Several prominent Hollywood donors have intensified their calls for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns about his recent performances and overall capabilities.
The New York Times reported that key figures like Ari Emanuel and Peter Benedek are among those publicly urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy for the sake of his legacy and the country.
As of Monday, Hollywood donors are urging President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid. The group includes notable figures such as Peter Benedek, co-founder of United Talent Agency, and Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor and TKO Group Holdings.
Benedek and Emanuel believe that Biden's actions are damaging his reputation and legacy. Their call for Biden to step down follows a Hollywood fundraiser that raised $30 million for his campaign.
Raimondo Emanuel, the brother of Ari Emanuel, serves as the U.S. ambassador to Japan in the Biden administration, highlighting the deep connections between these donors and the current government.
Hollywood figures have criticized Biden's debate performance, likening his behavior to that of former President Donald Trump.
Emanuel specifically noted discrepancies in Biden's statements about his health following a debate, drawing parallels to Trump's past misinformation.
Filmmaker and Democratic donor Rob Reiner also joined in the critique, urging Biden to step down. However, Reiner showed a more lenient stance after a recent appearance by Biden on "Morning Joe."
Reiner stated, "If we see the Joe Biden that appeared on Morning Joe today every day until Nov. 5, he’ll be able to shut up people like me who think he should step aside."
Ari Emanuel harshly compared Jill Biden's post-debate support of her husband to behaviors exhibited by Melania Trump. He said, "When Jill Biden told her husband after the debate, ‘Joe, you did such a great job! You answered every question! You knew all the facts!’, and the next day defiantly wore a dress plastered with the word ‘VOTE’, I couldn't help but think of Melania Trump wearing a coat that said ‘I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?’ after touring a detention center for child migrants."
Emanuel continued his criticism, saying, "The Joe Biden we saw on the debate stage is simply not up to the job of defeating Mr. Trump, let alone governing for four more years."
Despite their significant contributions to Democratic campaigns, Emanuel and other donors are not considered mega-donors.
Ezekiel Emanuel, a physician and Ari's brother, had previously written an article suggesting Biden's withdrawal due to his apparent decline in cognitive abilities.
Ari Emanuel suggested that a new Democratic ticket with swing-state governors like Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania could be more effective in the upcoming election.
He also presented an alternative with Whitmer possibly running alongside Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland. Emanuel emphasized that the Democratic Party should prioritize the country's needs over individual ambitions.
Peter Benedek echoed these sentiments, stating, "He’s running against a felon and now he’s suddenly taking advice from his son who is a convicted felon? It’s time to go. He’s sullying his profound legacy."
Emanuel criticized the idea that Biden alone could fix the country's issues, calling it "a self-aggrandising delusion on a Trumpian scale." He highlighted that the audience at Biden's post-debate rally sounded similar to a MAGA crowd from 2016.
Emanuel argued that Biden's advisers were deluded if they believed they could convince Americans that his debate performance was satisfactory. He added, "’One bad night’ or ‘the effects of a cold' is spin that would make even Mr. Trump's flacks blush."
Emanuel further compared Biden's handling of his health information to Trump's White House frequently lying about medical treatments, from routine colonoscopies to his near-death experience with COVID-19.
Rob Reiner was more direct in his appeal, stating, "It’s time to stop fucking around. If the Convicted Felon wins, we lose our Democracy. Joe Biden has effectively served US with honor, decency, and dignity. It’s time for Joe Biden to step down."
Despite his harsh criticism, Reiner acknowledged Biden's strong performance on "Morning Joe," suggesting that consistent displays of such competence could change the minds of his critics.
The outcry from Hollywood donors underscores a broader concern within the Democratic Party about Biden's ability to lead effectively in the upcoming election and beyond.
In summary, several influential Hollywood donors, including Ari Emanuel and Peter Benedek, are calling for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
They cite concerns over his debate performance, health, and overall capabilities. The donors propose alternative Democratic candidates and emphasize the need to prioritize the country's needs over individual ambitions. Their criticisms reflect a growing unease within the party about Biden's ability to lead effectively in the future.
