'This is attack on democracy': Outrage as Democratic donors withhold $90M from pro-Biden super PAC to force POTUS to step down

WASHINGTON, DC: Prominent Democratic donors to President Joe Biden told the pro-Biden super PAC that $90 million in pledged contributions were on hold if the octogenarian stayed in the race after his disastrous debate performance last month.

The frozen amount includes multiple contributions of over $10 million pledged to the largest pro-Biden super PAC, Future Forwards, as The New York Times reported on Friday, July 12, citing two anonymous sources. One donor disclosed being approached by Future Forward for a donation since Biden flunked his debate on June 27 but said he had been "holding off."

The president's pathetic display on the debate stage started the course of heightening calls for his exit from the 2024 race from Democrat elected officials as well as donors. As of July 12, twenty Congressional Democrats have urged the 81-year-old to suspend his reelection bid, with many doubting his potential to defeat Donald Trump.

Identities of mutinous Democratic donors remain anonymous

The increasing number of Democratic donors withdrawing support from Biden signaled his jeopardized position to grab the nomination in August, and many viewed Vice President Kamala Harris as a possible replacement for the ticket.

The names of the donors who were withholding the promised checks were kept private; however, an aide to a top Future Forward donor criticized the move, asserting they were making a mistake by holding back the pledged contributions.

"A funding freeze is a problematic strategy at this point in the election cycle," claimed Rae Steward, an associate of billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. "If donors are committed to making a statement by withholding capital from Future Forward or the Biden campaign," she said they should instead contribute more to progressive nonprofit organizations that are "agnostic about who is at the top of the ticket."

Earlier this week, actor George Clooney, who co-hosted a fundraiser for Biden in June, urged the president to step down from the race, asserting that Democrats "are not going to win in November with this president."

Similarly, Disney heiress Abigail Disney threatened to withhold further donations if Biden decided to continue for the ticket.

The 81-year-old's continued effort to ensure his capability to defeat Trump and remain in office for one more term was a failure in light of his ongoing gaffes.

He added to the concerns about his cognitive decline after introducing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin" during the NATO Summit in Washington DC on July 11. In addition, he mistakenly referred to Vice President Harris as "Vice President Trump" in the press release following the summit.

Internet slams Democratic donors for withholding $90 million from pro-Biden super PAC

Netizens called out the Democratic donors' decision to withhold $90 million pledged contributions from Future Forwards to force the president to quit the re-election bid. Many pointed out wealthy donors were attacking America's democracy by opposing the voters' decisions.

"So the primaries mean nothing and a handful of rich people can decide who will be the Democrat nominee? This is the threat to democracy," a user wrote.

"All That Money Will Go To Other Races Which May Be Worse," another opined.

"So a small group of EXTREEMLY wealthy elites are demanding that the democratically chosen candidate for the @TheDemocrats step down, and that a new candidate be selected? . . . to save democracy?" Asked a third user.

"Ok. But when Biden wins they have to leave the party. Persona non grata. They are sabotaging his campaign from the inside. If Trump wins, we will blame them. He won’t, but if it does happen, those donors will be at fault. Who needs enemies when you’ve got friends like that," read a fourth response.

"This is a direct attack on democracy!! How dare those donors defy the voters by blackmailing like that!" Another person said.

"So much for protecting Democracy...... They talk a good fight but just aren't capable of walking the walk....." someone else chimed in.

"So, it's the voters that will vote for him, not the donors," an individual stated.

"Disenfranchisement. The voters have spoken. This is nothing but self-destructive," another user added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.