by Harlan Flamm and Kate McLaughlin
Many people see President Biden on TV, but meeting such an important figure in person is an unusual experience. On Thursday, April 25th, Joe Biden attended a private fundraiser at actors Michael Douglass and Catherine Zeta-Jones’ estate in Irvington, marking the first time any sitting president has visited the Rivertowns since Richard Nixon in 1972. Hosted by Douglas, Zeta-Jones, Eileen Fisher, Rodge Cohen, and Barbara Cohen, the event aimed to raise money and engagement in President Biden’s 2024 campaign.
As one would expect, the event had a high level of security.
“It’s not at every party where you get wanded at three separate security checkpoints,” said County Legislator (and Irvington graduate) David Imamura.
However, the high security presence didn’t interfere with the event’s sense of intimacy for some guests.
“These people are professionals,” said Irvington Mayor Jon Siegel referring to the Secret Service. “They know how to keep a low profile.”
Siegel later stated that while it’s outside their normal duties, Irvington village services like police and fire did an “outstanding job” collaborating with the Secret Service and facilitating Biden’s visit.
One challenge for local authorities was a group of over 50 pro-Palestinian protestors who assembled at the top of Main Street for the President’s visit to Irvington. Police monitored the protests and kept them contained to one area.
As for the President himself, both Imamura and Siegel discussed Biden’s sharp, witty demeanor. Upon meeting Mayor Siegel, Biden quipped that Siegel had a “tough job.” Similarly, after meeting Imamura who is a district leader, Biden asked if he needed a passport for his district due to the often shifting district boundary lines.
Biden extended his positive energy to his speech, where he appeared very optimistic about our country, our system, and our future. In addition, Biden’s speech discussed abortion rights and taxes on the ultra-wealthy.
While the event itself was successful in generating funds for the Biden Campaign, some believe the visit and the inconveniences it brought — protests, road closures, school closures, traffic — may dampen support for Biden in the area, at least in the short term.
But both Mayor Siegel and Legislator Imamura agree that Biden’s visit created a net positive effect in Irvington. Siegel stated that while the visit is unlikely to change people’s minds, it’s a “good reminder” to vote in November’s election. Imamura added that the event was a “great way to increase political awareness” and involvement in Irvington.
