Heiress Abigail Disney has announced her decision to resume donations to the Democratic Party now that President Joe Biden has decided not to seek reelection. Disney, a prominent figure closely tied to The Walt Disney Company through her grandfather, had previously declared her intention to halt contributions until the party replaced Biden as their candidate.
In a recent email to CNBC, Disney confirmed her renewed financial support, noting that her decision comes in light of Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Earlier, Disney had expressed strong support for Harris, stating that the Democratic Party could achieve significant electoral success if they united behind the Vice President and actively addressed the challenges she faces, including issues of race and gender that she feels unfairly amplify the scrutiny of Harris compared to Biden.
Disney’s initial withdrawal of support was part of a broader wave of dissatisfaction among elite Democratic donors, which was reportedly exacerbated by Biden’s poor debate performance against Donald Trump. The shift in donor confidence ultimately played a role in Biden’s decision to step aside, a sentiment echoed by other prominent donors like George Soros and his son, who have also voiced their support for Harris following Biden’s announcement.
This turn of events could mark a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party as it seeks to consolidate support around Harris and present a united front for the upcoming elections. With influential figures like Disney backing her candidacy, there is potential for revitalization and renewed energy within the party, signaling a hopeful path forward as they prepare for the challenges ahead.