The Butler Served Contributions to the President
The actor who portrays the butler at the White House in this summer’s movie hit, Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” is in real life a contributor to President Barack Obama.
Forest Whitaker, who plays Cecil Gaines in the movie, gave Obama for America $2,300 in 2007 and $2,300 in 2008. He also gave $500 in 2008 to the Democratic National Committee. In 2003, he gave $2,000 to the presidential campaign of Rep. Richard Gephardt, D-Mo.
Co-star Oprah Winfrey, who portrays Gaines’ wife Gloria, is also a presidential donor. She gave $2,300 to Obama for America in 2007 and $5,000 to Obama for America in 2012. Winfrey also gave $30,800 to the Democratic National Committee in 2012, and $5,000 in 1997. Oprah’s early endorsement, public support, and fundraisers in her home for Obama, were priceless.
Earlier this month, the White House announced Oprah Winfrey will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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