Hollywood's Democratic Donors Express Discontent with Biden
Hollywood has long been a significant source of funding for the Democratic Party. However, concerns over President Joe Biden’s candidacy persist, despite his recent news conference where he reaffirmed his intention to remain in the race amidst growing internal party pressure. Concerns about Biden’s age have led many high-profile donors in this liberal stronghold to withdraw their support, calling for his replacement.
Before George Clooney, a well-known Democratic fundraiser, penned a critical opinion piece urging Biden to step aside, novelist and screenwriter Ayelet Waldman had already halted her donations to liberal candidates in protest. “I’ve always given more than I could afford,” Waldman told the BBC. “But this is the first time I’ve stopped donating as a sign of my – ‘displeasure’ isn’t the right word – absolute, gut-curdling panic.”
Waldman’s decision was influenced by screenwriter Damon Lindelof, who, on July 3, wrote in Deadline urging Democrats to “stop giving money” to all candidates until Biden withdraws. “Is it misguided to punish the whole team for the stubbornness of the pitcher? Maybe,” Lindelof wrote. “But if he stays, they will lose. A rising tide lifts all boats. A falling Biden sinks them.”
Social media has seen similar sentiments from figures like Abigail Disney, John Cusack, Stephen King, and Rob Reiner. This discontent highlights a growing problem for Biden, who is also facing pressure from Democratic lawmakers urging him to step down. While Hollywood elites are often dismissed by Republicans, they are crucial Democratic donors who help reach diverse voter demographics.
“My friend George Clooney has voiced what many of us feel,” Reiner, a prominent liberal actor and filmmaker, wrote on X. “Democracy is under existential threat. We need someone younger to fight back. Joe Biden must step aside.”
Filmmaker and Walt Disney’s great niece, Abigail Disney, told CNBC she would withhold donations until Biden steps down. “I intend to stop contributing to the party unless they replace Biden,” Disney said. “If Biden doesn’t step down, the Democrats will lose, I’m certain.”
However, some criticize this approach, arguing that Democrats are engaging in self-sabotage when they should be united against the possibility of a second Trump presidency. Popular podcaster Jack Hopkins, a steadfast Biden supporter, boycotts media outlets he deems unfair to the Democratic process. “Everyone who was going to vote for Biden is still for Joe Biden,” he wrote on X.
A longtime Democratic donor, choosing to remain anonymous, called Clooney’s editorial and any donation boycott foolish. “Given the choice between someone older and someone venal and dumb, I know which I’d pick,” they said.
Clooney’s opinion piece highlighted the increasing calls from the film industry for Biden to step aside. Actor Michael Douglas, who hosted a fundraiser for Biden in April, expressed disappointment in Biden’s “inability” to “challenge all the lies” of Trump during their recent debate. Douglas doubted Biden’s capacity to serve a full term if re-elected. “I am worried,” he said.
Biden once held a clear fundraising advantage over Trump, but the gap has narrowed. The Trump campaign raised over $330 million from April to June, surpassing Biden’s $264 million in the same period.
Despite Biden’s repeated assertions that he is the only candidate capable of defeating Trump in November, these claims have not reassured Democratic donors. Mark Pincus, founder of Zynga, told the Financial Times he doesn’t believe Biden “will ever overcome this age issue.”
“I think the best chance for the Democratic Party is an open convention where someone else can step in,” Pincus said.
Waldman, meanwhile, urged the party to use the convention to invigorate voters. “If Biden doesn’t step aside, we are doomed,” she said. “A Hail Mary is possible if he steps down, but it’s a long shot. However, sometimes long shots work.”
