Prominent filmmaker and philanthropist Abigail Disney has publicly called for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, asserting her belief that his candidacy would lead to a defeat against Donald Trump and dire consequences for the Democratic Party. Disney, granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of the Walt Disney Co., expressed her stance in a statement to CNBC on Thursday, also announcing her decision to cease all contributions to Democrats unless Biden steps down.
“This is realism, not disrespect,” Disney emphasized. “Biden is a good man and has served his country admirably, but the stakes are far too high. If Biden does not step down, the Democrats will lose. Of that I am absolutely certain.”
Her stance echoes sentiments from other influential Democratic backers, including Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who recently urged Biden to end his reelection bid to bolster the party’s chances against Trump.
Disney suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris could mount a successful challenge against Trump in the upcoming election, expressing confidence in Harris’s abilities: “We have an excellent Vice President. If Democrats would tolerate any of her perceived shortcomings even one-tenth as much as they have tolerated Biden’s (and let’s not kid ourselves about where race and gender figure in that inequity) and if Democrats can find a way to stop quibbling and rally around her, we can win this election by a lot.”
Her critique of the current Democratic strategy underscores broader concerns within the party about Biden’s electability in a head-to-head matchup with Trump. Disney’s outspoken stance on political issues is well-documented, including her involvement in donating $50,000 to the Jane Fonda Climate political action committee earlier in 2024, as reported by FEC filings.
Biden, following a widely criticized debate performance against Trump on June 27, has remained resolute about continuing his presidential campaign. His determination to stay in the race contrasts sharply with calls from influential figures like Disney and Hastings for a strategic reevaluation ahead of the November elections.
ABC News is scheduled to broadcast an interview between Biden and anchor George Stephanopoulos on Friday evening, with earlier segments expected to feature Biden discussing his campaign efforts from Wisconsin. The interview is anticipated to provide further insights into Biden’s perspectives and strategies moving forward amidst escalating calls for him to reconsider his candidacy.
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