In a strategic move that showcases President Biden’s commitment to workers’ rights, his re-election campaign is navigating a challenging path as Hollywood grapples with ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes. Sources reveal that the President has decided to put the brakes on attending critical fundraisers in Los Angeles until the labor disputes find a resolution. This decision comes as L.A. County holds immense importance in Biden’s campaign fundraising efforts, having contributed a substantial 21% of his total funds raised in the 2020 election. President Biden’s longstanding support for unions and worker rights has shaped his stance on the Hollywood strikes.
In May, he expressed his earnest hope for a swift and fair resolution for the industry professionals affected by the standstill. However, with the strikes showing no signs of an immediate conclusion, his campaign team is exercising caution in scheduling events that could potentially raise substantial funds from the Hollywood community. In 2020, Biden held 20 virtual fundraisers in the L.A. area, attracting attendees willing to pay up to $25,000 per head. This time around, the campaign is treading carefully and refraining from setting firm dates for fundraising events, despite some affluent individuals offering their luxurious homes as potential venues.
The President’s decision to postpone fundraisers stems from a sense of empathy for those facing hardships in the entertainment industry due to the strikes. He believes it would be inappropriate to pursue significant fundraising efforts while many in the Hollywood community are struggling. The strikes have put immense pressure on the campaign, as time is of the essence with only 15 months left before the election. With California being a critical factor in Biden’s campaign equation, finding alternative fundraising strategies becomes paramount. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the strikes, an experienced industry source remains optimistic, predicting that a resolution may be reached by the end of the year, or even earlier.
However, the campaign is not taking any chances, aware that the longer the situation persists, the more it could impact their fundraising goals. President Biden’s dedication to workers’ rights and his willingness to align his campaign actions with his beliefs are commendable, but the challenge lies in maintaining a robust fundraising momentum without access to Hollywood’s vast resources. As the campaign clock ticks, all eyes are on the entertainment industry, eagerly awaiting a resolution that could pave the way for a reinvigorated fundraising effort for the President’s re-election bid.