Staff Reports
President Joe Biden is facing a monumental task that even his well-known charm can’t seem to tackle: raising between $200 million and $300 million to build his presidential library. The Wall Street Journal recently uncovered that his fundraising efforts are as successful as a three-legged dog in a race. Unlike Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was able to secure funding for a library showcasing his treasured letters and memorabilia, Biden appears to be struggling to get anyone to open their wallets for his ambitious project. Given his track record, this task may take a miracle—or at least a very generous mega-donor.
The reasons for Biden’s fundraising woes are as varied as they are amusing. For one, the president’s reluctance to engage in standard fundraising practices has left many scratching their heads. Instead of inviting mega-donors for fancy soirées at the White House—where they might expect some gourmet food and next-level photo ops—Biden seems content to wait for the cash to magically appear. Additionally, potential donors are hedging their bets, choosing to wait and see how the November elections play out before they commit to lighting up Biden’s financial fires. Some industry insiders are even suggesting that the disarray surrounding Biden’s attempt to exit the presidential race and his brief comeback has left a sour taste in the mouths of donors.
“I wouldn’t know how—how could you raise money anyway while I’m a U.S. senator to do that—I mean president.”
Biden's legacy in jeopardy as funds for his presidential library fall short: reporthttps://t.co/af4IBaQ56D pic.twitter.com/txGQZONxJx
— Trump2024_no_matter_what (@TexasTrump2024) October 31, 2024
Biden’s primary advisers, particularly his confidant Steve Richetti—often referred to as the president’s “sherpa”—are reportedly leading the charge to secure funding for the library. While Richetti may have the best intentions, one has to wonder how effective he can be if even the library’s construction is as uncertain as Biden’s political future. Campaigning for a library build under these financial conditions requires almost comedic persistence that would make a stand-up comedian envious.
In an effort to stir up some competition, Biden claimed that his former schools, Syracuse University and the University of Delaware, are in a fierce battle to host the library. Throwing Ivy League heavyweight University of Pennsylvania into the mix—since it’s the alma mater of several of his family members—might seem like a clever strategy, but it’s not exactly going to land the funds needed. It’s almost like a high school popularity contest, with Biden trying to sway the cool kids while everyone’s still focused on who will come out victorious in the next election.
This isn’t the first time Biden has had trouble with the moneyed class. Democratic sugar daddies, including Abigail Disney, have reportedly pulled their cash support after witnessing his disastrous performance during the June debate. This ongoing pattern raises an eyebrow about Biden’s ability to charm donors—something that could prove fatal in his quest for his library, not to mention the broader campaign landscape. As it stands, the library might remain nothing more than a dream written on the back of a napkin, unless Biden can summon some fundraising prowess or find a fairy godmother to sprinkle some magic money dust.
