chen (“Big Brother” host), for their wristbands. When asked about attending the fundraiser for President Obama, Moonves said, “(he)has shown great leadership” on the issue of gay marriage.
The Times reporter asked about his presence being appropriate (he heads a news division), Moonves said, “ultimately journalism has changed … partisanship is very much a part of journalism now.”
He hastened to add that despite his presence, “I run a news division. I’ve given no money to any candidate.”
Critics are questioning how Moonves could’ve attended this bigtime fundraiser as a guest, meaning someone else paid for his ticket so he could maintain that he has “given no money to any candidate.”
The event at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel was part of a two-day fundraising swing through California and Nevada during which Obama was expected to raise more than $15 million for his reelection effort. He started the day in San Francisco and ended with a $25,000-per-person dinner for 70 at the Beverly Hills home of “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy.
Obama is scheduled to hit a new money-chase milestone on this trip: his 150th fundraiser. The 150 events have taken place since he filed as a candidate for reelection in April 2011, according to a tally by CBS News. Funds raised at these events support the Obama campaign as well as the Democratic National Committee and several state Democratic parties.