Biden’s campaign manager told about 40 of his top financial backers that the cash in his war chest would largely go to Kamala Harris if he steps aside: report
President Joe Biden’s campaign has been pulling out the stops to shore up support for him after his disastrous debate performance Thursday. But the president’s top donors have been briefed on what could happen and the messy financial situation that might ensue if he were to end his presidential run, NBC News reported.
NBC said Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chávez Rodriguez, had a call Sunday with about 40 of Biden’s top financial backers.
During the call, Chávez Rodriguez told the donors — while emphasizing that Biden had no intention to give up on his 2024 run — that the lion’s share of the campaign money would go to Vice President Kamala Harris.
A smaller amount would go to the Democratic National Committee, the outlet reported.
NBC added that the Biden camp has held similar conversations recently, with more to come in the weeks ahead. Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chair, is set to talk Monday with donors, two sources told NBC.
For his part, Biden has given little indication that he plans to step aside. In a speech Friday to about 2,000 supporters in North Carolina, Biden acknowledged his poor showing at the debate while attempting to rally support.
“Folks, I might not walk as easily or talk as smoothly as I used to. I might not debate as well as I used to. But what I do know is how to tell the truth,” Biden said.
Biden added that he would not be running for office again if he did not believe with all his “heart and soul” that he could still do the job.
In the meantime, multiple reports have emerged about infighting within the Democratic Party’s ranks. Biden’s family members have urged him to stay in the race while blaming his top aides for his lackluster debate performance.
And as speculation persists about whether the president plans to stay the course, dissatisfaction is growing in Harris’ camp. Harris allies are complaining that other influential Democrats — like Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan — are being prioritized over the VP as potential Biden replacements, Politico reported.
Representatives for Biden did not immediately respond to a request for comment from us sent outside regular business hours.