Obama Stops In Hollywood To Talk About Economy

Washington (AFP) – President Barack Obama is expected to visit a movie studio Tuesday in Los Angeles, meet with Hollywood magnates and give a speech on the economy.

Obama was scheduled to arrive around 11 am in Glendale, a northern L.A. suburb, for a tour of DreamWorks Animation, which produced the hit franchises Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest has said Obama will deliver a speech while there on his policy priorities and the need for Congress to do more to support the economic recovery.

DreamWorks Animation chief Jeffrey Katzenberg is one of Obama’s most loyal and effective fundraisers, having persuaded Hollywood stars to contribute $15 million to the president’s 2012 reelection campaign at a dinner hosted by George Clooney.

“Mr. Katzenberg’s support for the president’s policies has no bearing on our decision to visit there,” Earnest told reporters late Monday on the flight to Los Angeles.

“Rather, it’s an opportunity to highlight the success of one business and the success that they’re having in creating jobs in California,” he said.

Before going to DreamWorks, Obama will cram in a fundraiser hosted by Marta Kauffman, creator of the cult television series Friends, the trade daily Variety reported.