George Clooney and other Hollywood donors withdraw support for President Biden's reelection campaign, citing concerns about his age and debate performance. This shift in support could significantly impact Biden's campaign funding and strategy, as Hollywood has traditionally been a strong financial backer for Democratic candidates.
Hollywood’s influential support for Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is wavering as key figures like George Clooney call for the President to step aside. Clooney, in a New York Times column, expressed his admiration for Biden but emphasized the need for a new nominee after Biden’s poor performance in a televised debate against Donald Trump.
This public withdrawal is significant, especially since Clooney recently headlined a major Los Angeles fundraiser that raised over $30 million for Biden’s campaign. The move highlights concerns about Biden’s fitness for office, given his age and debate performance.
“If these major donors withdraw their support, Biden’s campaign could be in serious trouble,” stated Steve Ross, a history professor at the University of Southern California, who studies Hollywood’s political influence. He pointed out that Hollywood has long been a critical source of funding for Democratic candidates.
Clooney is joined by other prominent figures in expressing concern.
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Walt Disney’s granddaughter Abigail Disney, and Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel have all indicated they will not support Biden’s campaign, citing similar concerns about his age and performance.
Historically, Hollywood has played a significant role in American politics, often supporting Democratic candidates. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Barack Obama, benefited from Hollywood’s financial backing.
In the 2020 presidential race, the entertainment industry contributed $104 million to Democratic candidates, compared to $13 million for Republicans, according to Open Secrets. While Hollywood's financial and cultural influence remains strong, whether it can decisively impact Biden’s campaign remains to be seen. Democratic adviser Steven Maviglio suggests that the current donor panic may be temporary, but Clooney’s op-ed adds significant pressure on Biden’s campaign strategy.
