Author Deepak Chopra
(Kevork Djansezian/Getty)
Author Deepak Chopra, co-host of a gala fundraiser for President Obama's reelection, has long supported Democratic candidates, but he says he's "stepping up" his fundraising this year.
"My observation of the Republican primary campaign is that it has pandered to the ultra-ideologues in the political arena. It has also made the whole atmosphere really jingoistic," Chopra said in a telephone interview on Thursday. "I feel it has been so reactionary and President Obama has basically tried to counter thirty years of reactionary conditioning, and he definitely deserves a second chance to take it further."
Chopra is co-hosting the gala, one of four New York City fundraisers Thursday night for the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee, with Russell Simmons and former New York Congressional candidate Reshma Saujani at ABC Kitchen near Union Square. Comedian Aziz Ansari, Ben Folds Five, The Roots and Ingrid Michaelson will perform. Tickets require a $1,000 contribution.
Chopra said the fundraiser is targeted particularly to Asian-American supporters of the president.
"Since President Obama spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, he definitely has deep ties to the Asian-American community," Chopra said. "He understands that America is not just one WASP community, but a community that is global."
Asian American voters made up 2.5 percent of the electorate in 2008, a record, and they supported Obama over John McCain by a margin of 62 to 35 percent.
The president's other fundraisers on Thursday night include a reception at a private home where tickets start at $5,000, another private reception at a home with tickets starting at $10,000, and a dinner at ABC Kitchen that require a $35,800 contribution.
Chopra said it has not been difficult to raise money at what he called a "built-in community" of progressives at ABC Kitchen, where he's hosted "Love in Action" conversations on politics. But he said despite Obama's urging, he has not decided whether he will also donate to Priorities USA Action, the SuperPAC raising unlimited contributions in support of the president's reelection.
"I don't know at this point," Chopra said. "But I intuitively do not support corporations giving large amounts of money to politicians."
Anna Sale covers politics for WNYC, including the 2013 mayoral race. During the 2012 presidential election, she traveled the country to tell the stories of voters in early primary battlegrounds and swing states. She has hosted The Brian Lehrer Show and The Takeaway and contributed to NPR, Marketplace, PBS Newshour, the BBC, Slate, WGBH World Channel, Current TV, and NY1.
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Comments [3]
.apology for typos.
Now Deepak can reverse himself, and apologize for misleading people.
This man, who has spoken his little ministry of peace and love, has shown himself to be a truly dangerous opportunist.
"You don't have to worry about money, you just do what you what you want, I will support you..", he said to his spawn.
He kept his promise to his family; he's rich ... By, ironically, plunging my family, your family, And His Own Family further into fascism.
HE KNOWS about NDAA.
He knows that Obama is a front man for the forces that want to harm this planet; He Made a Decision Not To Care.
And he plays the game.
.no different than any other sordid, Secret Society, 'go-along-to-get along', type in the world.
It will be with the help the Deepak Chopras that will bring us into world fascism.
. . . When fascism raises it's violent, repressive, aggressive haed, it's beneficial to have the smarmy, opportunistic celebrity types like Deepak Chopra help themselves by braying for, 'the cause'.
I wonder what all the dead and disfigured children in the Middle East think of Chopra's self serving, dishonest constuction of why he's actively supporting tyranny.
Nama$te ;^) I see the $$ in you. LoL. But seriously, I love the word Jingoistic! meaning "flag-waving maniac". YEH DEPAK!! (I am looking for a way to give the small amount I can afford, so I can feel a part of this brilliant campaign.)
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