Democratic Donors Withhold Funds from Pro-Biden Super PAC Amid Uncertainty

Some major Democratic donors have informed the largest pro-Biden super PAC, Future Forward, that pledges worth roughly million are now on hold if President Biden remains atop the ticket, according to two people who have been briefed on the conversations. This decision to withhold such enormous sums of money is one of the most concrete examples of the fallout from Mr. Biden's poor debate performance at the end of June.

Donors Pause Contributions Amid Doubts About Biden's Viability

Frozen Pledges and Uncertainty Surrounding the Ticket

The frozen contributions include multiple eight-figure commitments, according to the two people who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. This cash freeze comes as some advisers around Mr. Biden are discussing how to persuade the president to exit the race, and as his campaign has begun to test Vice President Kamala Harris in head-to-head surveys of voters against former President Donald J. Trump. The number of congressional Democrats calling for Mr. Biden to step aside is growing by the day, further exacerbating the uncertainty surrounding the Democratic ticket.

Future Forward's Cautious Approach

Future Forward, the pro-Biden super PAC, has declined to comment on any conversations with donors or the amounts of any pledged money being withheld. However, a Future Forward adviser has stated that the group expected contributors who had paused donations to return once the current uncertainty about the ticket was resolved. The super PAC has been shying away from making major strategic decisions until it gets clarity on who will be atop the ticket, according to a separate person close to the group.

Donor Hesitation and Reluctance to Contribute

Separately, one donor to the group described being approached multiple times by Future Forward since the debate for a contribution, but said he and his friends had been "holding off." This reluctance to contribute reflects the broader uncertainty and concerns among Democratic donors about the party's leadership and the viability of the Biden-Harris ticket.

The Potential Impact on Future Forward's Operations

The frozen pledges, estimated to total around or above million, could have a significant impact on Future Forward's ability to execute its planned strategies and advertising campaigns in key battleground states. The group's nonprofit arm, which has also been running advertising in these crucial regions, may also be affected by the withholding of these substantial financial commitments.

The Growing Calls for Biden to Step Aside

The cash freeze and the growing number of congressional Democrats calling for Mr. Biden to step aside underscore the mounting pressure and doubts surrounding the president's political future. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture in determining its leadership and the direction of the party.