Article Summary –
President Biden’s re-election campaign is facing criticism from prominent figures in Hollywood, with actor George Clooney publicly expressing his doubt in an essay published in The New York Times. The impact has been felt among Biden’s major donors and fundraising efforts, with several events now in jeopardy. Additionally, top Biden campaign officials are expecting a disappointing July fundraising report, suggesting the campaign’s finances may be in trouble.
Biden’s Tough Road in Hollywood: Clooney and More Break Ties
Recent revelations of Hollywood royalty George Clooney breaking public ties with President Biden have sent shockwaves from Wilmington to Beverly Hills. Clooney’s published essay casting doubt on Biden’s chances for re-election has negatively impacted the president’s Hollywood relationships and affected his campaign.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, a movie mogul and top Biden official, attempted to dissuade Clooney from publishing. This intervention was unsuccessful, and the release of Clooney’s essay has amplified tensions between Biden’s campaign and its major donors.
Billy Ray, a screenwriter associated with Democratic campaigns, suggests that the lackluster response to Biden’s campaign could impact future fundraising. The Biden large-donor scene, where Katzenberg is highly respected, is reeling after Biden’s debate performance. Numerous fund-raising events are at risk, and many donors have decided to stop funding if Biden continues his race.
Hollywood Voices Call for Biden to Drop Out
Notably, Hollywood has been vocal about their disapproval of Biden’s persistence in the race. Ari Emanuel, a powerful agent, compared Biden’s insistence to stay in the race to a Trumpian level of self-aggrandizement. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings was one of the first Democratic megadonors to openly call for a new nominee, a sentiment he continues to express privately.
The most politically damaging blow to Biden came from Clooney, a significant cultural figure with substantial political influence. Despite having helped raise $28 million for Biden’s campaign recently, Clooney expressed in his Times essay that Biden was no longer the candidate he once supported.
Impact on Fundraising and Donors
The fallout from Clooney’s essay has affected the political and entertainment worlds, impacting major donors’ willingness to continue funding Biden’s campaign. Hollywood producer Damon Lindelof called on donors to close their wallets to all Democratic campaigns until Biden stepped down.
Despite these challenges, some attendees of a recent fundraising event defended Biden. Carol L. Hamilton, a Los Angeles lawyer and member of Biden’s National Finance Committee, expressed surprise at Clooney’s opinion piece, stating her experience with Biden at the event was different.
Katzenberg at the Center of the Drama
Jeffrey Katzenberg stands at the center of the Hollywood drama surrounding Biden. As the co-chair of Biden’s campaign and orchestrator of several fundraisers, Katzenberg is facing criticism, especially as donors express concerns about Biden’s physical state.
Despite the donor’s unhappiness with Katzenberg, he remains silent and continues to support Biden. As the situation unfolds, Hollywood and the political scene continue to monitor Biden’s future in the race.
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