Former President Joe Biden’s attempt to raise hundreds of millions for a presidential library is already floundering.
Top Democratic Party donors are distancing themselves from the project and, in some cases, openly mocking it.
According to an NBC News report, more than half a dozen longtime Democrat fundraisers and donors said they would not contribute, or would only give token amounts, to a Biden library effort.
Many cited sour experiences with Biden’s team, lingering anger over his failed 2024 re-election bid, and a desire to invest in the Democratic Party’s future instead of Biden’s legacy.
Some also expressed frustration that the money they donated to Biden was automatically transferred to former Vice President Kamala Harris’s failed campaign, without their consent.
“I’d like him to have some nice library,” one donor told NBC.
“I just don’t see that’s where I’m going to spend my money.”
Another donor flatly said there was “no way” they would give.
Donor Frustration With Biden Legacy
Biden’s decline and his decision to run again in 2024, despite serious health issues and widely questioned mental acuity, remain fresh wounds for many Democrats.
His disastrous debate performance against President Donald Trump forced him to withdraw, handing the nomination to Harris, who went on to lose in November.
“I want an $800,000 refund,” Florida trial lawyer John Morgan said.
Morgan continued by blasting the money he raised for Biden that ultimately ended up funding Harris’s doomed campaign.
“I don’t believe a library will ever be built unless it’s a bookmobile from the old days,” he added.
Other donors complained that Biden’s inner circle had been arrogant and dismissive, asking for checks while offering little access or follow-up.
“They were unpleasant,” one told NBC.
Library Push Faces Uphill Battle
The Biden team reportedly hopes to raise between $200 million and $300 million for the project.
By comparison, the Obama Presidential Library is currently coming in at $850 million, with construction still ongoing.
President Trump has already raised millions for his own library effort.
Rufus Gifford, chairman of Biden’s library board and a former Obama finance director, insisted supporters would step up.
“Those of us who have been around for a while and love the guy but also understand the full picture want to see what we can do to protect and promote his legacy,” he said.
But skeptics remain unconvinced.
Morgan warned, “It is my opinion no significant building will be built,” adding that Biden’s age and health will make him a liability, not an asset, in fundraising.
Donors Fear Trump’s Shadow
Some Democrats admitted they don’t want to risk putting themselves in President Trump’s crosshairs.
“This is a very difficult time to raise large checks for Democrats because of how vindictive Donald Trump is,” Democratic National Committee Fundraising Chair Chris Korge said.
Korge added that he had pushed Biden to drop re-election plans and focus solely on raising money for a library.
What was once expected to be a crowning capstone to Biden’s long political career is now shaping up as another embarrassment.
With top donors reluctant, grassroots Democrats disengaged, and Biden’s legacy marred by failure, even Democrats admit the project could collapse before it ever begins.
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