Major Democrat donors are beginning to turn on Joe Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign after the 81-year-old incumbent appeared cognitively impaired during last Thursday’s presidential debate with former President Donald J. Trump. The spectacle of Biden struggling through the debate has left many donors questioning whether he can hold onto the White House. In a move that signals deep concern, some donors are now asking for their contributions back so they can funnel their money into down-ballot races instead.
Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden’s campaign manager, tried to calm the waters during a private call with donors over the weekend, proudly announcing that the campaign had raised over $33 million since the debate. However, the call did little to ease the unease among donors. One participant disclosed that the attendees were filled with fear and frustration, with some even inquiring about the possibility of refunds. Rodriguez pointed out that if Biden were to withdraw, only Vice President Kamala Harris could access the campaign’s funds, complicating any potential changes to the Democratic ticket.
The 90-minute debate at CNN’s studios in Atlanta, Georgia, was a debacle for Biden. He struggled to respond coherently to moderator questions, frequently lost his train of thought, and contradicted himself multiple times. This performance not only sparked panic among supporters but also led to urgent calls for Biden to reconsider his candidacy. The cognitive lapses on such a public stage have made even his staunchest supporters worry about his ability to lead.
Former Biden administration officials were also quick to criticize the president’s disastrous debate performance. One Democratic campaign veteran bluntly described it as “Catastrophe … unimaginably bad … Waterloo.” Even California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential replacement candidate, admitted there was “panic” among Democrats following the debate. The infighting and anxiety suggest that the party is on shaky ground as they head into the crucial 2024 election cycle.
As Democrats scramble to salvage their campaign, the donor backlash highlights a deeper issue within the party. The protective bubble around Biden can no longer hide his glaring deficiencies. The question now is whether the Democrats will continue to rally behind a faltering candidate or if they will make a desperate pivot to someone else. With the clock ticking, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the party’s future hangs in the balance.
