Heiress Abigail Disney has announced her intention to resume donations to the Democratic Party following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Disney, who is the granddaughter of one of the co-founders of The Walt Disney Company, had previously stated that she would halt her contributions until there was a change at the top of the ticket.
In a recent email to CNBC, Disney confirmed her renewed support, stating, “Yes, I will resume supporting,” now that Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Disney had previously expressed her backing for Harris, highlighting her belief in Harris’s capabilities, stating, “We have an excellent Vice President.” She emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to unite behind Harris, suggesting that overcoming perceived shortcomings related to race and gender would be vital for success in the upcoming election.
Disney’s withdrawal of support for Biden had mirrored a broader dissatisfaction among high-profile Democratic donors, especially after what was perceived as a lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that this discontent among the donor class may have influenced Biden’s decision to step aside.
Now, alongside other influential Democratic figures like George Soros and his son Alex Soros, who have also endorsed Harris, there is a renewed sense of hope as the party transitions to rally around a new candidate.
The shift in support indicates a potential turning point for the Democratic Party as it seeks to consolidate and energize its base ahead of the elections. With strong backing for Harris, there is optimism that the party can unify and present a formidable challenge in the upcoming electoral contest.