The most powerful chemical driving a presidential campaign is undoubtedly money, with Hollywood traditionally being a steadfast financial pillar for Democratic candidates. However, an increasing number of its gilded elites are now rejecting Joe Biden in his quest to return to office in 2024. Actor George Clooney, who had previously helped raise a record sum for the president’s re-election campaign, is one of these influential donors urging the U.S. president to withdraw from the White House race, as reported by Breitbart News.
Clooney wrote in a column in The New York Times that while he loves Joe Biden, the industry needs a new nominee, highlighting the concerns over Biden’s cognitive decline. During a gala event, the president was able to collect more than $30 million in one evening, showcasing the tremendous financial power Hollywood wields in financing American leftist candidates.
History professor Steve Ross from the University of Southern California explained that if big donors were to withdraw their support, Biden’s chances would be severely diminished. Democratic pollster and strategist Brad Bannon agreed, stating that Clooney’s withdrawal of support was like “the Titanic hitting an iceberg.
Beyond generating headlines, A-list Hollywood figures pulling their support can have a significant impact on a campaign’s finances. NetFlix co-founder Reed Hastings has also called for Biden to step down, as well as Walt Disney’s granddaughter Abigail and Hollywood mega agent Ari Emanuel, who cite concerns over his age.
The White House report by AFP notes that both Bill and Hillary Clinton relied on Hollywood support in their respective presidential campaigns. Obama notably benefited from the “Oprah Winfrey effect” during his 2007 bid, receiving a boost to his profile after the TV star organized a dinner to promote him as a lowly senator with high aspirations. In 2020, the entertainment industry contributed $104 million to corrupt Democrats compared to just $13 million to Republicans, according to Open Secrets, a nonprofit that tracks campaign financing.
Despite mounting pressure from media, donors, and even leaders of his own party, Joe Biden has shown no indication of stepping aside. It remains to be seen if Hollywood’s support for him will resurface as the election approaches, or if their current dissatisfaction with his performance signals a permanent shift away from Biden in favor of another candidate.