Heiress Abigail Disney has announced her decision to resume donations to the Democratic Party now that President Joe Biden has officially withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. Disney, a notable figure in the party and granddaughter of one of the co-founders of The Walt Disney Company, previously stated she would halt contributions until Biden stepped aside.
In a recent email to CNBC, she confirmed her renewed support, stating, “Yes, I will resume supporting” after Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Disney had previously expressed her unwavering support for Harris and critiqued the Democratic Party’s treatment of female and minority leaders compared to Biden. She remarked on the disparities in how they are perceived and emphasized the potential for Harris to lead the party to a significant victory if the Democrats rallied behind her.
Disney’s earlier criticism was shared by other high-profile Democratic donors. They reportedly became disenchanted with Biden, particularly after what they considered a poor debate performance against Donald Trump. This donor disenchantment played a role in the mounting pressure that ultimately led to Biden’s exit from the race.
Notably, billionaire financier George Soros and his son, Alex, also pledged their support for Harris following Biden’s withdrawal, indicating a possible shift in monetary backing as the party prepares for the upcoming election.
This situation highlights the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party as it navigates leadership changes and strives to unify its base around a candidate who many believe could lead to a stronger electoral performance.
As the election season approaches, the renewed backing from influential donors like Disney and Soros for Harris may inject new energy into her campaign and serve as a reminder of the party’s potential to adapt and reshape its future leadership.