Democratic megadonor and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings called on President Joe Biden to “step back” following his performance in last week’s presidential debate.
Hastings has donated to Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.), The New York Times He argued that Biden needed to “step back” so that a more “active” candidate could “beat Trump.”
“Biden needs to step aside so strong Democratic leadership can defeat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings told the outlet.
Biden’s lackluster debate performance caused panic among Democratic Party officials, donors, voters and media members, with many questioning whether Biden could serve another term as president.
Hastings’ comments come as several top Hollywood donors have issued an ultimatum to Biden to “get out” or they will stop donating to the Democratic Party.
Several other Hollywood donors have also said they are pausing their contributions, expressing disdain over the Biden campaign’s claim that the president won the debate.
Hastings and his wife, philanthropist Patty Quillin, are among the Democratic Party’s biggest donors. The couple gave $1 million to the super PAC Future Forward, led by former Democratic activist Chauncey McLean, which has spent tens of millions of dollars on anti-Trump advertising.
The media outlet reported that the couple have donated “more than $20 million” to the Democratic Party over the past few years.
Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, have become among the Democratic Party’s most generous donors during the Trump administration. Together, they have given more than $20 million to the party over the past few years, including $1.5 million to support Biden in the 2020 presidential election and $100,000 last summer to support him in 2024. Most of their donations have gone to super PACs supporting Democrats in the House and Senate.
Hastings’ call for Biden to “stand back” came shortly after it was reported that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris would be meeting with Democratic governors, including Newsom, Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Katie Hobbs (D-Arizona), Hawaii Governor Josh Green (D-Hawaii) and Wes Moore (D-Maryland). deadline.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser was also reported to be attending the conference.
Since Biden’s debate performance, several Democrats have continued to support Biden, including former President Barack Obama, Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania). Other Democrats, including Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) and Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona), have publicly suggested that Biden should withdraw from the presidential race.
