Former President Joe Biden's campaign to fund a presidential library is encountering significant resistance from previous donors, Breitbart reported.
The fundraising effort, crucial for honoring Biden's legacy, is struggling amid a mix of political caution and discontent among traditional Democratic supporters.
Many previous donors are now hesitant to contribute to Biden's presidential library, reflecting wider political and personal reservations.
According to a report by NBC News, numerous significant Democratic supporters from Biden's past political campaigns have expressed reservations or outright refusal to fund the library. More than half a dozen high-profile backers disclosed that they would either withhold their donations or limit them considerably.
Some donors are apprehensive about potential political retribution, especially given the volatile climate under the Trump administration. Chris Korge, the Democratic National Committee Fundraising Chair, emphasized the difficulty in securing large donations due to fears of retaliation from Trump's quarters.
Others relay tales of personal dissatisfaction with Biden's closest associates, which has tarnished their willingness to contribute. Negative experiences with Biden's team seem to play a significant role in their decision-making process.
Additionally, strategic concerns about the future direction of the Democratic Party are prompting some donors to redirect their resources away from the library project and towards more imminent political endeavors.
Biden's initial decision to run for reelection stirred unease among supporters due to his health concerns. His subsequent withdrawal from the race after a presidential debate last summer only compounded donor frustrations.
This sudden change of plans directed support towards Kamala Harris, who took the Democratic nomination but ultimately lost to Donald Trump in November. This transition has left some donors like John Morgan, a seasoned fundraiser, feeling particularly disillusioned. Morgan humorously commented on the improbability of the library’s construction, suggesting it might end up being "a bookmobile from the old days."
Moreover, Biden's insistence on re-entering the political fray, followed by a withdrawal, has led to discrimination and increased frustration amongst his financial backers, causing doubts about the feasibility of a dedicated library.
Morgan also voiced a stark skepticism regarding the actual construction of a significant library building, mirroring a broader sentiment of doubt among former allies. "I want an $800,000 refund," he quipped to NBC News, articulating his disappointment over financial support that ultimately supported Harris’s unsuccessful campaign.
Another major donor, Susie Buell, revealed that she had not been approached for contributions yet but expressed a general lack of interest in funding presidential libraries.
Yet, amid the disapproval and skepticism, Rufus Gifford, chairman of the Biden library board and a former fundraiser, remains hopeful. He believes in the importance of preserving and promoting Biden's presidential legacy, stating, "This isn’t about the past. It’s about the future," aiming to rally support despite the challenges.
The Biden library aims to secure funding between $200 million and $300 million, a formidable goal considering the current donor hesitance. This target sits in sharp contrast with the fundraising achievements of other recent presidents. For instance, the Obama Presidential Library in Chicago commanded a budget of $850 million.
Throughout his presidency, Biden also faced criticism from his donors who felt they had inadequate access to him despite their financial contributions, further complicating current fundraising efforts.
The financial landscape for Democratic undertakings remains complicated by wide-ranging factors—from political dynamics under Trump to internal party concerns, all of which play into the challenging task of honoring a former president through the establishment of a library.
