Hollywood celebrities George Clooney and Michael Douglas weigh in on the pressure facing President Biden to step down amid mounting criticism. The podcast delves into the influence of donors and billionaires in US politics, emphasizing the ethical challenges and implications for the upcoming election. President Biden remains resilient despite calls for replacement, highlighting the role of donors in shaping election dynamics and campaign strategies.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Democratic donors pressuring Biden to step down due to poor debate performance and doubts about his ability to win in November.
Debates sparked on the influence of money in US politics as donors threaten to withhold funds until Biden resigns.
Deep dives
Criticism of President Biden's Candidacy
There is a growing concern among leading Democratic donors that President Joe Biden should step down from the forthcoming US election due to faltering performances in debates and interviews. The criticism highlights the influence of big money in US politics, with donors expressing doubts about Biden's ability to win in November. Notable figures like Hollywood star George Clooney and actor Michael Douglas have openly suggested that it might be time for Biden to step aside, raising questions about Biden's age and his capacity to navigate the challenges of the presidency.
Role of Donors in Political Decision-Making
The podcast discusses how donors, including prominent individuals like Abigail Disney and Steve Phillips, are exerting pressure on President Biden to reconsider his candidacy. While Biden remains resolute and supported by some donors, others like Disney have threatened to withhold further donations until he steps down. The involvement of donors in such key political decisions has sparked debates about the influence of money in American elections and raised concerns about the potential consequences of their actions.
Challenges in Alternative Candidate Scenarios
In the event that Biden were to step aside, potential replacements such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Governor Gavin Newsom face significant challenges. Issues surrounding fundraising agreements and existing campaign funds, including a substantial $240 million raised for a Biden-Harris re-election bid, complicate the process of selecting a new candidate. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of campaign funds and the lack of contingency plans underscore the complexities involved in potential candidate changes within the Democratic Party.
We hear from Democrat fundraisers who are divided over whether he should pull out of the campaign for re-election.
In the past week, since Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance, a number of donors have publicly warned they will withhold funds unless Mr Biden is replaced as the Democratic party candidate.
Pressure on Mr Biden, 81, to step aside has grown, including from Hollywood celebrities George Clooney and Michael Douglas.
However he has vowed to stay on, taking on Donald Trump, 78, in the November presidential election.
Produced and presented by Ed Butler
(Image: President Joe Biden speaks during a 4th of July event on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2024 in Washington, DC. Credit: Getty Images)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode