President Joe Biden, 81, reportedly tried to allay concerns among donors and supporters about his age, energy level and chances of defeating former President Donald Trump.
For months, Democrats have expressed concern about Biden's chances of winning in 2024 because of insufficient polling on his age and fitness.
- Redfield & Wilton Strategy: Majority of Democrats are 'concerned' about Biden's ability.
- YouGov: 55% say Biden's health and age are “significantly” limiting his ability to perform his job.
- NBC News: Most registered voters have 'major' concerns about Biden's age and health.
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According to people familiar with the meeting, there was no set agenda, and the meeting covered a wide range of topics, including dealing with former President Donald Trump, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and abortion rights. The meeting is being hosted by movie mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Biden campaign's national co-chair and a longtime Democratic fundraiser.
Biden's White House meeting with donors may not be legal.
“There are some rooms in the White House, particularly in the official residence, that are not covered by the Hatch Act,” said Kedrick Payne, ethics director at the Election Legal Center. Said Axios.
“The president is legally allowed to meet and entertain donors at the White House,” Payne added. “However, while in the White House, you cannot make campaign contributions or solicit campaign contributions.”
White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said Mr. Biden's meeting was entirely “typical.”
“It is common for all presidents, regardless of political party, to host supporters in the White House complex, which is both the Oval Office and their personal residence,” he told Axios. “President Biden and his team take all the rules regarding the White House and redistricting seriously, and we are proud of that.”
Biden is trying to assuage donor fears amid a surge in negative polling against the president.
- Morning Consultation: Trump is more popular than Biden for 10 consecutive weeks.
- WSJ: Only 23% of voters say Biden's policies have helped them.
- CNN: Majority says there is “no chance” they will vote for Biden in 2024.
Wendell Husebo is a political reporter for Breitbart News and a former Republican war room analyst.he is the author of politics of slave morality.Follow Wendell “X” @WendellHusebø or society of truth @WendellHusebo.
