Democratic Donors Urge Biden to Step Aside as Doubts Grow

As the 2024 presidential election looms, a growing chorus of influential Democratic donors is calling for President Joe Biden to step aside, citing concerns over his performance in last week's debate and the party's need to rally around a stronger candidate. The calls for Biden to cede the field to someone else, potentially Vice President Kamala Harris, have sparked a heated debate within the Democratic party, with some arguing that the stakes are too high to risk a weakened candidate.

Donors Demand Change, Threaten to Withhold Funds

Abigail Disney Leads the Charge

Outspoken Disney heiress and documentary filmmaker Abigail Disney has been one of the most vocal critics of Biden's candidacy, telling CNBC that she plans to pause all donations to the Democratic party unless or until he steps aside as a candidate. Disney urged the party to rally around Vice President Kamala Harris, stating, "We have an excellent VP." Her comments have added fuel to the growing debate within the Democratic party, with some donors expressing similar concerns about Biden's performance and the party's need to field a stronger candidate.

Barry Diller and Other Donors Withdraw Support

The Ankler reported that media mogul Barry Diller said no when asked if he and his wife Diane Von Furstenberg will continue to support Biden. This sentiment has been echoed by other high-profile Democratic donors, including Netflix founder Reed Hastings, who also said Biden needs to step aside. A series of other big donors have begun to turn the money tap off, according to Deadline, as they wait to see the outcome of Biden's interview with George Stephanopoulos, which is set to air tonight.

Donors Unconvinced by Biden's Meeting with Governors

Sources familiar with Biden's meeting with Democratic governors on Friday were reportedly unconvinced that the president has a viable path forward. The main headlines emerging from that meeting were that Biden said he needs more sleep, further fueling concerns about his stamina and ability to lead the party to victory in 2024.

Calls for Biden to Withdraw Grow Louder

The calls for Biden to withdraw from the race have been growing louder, with longtime Democratic donor Damon Lindelof being the first to go public with his request for the president to step aside. Lindelof's call was followed by similar statements from other high-profile donors, including Reed Hastings, who have expressed doubts about Biden's ability to lead the party to victory.

Kamala Harris Emerges as a Potential Replacement

As the calls for Biden to step aside have grown, some donors have pointed to Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential replacement. Abigail Disney, in particular, has urged the party to rally around Harris, stating that "we have an excellent VP" and that if Democrats can "stop quibbling and rally around her, we can win this election by a lot."

The White House Stands Firm

Despite the growing chorus of calls for Biden to step aside, the White House has stated that the president will "absolutely" not step back from the race. This stance has only added to the tension within the party, as some donors and supporters continue to express their concerns about Biden's viability as a candidate.

Sharon Stone Offers Tepid Support

In a rare show of support for Biden, actress Sharon Stone noted that more women are registered to vote than any other singular group. "So, ladies, remember this: No matter how sleepy Joe may have seemed, he's wide awake for you," she said. "So vote, for yourself." However, this statement has done little to quell the growing unrest among Democratic donors and supporters.As the 2024 election cycle heats up, the debate over Biden's candidacy is likely to continue, with the president's performance in his upcoming interview with George Stephanopoulos potentially playing a pivotal role in determining the party's path forward. With high-profile donors threatening to withhold funding and calls for Biden to step aside growing louder, the Democratic party finds itself at a critical crossroads, with the future of its leadership and its chances of victory in 2024 hanging in the balance.