Major Democrat donors to the largest pro-Biden super PAC have frozen $90 million in pledged donations
Some major Democratic donors have informed the largest pro-Biden super PAC, Future Forward, that approximately $90 million in pledged donations will remain on hold if President Joe Biden continues his candidacy, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.
According to two individuals briefed on the conversations, the frozen amounts include “multiple eight-figure commitments,” the newspaper noted.
Future Forward declined to comment to the Times, stating only that they believed the contributions would be released once the uncertainty surrounding the Democratic ticket was resolved.
Meanwhile, Biden received support from two prominent Democrats who stated he should remain in the White House race, even as other party members debated whether the 81-year-old incumbent is still fit for reelection.
“I’m riding with Biden no matter which direction he goes,” Representative James Clyburn said on NBC’s “Today” program, following Biden's high-profile press conference aimed at addressing doubts about his candidacy.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been mentioned as a potential successor, also expressed his support for Biden. “I’m all in. No daylight,” he said in an interview excerpt released by CBS.
Clyburn, 83, is a respected voice among Black Americans, whose support is crucial to Biden’s 2024 campaign. Newsom, 56, is one of several younger governors seen as the future of the party.
In contrast, another congressional Democrat urged Biden to withdraw from the race. At least 18 lawmakers have now called on him to step aside so the party can select another candidate following his faltering debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump on June 27.
“Please pass the torch to one of our many capable Democratic leaders so we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump,” Representative Brittany Pettersen wrote on social media.