Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 06:55 pm
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will headline a fundraiser in Massachusetts on Saturday amid growing pressure on President Joe Biden from fellow Democrats and deep-pocketed donors to reassess his sputtering campaign.
Undeterred, Biden and his top advisers vowed on Friday to press ahead, despite many major donors threatening to hold back contributions unless the 81-year-old president retires.
It’s a crisis of confidence that has focused an intense spotlight on Harris, who is widely considered the likeliest candidate to replace Biden should he withdraw. Her campaign fundraisers, like one this past Saturday in Provincetown, Massachusetts, are drawing newfound interest from donors who want to be there in support of her all-but-assured presidential campaign, according to three Democratic fundraisers.
The fundraiser-expected to raise $2 million-is put together by celebrity wedding planner Bryan Rafanelli and is expected to attract about 800 attendees, a source close to the plans told ABC News. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will address the event, guests including A-listers Jennifer Coolidge, Billy Porter, and Darren Criss.
Thirty-five Democratic members of Congress, over 10% of the party’s lawmakers, have now called for Biden, who is in quarantine at his Delaware home because of coronavirus, to withdraw after a dismal debate late month with former President Donald Trump during which questions were raised about whether Biden could remain in the race or serve another four years.
The doctor also said that Biden still is experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms on Saturday, such as a cough and a slightly hoarse voice, but his vital signs remain normal, adding that he continues to discharge his duties.
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have both stood by Biden behind closed doors and are urging donors to do the same, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to NBC News on background. Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Mark Takano of California became the latest Democratic congressman to call for Biden to step aside from the presidential campaign on Saturday.