Londoners (heart) Barack Obama

Glitterditch is aware there's a mayoral election on — we pass by the Evening Standard posters too. But, as our sister publication Westmonster pointed out last week, there's an election on in the US too, and Forbes Magazine reports London-based celebs are getting caught up in the act.

There's Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Ronson, pulling for Barack Obama. Elton John threw a massive fundraiser for Hillary Clinton in New York last week, and Mick Jagger's ex, Jerry Hall, has donated over £1,000 to Clinton's campaign.

But the prize has to go to Rupert's daughter Elisabeth Murdoch, who's holding a VIP fundraiser for Obama in Notting Hill later this month.

"Media mogul Rupert Murdoch's daughter, Elisabeth, is hosting an April 28 fundraiser for Obama at her home in Notting Hill. Tickets are going for a mere $1,000 (£500) — but be prepared to shell out $2,300 (£1,150) if you want access to the VIP reception. Murdoch herself is a citizen of both the U.S. and the U.K. and runs her own television production company, Shine Ltd., which is based in London and Manchester."

Apparently, BarackObama.com is the 11th most-popular website in the UK, and even Conservative leader David Cameron has expressed admiration for Obama. But it's the money that counts, and on that front, Londoners clearly heart Barack:

"In terms of putting their money where their allegiances lie, Americans who say they live in London have donated a combined $427,235 (£213,000) to presidential candidates, according to the Huffington Post's campaign fundraising records. That breaks down into $10,381 (£5,000) to Republicans and $416,854 (£207,000) to Democrats. And of the 330 people who gave to the Democratic candidates, the overwhelming majority of them donated to Obama."

Written by Andrew Levy on 14 Apr 2008 1:10 PM. Permalink