Kamala defends Biden bid at Massachusetts fundraiser

July donations plummet and many big-money collection events shelved

MASSACHUSETTS, US:

US Vice President Kamala Harris made a strong case for the re-election of President Joe Biden at a Massachusetts fundraiser on Saturday, despite ongoing pressure from fellow Democrats and big-money donors to end his beleaguered campaign.

"We are going to win this election," Harris asserted. "It's not going to be easy, but we are a group of people that understand anything worthwhile takes hard work."

Multiple sources involved in Biden's re-election campaign fundraisers revealed to Reuters on Friday that several events are on hold. Despite the Democratic Party’s plans to accelerate Biden’s nomination, he remains committed to the 2024 race.

The campaign aimed to raise approximately $50 million in big-dollar donations for the Biden Victory Fund in July but was on track to collect less than half that amount as of Friday, according to two sources familiar with the efforts.

Biden had planned to raise money in Austin, Denver and California next week, but these plans have been shelved, at least for now, the sources said. 

Although Harris alluded to the turmoil following Biden's poor debate performance last month, she did not directly address calls for him to withdraw from the 2024 race.

The fundraiser, hosted by celebrity wedding planner Bryan Rafanelli, drew 1,000 attendees and raised over $2 million. Celebrities like Jennifer Coolidge, Billy Porter, and Darren Criss were among the expected guests.

Biden's plans to raise funds in Austin, Denver, and California next week have been postponed. The president, who tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, stated he would return to the campaign trail next week.

Despite reports, Biden's campaign insisted that fundraisers would proceed as planned. "Reuters' sourcing is incorrect, and we look forward to a robust fundraising schedule," said campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz on Friday.

A source indicated that former late-night comic David Letterman would headline a Biden fundraiser at the home of Hawaii Governor Josh Green in about ten days, signaling forward movement for the campaign.

However, some big donors are withholding contributions, questioning whether Biden should remain the Democratic Party’s candidate. They are using their financial influence to urge Biden to step aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris's fundraising events are attracting increased interest from donors ready to support her potential presidential bid, according to three Democratic fundraisers.

In Provincetown on Saturday, Harris condemned the extremism and intolerance she said defined Trump’s vision for America. "Right now in our country, those freedoms are under full-on attack," she stated. "White supremacists have shown up at pride festivals armed with assault weapons. ... We see extremists fan the flames of hate and homophobia for political gain."