Hollywood’s Growing Doubts About Joe Biden’s Campaign
What happens if Hollywood, a crucial source of Democratic campaign funding, pulls the plug on Joe Biden’s reelection bid? This question is gaining traction after actor George Clooney and other prominent donors urged the US president to step aside from the White House race.
“I love Joe Biden. But we need a new nominee,” Clooney penned in a New York Times column on Wednesday. His remarks came after Biden’s poor showing in a televised debate against Republican rival Donald Trump, raising concerns about the 81-year-old’s ability to continue in office.
Clooney’s statement was particularly impactful, arriving just three weeks after he headlined a significant fundraiser in Los Angeles for Biden’s campaign, which raised over $30 million in one evening—a testament to Hollywood’s financial clout in supporting Democratic causes.
“If these big donors withdraw their support, Biden’s campaign is in serious trouble,” said Steve Ross, a history professor at the University of Southern California and an expert on Hollywood’s political influence. “Hollywood remains a key stop for candidates.”
Clooney isn’t alone in his concerns. Recently, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Disney heiress Abigail Disney, and mega-agent Ari Emanuel have all voiced reservations about Biden’s age and indicated they won’t be financing his campaign.
Hollywood’s Historic Influence
While the entertainment industry’s financial contributions are vital to both major political parties, Hollywood has long been a stronghold of Democratic support. Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Barack Obama, benefited greatly from Hollywood’s backing in their respective presidential campaigns. In 2007, Obama gained significant momentum from the “Oprah Winfrey effect,” thanks to the television host’s high-profile support.
During the 2020 presidential race, Hollywood contributed $104 million to Democratic campaigns, compared to just $13 million to Republicans, according to Open Secrets, a nonprofit tracking campaign finance.
However, it wasn’t always this way. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan, a former actor and Republican president, enjoyed substantial support from Hollywood, including from stars like Frank Sinatra. MGM Studios under Louis B. Mayer, in the late 1920s, was a major fundraiser for the GOP.
The tide turned in the 1960s with John F. Kennedy’s election, marking Hollywood’s shift to the left as the era of blacklisting for communist sympathies ended, ushering in a new era of free speech for celebrities.
A Temporary Setback?
Despite its influence, can Hollywood actually force Biden out of the race? Clooney’s op-ed is certainly a significant pressure point, according to Steven Maviglio, a Democratic adviser. However, he views the current donor panic as “a temporary phenomenon.”
“If Biden decides to continue and it becomes clear that it’s a Biden versus Trump race, Hollywood will likely rally back to support Biden,” Maviglio said, noting that the current defections aren’t enough to end Biden’s campaign.
Attention is now focused on Jeffrey Katzenberg, a former Disney executive and co-founder of Dreamworks, who organized the major fundraiser for Biden in June. Although Katzenberg has faced criticism following Biden’s debate performance, he has remained silent.
“If Katzenberg withdraws his support, that’s a significant blow,” Maviglio added.
With Hollywood’s support in flux, Biden’s campaign faces a critical moment as it navigates these high-profile doubts.
