A call on Friday, July 19, 2024, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and about 300 major Democratic donors has left many participants frustrated and disappointed, according to sources familiar with the event.
Sources described the call as “mismanaged” and “rushed,” with expectations poorly managed.
Many donors joined the call hoping for an insider’s view on the way forward following President Joe Biden’s underwhelming debate performance and increasing calls for him to step down.
Instead, participants felt they did not gain any new insights or helpful information.
One source, speaking anonymously, labeled the call a “total failure” and criticized its poor planning.
The call, organized by Jen O’Malley Dillon, chair of Biden’s campaign, rather than the finance team, ended with hundreds of participants unmuted, leading one to call it “ludicrous.”
Content of the Call
Vice President Harris, invited to join by Biden’s senior advisers, praised Biden’s commitment to the American people.
“We know which candidate in this election puts the American people first: our president, Joe Biden,” she said.
Harris also expressed confidence in the Democrats’ chances of defeating former President Donald Trump.
However, some donors were frustrated by the tone and content of the call. Melissa Morales, founder and president of Somos Votantes, urged participants to “lock in and get behind” Biden and stop publicly debating his candidacy. This admonishment did not sit well with many donors.
The reactions among donors were mixed. While some felt the call was a waste, others believed it demonstrated why donors should not receive confidential information if they immediately leak it to the media.
Fallout and Future
The frustration among donors comes at a critical time as donations to the Biden-Harris campaign and Democratic groups have decreased.
Harris has been actively engaging with donors to address concerns about Biden’s candidacy.
At a campaign fundraiser in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Harris continued to praise Biden, describing him as one of the most consequential presidents in history.
The event raised $2 million, and Harris received strong applause, particularly when criticizing Trump.
Despite Harris’ efforts, some donors, like Lennie Alickman and John Newton, expressed their preference for Harris to be at the top of the ticket, citing concerns over Biden’s capability to win against Trump.
The call highlights the ongoing challenges within the Democratic Party as it navigates donor frustrations and concerns over Biden’s candidacy.
