President Obama's Glee-Filled Fundraiser

Find out what happened at today's big Barack bash in Beverly Hills

By Marc Malkin Jun 07, 2012 2:30 AMTags
WHCD, Barack ObamaKristoffer Tripplaar/ Sipa USA

President Barack Obama is full of Glee.

The commander in chief is in Hollywood tonight for a gay fundraiser for his reelection campaign.

And on the bill? Darren Criss, who stepped in to replace Pink because she's still sick with a stomach flu.

Criss performed "One Fine Day," "Not Alone," "Something's Coming" and "That's all" for a crowd of about 600 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Boldfaced names at the political powwow, put together by the LGBT Leadership Council, included Ellen DeGeneres (she opened the show), Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Cher, Chaz Bono, Max Adler, George Tekai and Pauley Perrette.

The president had two very special shout-outs during his more than 20-minute speech.

Calling DeGeneres a "wonderful friend," the president took a playful swipe at her for losing a push-up contest with the First Lady. "She claims that Michelle didn't go all the way down," Obama cracked.

While the crowd howled at his choice of words, the president continued, "I just want to set the record straight that Michelle out does me in push-ups as well."

He also said, "I want to also thank an outstanding talent—Darren Criss."

Most of his remarks were about turning around the economy and other key subjects in the election.

Oddly enough, he did not mention gay marriage, but he did say he's been thanked by many Marines—both gay and straight—for overturning Don't Ask Don't
Tell.

After the hotel soiree, Obama was whisked away to a private fundraiser with Julia Roberts and Reese Witherspoon at the home of Glee creator Ryan Murphy and his fiancé David Miller.