Hollywood Ditches Biden
President Joe Biden has long enjoyed staunch support from Hollywood’s glittering elite, yet recent events have strained these once-firm alliances. Just weeks ago, Biden stood shoulder-to-shoulder with luminaries like George Clooney, Barbara Streisand, and Julia Roberts at a lavish fundraiser in Los Angeles, which netted a staggering $30 million for his campaign. However, the momentum abruptly shifted after Biden’s lackluster performance at the first debate raised eyebrows and ruffled feathers in Tinseltown.
During the debate on June 27, Biden’s uneasy demeanor and faltering responses captured widespread attention, overshadowing his earlier support from Hollywood A-listers. Notably, an incident where former President Barack Obama appeared to guide Biden offstage after a perplexing moment became emblematic of concerns over Biden’s candidacy.
In the aftermath, influential figures in the entertainment industry began to voice doubts. Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix and a prominent Democratic donor, publicly urged Biden to step aside, emphasizing the need for a more dynamic leader to challenge Trump. Similarly, Abigail Disney, heiress to the Disney fortune and another significant Democratic contributor, announced she would halt donations until Biden was replaced atop the ticket.
Damon Lindelof, co-creator of “Lost” and a substantial donor to Democratic causes, echoed these sentiments, stressing that winning the election was paramount over mere governance abilities. His decision to withhold further donations until leadership changes are made underscored the growing rift between Biden and his once-loyal Hollywood backers.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, former CEO of DreamWorks Animation and organizer of the pivotal Peacock Theater fundraiser, noticeably retreated from the public eye following the debate. His silence spoke volumes, reflecting the uncertainty and unease now permeating Biden’s support base within the entertainment industry.
These developments mark a significant turning point for Biden, whose candidacy initially drew enthusiastic backing from Hollywood’s liberal elite. The fallout underscores broader concerns about Biden’s ability to compete effectively against Trump in the upcoming election, prompting influential donors and supporters to reassess their commitments.
As the campaign unfolds, Biden faces the daunting task of regaining confidence and support from a constituency that once championed his candidacy with fervor. Whether he can mend these fractured relationships and rekindle the enthusiasm of Hollywood’s glitterati remains uncertain, casting a shadow over his electoral prospects in the months ahead.