Prominent Democratic donors have begun withholding financial support from President Joe Biden’s campaign, adopting the slogan “No more dough until no more Joe” as doubts about his viability mount.
This move comes as Biden, facing mounting internal and external challenges, has increasingly relied on his son Hunter, who is currently dealing with legal troubles, to navigate the tumultuous political landscape.
Sources close to the situation described the Biden-Hunter relationship as almost “Shakespearean,” the Washington Post reported that discontent among donors has intensified. The publication detailed how even Biden’s aides were unsettled, circulating footage of the President struggling to manage the steps on Air Force One.
In response to the growing unease, some high-profile donors have attempted to fund polling on potential alternative candidates and directed resources to elected officials advocating for Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
Inside the White House, a faction of advisers is reportedly focusing on strategies to secure policy achievements ahead of a potential second term for Republican nominee Donald Trump rather than working to secure Biden’s re-election, according to a source briefed on the matter.
Criticism of Biden’s mental acuity has surfaced from several lawmakers. One legislator noted a noticeable decline in Biden’s condition during recent interactions, including when the President was barely audible during a conversation on Air Force One. Another lawmaker observed Biden frequently trailing off and misremembering names in recent weeks.
Despite the concerns, Jeff Weaver, a former political strategist for Bernie Sanders, noted that barring Biden’s decision to step aside would make it challenging to prevent him from becoming the nominee if he remains intent on running.
Reports of the Biden family discussing the possibility of stepping back from the campaign trail have been refuted by insiders, who maintain that the family remains united in support of the President.
Currently recuperating at his beach house in Delaware, Biden is reportedly infuriated by the push for his ouster and views former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a key figure behind the manoeuvring.
On a recent call with Reverend Al Sharpton, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the campaign, with Sharpton noting that the debate over Biden’s candidacy has become a disruptive issue, undermining enthusiasm among supporters and raising questions about the process should he withdraw.
Meanwhile, Trump operatives reportedly strategise to keep Biden in the race, believing that a weaker Democratic candidate could benefit their campaign.
Cody Hall, a top adviser to Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, remarked that Democrats might fare better with a less formidable opponent at the top of their ticket.
In addition, Biden’s performance in recent communications, including a tense Zoom call with Rep. Jason Crow, has been described as rambling and incoherent. The call, which concluded just before a violent incident targeting Trump, reportedly delayed Democrats from voicing their frustrations.
Polls indicate that Biden is lagging behind his 2020 performance in crucial districts, with Senate polls showing significant deficits in battleground states.
As speculation swirls about potential alternatives, Weaver questioned whether a withdrawal by Biden would lead to a coronation of Vice President Kamala Harris or prompt a more complicated nomination process.
