Biden's Fundraising Woes: A Concerning Shift in Campaign Momentum

The Biden campaign is facing a concerning decline in fundraising following the president's lackluster performance in the debate against former President Donald Trump. Sources close to the campaign have described the current state of fundraising as "disastrous," with contributions from large donors potentially decreasing by more than half this month. This development has raised questions about the campaign's ability to sustain its operations and effectively compete in the upcoming election.

Donor Disillusionment: A Troubling Trend for the Biden Campaign

Fading Post-Debate Fundraising Surge

The Biden campaign initially celebrated the million raised on the day of the debate and the following morning, but this post-debate fundraising surge quickly faded. According to a report, donors were left with a "negative" impression after a recent fundraising call with the president, describing it as "contrived" and lacking tough questions. This suggests that the campaign's ability to maintain donor enthusiasm and engagement has been significantly challenged.

Uncertainty Surrounding Biden's Commitment

The campaign's fundraising challenges are further compounded by the uncertainty surrounding Biden's commitment to the race. As the president faces calls to withdraw from his re-election bid, some donors have expressed hesitation in continuing their support. One of Biden's top bundlers stated, "You can't reach out to someone, because someone could say, 'Geez, I didn't know, he has dementia.'" This uncertainty has created an additional obstacle for the campaign in securing and retaining donor support.

Donor Expectations and the "Two-Week Grace Period"

The report on the campaign's fundraising difficulties comes just before the end of the "two-week grace period" that donors reportedly granted the president following his subpar debate performance. Donors anticipated a decline in Biden's polling numbers post-debate, but a continued decline beyond two weeks would become problematic and challenging for donors to accept, according to a source privy to a call with top campaign contributors. This suggests that the campaign is operating under a tight timeline to address the fundraising concerns and regain donor confidence.

Clooney's Call for Biden to Withdraw

In a New York Times op-ed published Wednesday, Oscar-winning actor George Clooney, who recently helped raise approximately million for the president, urged Biden to end his re-election campaign. Clooney asserted that the octogenarian incumbent "cannot win" against Trump, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the campaign's viability.

Campaign's Response and Denial

A campaign spokesperson told NBC News that the report of declining fundraising was "not accurate." However, the evidence presented in the original article suggests that the campaign is facing significant challenges in maintaining its donor base and securing the necessary financial resources to sustain its operations.

Implications for the Campaign's Future

The Biden campaign's fundraising woes come at a critical juncture, as the president faces increasing scrutiny and doubts about his ability to secure a second term. The decline in donations, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Biden's commitment and the growing calls for him to withdraw, could have far-reaching implications for the campaign's strategy, messaging, and overall viability. As the election cycle progresses, the campaign will need to address these concerns and regain the trust and support of its donor base to remain competitive.