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Hollywood debates Biden support
In the aftermath of President Biden's performance at the debate in late June, various media outlets and Democratic politicians have called for him to withdraw from the presidential race.
The editorial committee The New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune And that economist Such a claim was made.
Democratic lawmakers Angie Craig from Minnesota, Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Arizona's Raul Grijalva, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Mike Quigley of Illinois They also called on the president to step down in support of another candidate.
Columnist Mark Barabac noted that even longtime allies like former California Sen. Barbara Boxer acknowledged that “something was off” with Biden during the debates.
Boxer gave the president two weeks to convince the public of his ability. “If you can't convince them, you can't do it,” she said. “Someone else will take his place.”
Some have defended Biden. Former President Barack Obama said:Bad debate nights happen.To First Lady Jill Biden Tell that to Vogue “You can't let those 90 minutes decide your fate for the next four years.”
The debate over whether to replace or defend Biden has also played out among Hollywood's elite, with some of his most powerful supporters cutting off funding for the president's campaign.
I'm not with Biden anymore
Damon Lindelof, co-creator of “LOST” I wrote a column on Wednesday. In a piece for the online entertainment news site Deadline, he said he would no longer write checks to the Biden campaign.
Lindelof thanked Biden for being “a good man and a great president,” but likened the 81-year-old Biden to a starting pitcher who needs to be replaced. Lindelof proposed a “DEMbargo” that would stop checks from being sent to Democratic candidates until Biden withdraws.
“To me, this isn't about the ability to govern, it's about the ability to win,” he wrote in the Times.
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings also reportedly called on Biden to “stand down so that strong Democratic leadership can defeat Trump and keep us all safe and prosperous.” The New York Times.
Endeavor CEO Ari EmanuelEmanuel, the brother of Democratic politician Rahm Emanuel, expressed concerns about Biden, while media mogul Barry Diller gave a resounding “no.” When asked by Ankler Will they continue to support the Biden team?
Abigail Disney, film director and Disney heiress, Withhold a donation Until Biden replaces him as the Democratic Party's top candidate.
Why is Hollywood important?
Hollywood has long been a major source of funding for the Democratic Party, with industry leaders often hosting large fundraising events and publicly demonstrating their support for candidates.
Just recently, Hollywood's elite attended a star-studded fundraiser for Biden at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
The Biden campaign said the event raised more than $30 million.
According to The New York Times, Hastings and his wife have donated more than $20 million to the Democratic Party over the past few years.
Lindelof said he has donated $125,000 to the Biden campaign this election and roughly the same amount to Democratic Senate and House candidates.
That's why the industry's current anxieties loom so large over the Biden campaign.
What's next?
Whether Biden stays in the race will depend on three factors: Democratic leadership, the president's performance in the polls and the sentiment of major donors, said Jessica Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola University Law School.
“When a major donor leaves, it's not just a blow to their wallets, it sends a big signal to others,” she said.
But some in Hollywood aren't pressing the panic button.
“Everyone needs to take a breather,” Andy Spahn, a Democratic fundraiser and Hollywood adviser, said in an email to The Times on Friday. “This will be resolved soon.”
For a more in-depth analysis of Hollywood insecurity, check out this article by journalists Samantha Masunaga, Wendy Lee, and Jenny Jarvie.
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