Heiress Abigail Disney has announced her intent to resume donations to the Democratic Party following President Joe Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
Earlier this month, Disney, a notable figure in the Democratic donor community and granddaughter of a co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, declared that she would halt her contributions until Biden stepped aside. In a recent email to CNBC, she confirmed, “Yes, I will resume supporting,” indicating her renewed commitment now that Harris has received Biden’s endorsement.
Disney had previously expressed her support for Harris, emphasizing the Vice President’s capabilities. She criticized the Democratic Party’s perception of Harris, notably highlighting the disparities in how Biden’s leadership has been tolerated compared to Harris’s. “We have an excellent Vice President. If Democrats would tolerate any of her perceived shortcomings even one-tenth as much as they have tolerated Biden’s, we can win this election by a lot,” she stated.
Disney’s stance mirrors a larger discontent among influential donors in the Democratic Party, many of whom had voiced their frustration with Biden following a lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Reports suggest that significant financial pressure from donors played a part in Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race. Similarly, prominent donors like George Soros and his son Alex Soros have also publicly backed Harris as they shift their support in light of the changing political landscape.
This development points to a potential shift in momentum for the Democratic Party as they rally around Harris, who could galvanize the base and attract new support in the upcoming election. Biden’s exit and the backing of influential donors could forge a new path for Democratic campaigning, offering a glimmer of hope for those wishing to see a more revitalized campaign effort as the election approaches.