Hollywood elites who have so far supported President Biden are now opposing the Democrat’s reelection effort after his damaging debate performance raised concerns about his mental capacity.
Questions about Biden’s physical and mental health were raised after the first presidential debate in June, leading to calls from voters, Democratic lawmakers and donors for the party to choose a new candidate to challenge former President Trump in November.
“The Shining” author Stephen King has become the latest celebrity to call on President Biden to resign.
“Joe Biden has been a great president, but for the sake of the America he clearly loves, the time has come to announce that he will not be running for re-election,” King wrote on X on Monday.
Several Democratic leaders on House committees call for Biden to resign
Netflix co-founder and megadonor Reed Hastings has donated millions of dollars to Democratic candidates, including Biden, but is one of the most ardent Hollywood donors who recently reversed course and called on Biden to drop out of the race.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings speaks at the Netflix Slate event in Bogota, Colombia on October 9, 2018.
“Biden must step aside so strong Democratic leadership can defeat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings said in a statement to The New York Times.
Star Trek screenwriter Damon Lindelof, a self-described “lifelong Democrat,” said Biden’s debate performance was “disappointing, upsetting and appalling” and called on the party to choose a new candidate.
While noting that he has supported Biden to date, Lindelof suggested imposing “economic sanctions” on Democrats until Biden replaces him in the 2024 presidential election.
“If you get an email asking for cash, reply that you’re not giving them a penny, and don’t change your mind until you see the change at the top of your ticket,” Lindelof wrote in a Deadline column. “I suggest DEMbargo. Don’t write a check. Don’t click on ActBlue links. For anyone.”
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Lindelof has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the party over the years, with public records showing contributions to the Democratic House Campaign Committee and candidates including Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
Damon Lindelof attended the Los Angeles premiere of Peacock’s “Mrs. Davis” held at the DGA Theatre Complex on April 13, 2023. (Unique Nicole)
Disney heiress and film producer Abigail Disney issued a warning to Democrats if Biden doesn’t replace her as the nominee.
“I plan to stop donating to the party unless we see an alternative to Biden. This is reality, this is no disrespect. Biden is a good man and has served the country well, but the stakes are just too high,” she told CNBC after the debate. “If Biden doesn’t step down, the Democrats will lose. I’m absolutely certain of that. The consequences of a loss would be truly devastating.”
Actor and Democratic donor Rob Reiner on Sunday joined calls for Biden to drop out of the race.
“Let’s stop kidding around. If a convicted criminal wins, we lose our democracy. Joe Biden has served America with honor, decency and dignity,” Reiner said in a post on X. “It’s time for Joe Biden to step down.”
Rob Reiner attends the 24th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival on May 3, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Paul Archuleta)
Hollywood agent Ali Emounel said he believes Biden is “no longer the candidate” and that donors have already pulled their money from his campaign.
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“It pisses me off the Founding Fathers. They said it would start at 35, but they never gave us an end date,” Hastings said at the Aspen Institute’s Ideas Festival. “I’ve talked to big donors, and they’re moving all of their money to the Congress and the Senate. I can’t believe we’re in this situation.”
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban had said he would still vote for Biden if he remained the Democratic nominee, but after the debate he made it clear he was “open to discussing alternatives to Biden and/or Harris” on X.
Biden has vowed to continue campaigning amid calls for him to give up on reelection, telling a recent Independence Day audience at the White House that he’s “not going anywhere.”
