After enduring a little ribbing on “Late Show With David Letterman” in New York on Tuesday, President Obama collected $4 million at a fundraiser hosted by Jay-Z and Beyoncé at their lounge bar, Manhattan’s 40/40 Club.
About 100 donors who paid $40,000 each to attend the event sat on sofas in a large, glass room, according to the pool report.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé gave only brief remarks, letting Mr. Obama bask in limelight.
“I can’t tell you how proud we are to host tonight’s event with President Obama,” Beyoncé, who was wearing a red cocktail dress, told the crowd. “We believe in his vision.”
Mr. Obama thanked the celebrity couple for their friendship, adding, “Michelle, Sasha and Malia are mad at me because they aren’t here.”
He called Beyoncé a “role model for our daughters.”
“She carries herself with such class and poise and has so much talent,” he said.
The president also teased Jay-Z about having a lot in common.
“We both have daughters and our wives are more popular than we are. So, you know, we’ve got a little bond there. It’s hard, but it’s OK.”
