President Joe Biden’s recent attempts to gather support for his presidential library are reportedly struggling to connect with Democratic donors. A number of individuals who previously supported Biden shared their feelings with NBC News, noting that while they hold no animosity towards him, they are hesitant to contribute to the library or are only willing to make limited donations.
Several donors cited concerns about funding the future of the Democratic Party, mentioning a reluctance to align too closely with Biden given the current political climate, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s influence. There were also indications of negative experiences with Biden’s close advisors, which some believed would make substantial fundraising challenging.
One donor articulated a desire for a successful library but expressed doubts about where to allocate financial support. Another simply stated they would not be contributing at all.
Further complicating matters, there seems to be frustration among party members regarding Biden’s decision to pursue re-election, especially after health issues prompted his withdrawal last summer amid concerns about his cognitive abilities during debates with Trump.
After Biden, Kamala Harris quickly secured the party’s nomination but ultimately lost to Trump in November last year. John Morgan, a personal injury lawyer, humorously demanded a refund of $800,000 he claims to have raised for Biden, suggesting a library may only come to fruition in a very different form.
Susie Buell, a top party donor, remarked that she had not been approached for contributions and had no intention of funding the library.
Rufus Gifford, chair of the Library Committee and a former finance director for Obama, expressed hope that some donors would still step forward to support Biden’s legacy, stating that this initiative is about the future rather than the past. However, it’s noted that the Biden team is aiming to raise between $200 million and $300 million for the project.
For context, the Obama Presidential Library, set to open in Chicago, has a budget of $850 million. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has also managed to secure millions for future libraries, an effort that has drawn scrutiny from Democrats.
Some donors, including Morgan, expressed skepticism about the viability of significant funding given Biden’s age and health challenges. He further commented on the potential backlash from the party regarding Biden’s re-election campaign, likening the situation to a disaster waiting to happen.
Many contributors have lamented the lack of accessibility to Biden during his presidency, feeling that after being asked for financial support, their calls went unanswered. Additionally, concerns about becoming targets in a politically charged environment under Trump further complicate the fundraising landscape.
Chris Corge, the Democratic National Committee’s fundraising chair, highlighted the difficulties in securing large donations given the current political climate and advised Biden’s team to prioritize fundraising for the library over re-election efforts.
