Ahead of the upcoming presidential debate on ABC News, concerns about a potential conflict of interest have surfaced. Dana Walden, a top Disney executive whose responsibilities include overseeing ABC News, has a close relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris. According to a New York Times report, Walden and Harris have been friends since 1994, and their husbands have known each other even longer.
Walden, who has a history of donating to Democratic candidates, including Harris, has supported her political career since at least 2003. She has contributed to Harris’s campaigns for district attorney, California Attorney General, U.S. Senate, and her 2020 presidential run. Harris even credited Walden and her husband for their role in her marriage during a fundraiser at Walden’s Los Angeles home in 2022.
ABC News, however, has reassured the public that all editorial decisions are made by its management team and seasoned journalists, independent of Walden’s influence. The network emphasized its commitment to journalistic integrity, stating that Walden does not participate in editorial decisions.
Despite these assurances, the connection between Walden and Harris has raised questions, especially with the debate scheduled for September 10th. Walden, who has not hosted a fundraiser for Harris since ABC News fell under her purview, continues to be a significant donor to Democratic causes. In 2023 alone, she donated $20,000 to support President Biden and the Democratic Party.
Walden’s deep ties to the entertainment industry and her close relationship with Harris have led some to speculate about her future at Disney, particularly as a potential successor to CEO Bob Iger when his contract ends in 2026. Her connection to a possible future president could bolster her standing within the company.
As the debate approaches, the issue of Walden’s ties to Harris is likely to remain a topic of discussion, particularly in the context of ABC News’ coverage and the ongoing lawsuit involving former President Trump, who has accused ABC News and George Stephanopoulos of defamation.
