'They were already Dems': Internet weighs in as former Nikki Haley donors rally behind Joe Biden's re-election bid

WASHINGTON, DC: In a surprising (or not so?) turn of events, wealthy donors who threw their weight behind former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley's now-suspended presidential campaign are pivoting their allegiance towards backing President Biden's re-election bid.

One prominent figure leading this transition is businessman and media mogul Harry Sloan, who was once a staunch supporter of Haley's campaign. In a recent interview with CNBC, Sloan disclosed his efforts to rally his wealthy associates and Republican business leaders behind Biden.

"People I know who are generally business Republicans, they’re going to hear from me," Sloan affirmed, indicating his proactive stance in steering support towards the Biden camp.

Former Haley donors join Biden's camp

Sloan's initiative has already gained traction, with reports indicating that at least half a dozen former Haley donors have pledged their support to the Biden campaign.

Reportedly, the impetus behind this transition was driven by Biden campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg and campaign finance chair Rufus Gifford.

Their objective is to appeal to former supporters of Nikki Haley, who are disillusioned with the idea of Donald Trump securing the Republican presidential nomination for a third time..

Katzenberg personally reached out to Sloan, leveraging their past collaboration in fundraising efforts for Haley's campaign, which amassed over $550,000.

Meanwhile, Gifford admitted his involvement in a WhatsApp group titled "Haley Supporters for Biden," which actively recruits additional donors from Haley's network.

Responding to these developments, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reiterated the party's unity behind Trump.

She told Fox News, "Americans from all backgrounds, including Republicans, Independents and disillusioned Democrats, are coalescing around President Trump and joining the greatest political movement in history so we can end Joe Biden's chaos and make America strong, safe, and successful again."

However, fractures within the GOP have become increasingly apparent, with many moderates expressing reluctance to support Trump for a third presidential bid.

Infighting within the Republican National Committee further underscores the party's internal divisions, according to Newsweek.

Trump himself has signaled a hardline stance against former supporters who defect to other candidates.

"Anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp. We don’t want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

In contrast, Biden has welcomed former supporters of Nikki Haley with open arms. "Donald Trump has made it evident that he doesn't seek the support of Nikki Haley's backers. I want to make it clear: There is a welcoming place for them in my campaign," stated Biden.

Social media reactions

Social media platforms buzzed with reactions to the news of former donors of Nikki Haley shifting their allegiance to Biden.

While some viewed the move as predictable, others criticized the donors' purported lack of loyalty to Trump, branding them as "Democrats in RINO clothing."

"Why is this not surprising," one posted on X.

"They were already Dems," another wrote.

"They didn’t switch they were there from the beginning," a comment read.

"The Democrats in RINO clothing are outing themselves again," someone else chimed in.

"They were NEVER FOR Donald Trump to begin with. Fixed it for you," another added.

Financial dynamics

Haley's withdrawal from the presidential race following a lackluster Super Tuesday performance further underscored the shifting dynamics within the Republican landscape.

Despite refraining from endorsing Trump, Haley's departure paved the way for her donors to explore alternative candidates, ultimately benefiting Biden's campaign.

While Trump currently trails Biden in campaign funding, he is mobilizing efforts to close the gap. Collaborating with the Republican National Committee, Trump has established a joint fundraising committee to bolster his financial resources.

Moreover, Trump is leveraging his network of affluent supporters, organizing fundraising events to bolster his campaign funds.

Recent filings with the Federal Election Commission reveal Biden's substantial financial advantage over Trump, with a two-to-one fundraising margin and a significant cash-on-hand advantage.

The Democratic National Committee also outpaced its Republican counterpart in fundraising, highlighting the formidable financial position of the Biden campaign and the Democratic Party as a whole, per Fox News.

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