Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings Urges Biden to End Campaign

Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix and a prominent Democratic donor, has urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 election race to allow a stronger candidate to contest against Donald Trump.

“Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings conveyed via email to The New York Times on Wednesday.

Hastings, alongside his wife, Patty Quillin, has been a significant contributor to Democratic causes, including the campaign to prevent the recall of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. OpenSecrets reports indicate that he has made several seven-figure donations supporting Senate and House Democrats through their PACs.

Overall, Hastings and Quillin have donated more than $20 million in recent election cycles, including approximately $1.5 million to Biden’s 2020 campaign.

The White House has been navigating through intense criticism following President Biden’s underwhelming debate performance last week. This has led to increasing concern among Democratic lawmakers regarding Biden’s capacity to continue his presidency.

While key supporters like Governor Newsom and former President Barack Obama remain loyal to Biden, recent polls have shown a significant decline in public support for his potential second term.

Despite the growing apprehension, President Biden has affirmed his intention to stay in the race. He is banking on a forthcoming in-depth interview with ABC News to reassure his supporters and address concerns about his viability as a candidate.