President Barack Obama will fundraise in Harlem today, but many uptown residents grumble that they can’t afford to see him. The president’s hosting a $30,800-a-head fundraiser at Red Rooster on Lenox Avenue, near 125th Street.
“I think that’s ridiculous,” said Hope Cameron, 52, a stay-at-home mom who lives nearby. “In Harlem, who has that kind of money?”
Others near the restaurant yesterday afternoon echoed her sentiment — even as many said they like Obama.
“I’m an Obama fan but I won’t see him for that,” Lenny Bembry, 53, told Metro.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” added Maurice Lenin, 45, who had just balked at spending $10 on Chinese for lunch. “Harlem has been messed up since way back in the day and now they’re wanting to charge us $30,000?”
“He should be eating with us for free,” Lenin added.
But Noel Mesfin, 25, a production assistant, said the price was not surprising. “This is New York City,” he said. “I think it’s cool that it’s happening in Harlem. It’s not some luxe downtown spot.”
The reportedly six-table fundraiser will close the restaurant for the day, and police will close several streets around Harlem.
Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter at @AlisonatMetro.
