George Clooney, Other Hollywood Donors Withdraw Support, Urge Biden to Exit 2024 Race

Hollywood, a crucial financial backbone for the Democratic Party, is reeling as actor George Clooney and other major donors have called for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Clooney’s call for a new nominee follows Biden’s poor performance in a recent televised debate against Republican rival Donald Trump, raising concerns about the 81-year-old president’s fitness for office.

In a New York Times column on Wednesday, Clooney expressed his admiration for Biden but emphasized the need for fresh leadership. This public plea comes just three weeks after Clooney hosted a major fundraiser in Los Angeles, where Biden raised over $30 million in a single night, showcasing Hollywood’s significant influence in Democratic campaign financing.

“If all these big donors pull out, he’s sunk,” remarked Steve Ross, a history professor at the University of Southern California and author on Hollywood’s political impact. “Hollywood remains a pivotal support base for candidates.”

Other notable Hollywood figures have echoed Clooney’s concerns. Recently, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Walt Disney’s granddaughter Abigail Disney, and mega-agent Ari Emanuel announced they would not be financing Biden, citing apprehensions about his age.

Hollywood’s Historic Political Influence

Hollywood’s financial contributions have long been vital to both political parties, but the industry has predominantly supported Democrats in recent decades. Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Barack Obama, significantly benefited from Hollywood’s backing. During the 2020 presidential race, the entertainment industry contributed $104 million to Democrats compared to $13 million to Republicans, according to Open Secrets.

Historically, Hollywood was a conservative stronghold. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan, a former actor, garnered substantial support from Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra. However, the election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 marked a shift to the left, ending the era of blacklisting actors for alleged communist sympathies and ushering in a new era of free speech for Hollywood.

Uncertain Future for Biden’s Campaign

Despite Hollywood’s current wavering support, some experts believe the situation might be temporary. Steven Maviglio, a Democratic adviser, suggests that if Biden remains in the race and faces Trump again, Hollywood might rally back to support him. However, the silence of influential figures like Jeffrey Katzenberg, who organized the June fundraiser for Biden, adds to the uncertainty.

Katzenberg’s continued support is seen as crucial. “He’s the engine behind the machine. So if he stops, that’s significant,” Maviglio stated.