Abigail Disney, heiress and granddaughter of one of the co-founders of The Walt Disney Company, has announced that she will recommence her financial support for the Democratic Party, following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Disney expressed disappointment in Biden’s leadership and indicated earlier this month that she would halt her donations until he stepped aside.
In a recent email to CNBC, Disney confirmed her intention to support the party again now that Biden has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination. She praised Harris’s leadership abilities and emphasized the importance of the Democratic Party uniting behind her candidacy. “We have an excellent Vice President,” Disney stated previously, noting that the party’s support for Harris should match that which was afforded to Biden, particularly considering issues related to race and gender.
Disney’s prior withdrawal of support reflects a broader sentiment among elite Democratic donors, who have voiced their dissatisfaction with Biden’s performance, particularly during the presidential debates against Donald Trump. Reports suggest that mounting pressure from major financial backers contributed to Biden’s decision to exit the race. Notably, finance magnates such as George Soros and his son Alex have also thrown their support behind Harris.
This shift in donor sentiment could be pivotal for the Democratic Party as it prepares for the upcoming election. With strong backing from influential figures, Kamala Harris’s campaign may gain momentum, potentially rallying support from a wider base and invigorating the party’s chances in the 2024 election cycle.
This development signals a possible re-energizing of the Democratic framework, as prominent donors realign their support in favor of prospective leadership that resonates more with their values. Such a transition could help unify the party as it gears up for a significant electoral battle ahead.