Obama thanks Jay-Z, praises Beyonce at exclusive NYC fundraiser

By Matt Donnelly

Sept. 19, 2012 12 AM PT

We can’t imagine Beyonce and Jay-Z having time to entertain since the arrival of daughter Blue Ivy, but exceptions can be made -- for, say, President Obama.

The power couple opened the doors of Jay’s 40/40 club in Manhattan on Tuesday, hosting an exclusive fundraiser for the president’s reelection campaign.

A crowd of about 100 sipped Champagne and snacked on sliders, according to the pool report. Seats went for $40,000 to catch Beyonce introduce the POTUS in a brief speech that exalted his leadership.

“I can’t tell you how proud we are to host tonight’s event with President Obama,” said Beyonce, in a stunning red cocktail dress and blond curls. “We believe in his vision.”

Obama returned the compliment, comparing the singer to his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, and cracking a joke about he and Jay-Z playing second fiddle.

“We both have daughters and our wives are more popular than we are. So, you know, we’ve got a little bond there. It’s hard but it’s OK,” the president said of he and the “Watch The Throne” rapper.

“Beyonce could not be a better role model for my girls,” Obama added, thanking the star couple for their friendship and joking that Michelle and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, were upset they couldn’t be present.

On Wednesday, the Obama-Biden official Twitter account uploaded a candid photo (above) from the event, showing Obama and his hosts sharing a laugh.

The president has enjoyed several A-list fundraising events on his campaign trail, with names like George Clooney and “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy opening up their homes.

In August, Obama hit Long Island to rub elbows with movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and a host committee that included Anne Hathaway, Anna Wintour and Aaron Sorkin.

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