In a striking twist within Democratic circles, esteemed actor and longtime Democrat George Clooney has publicly called for President Joe Biden to step down from the upcoming 2024 presidential race. This unexpected move has sparked intense discussion across political and entertainment spheres.
Actor George Clooney has urged President Joe Biden to reconsider his candidacy for the 2024 election following a debatedly poor debate performance, Mail Online reported.
The concerns surrounding President Biden's campaign intensified after a recent debate, where his performance fell short of expectations, including those of Clooney.
In a carefully worded op-ed in the New York Times, Clooney voiced his concerns, expressing discomfort with Biden's ongoing candidacy amid mounting doubts about his effectiveness.
Moreover, just last month, Clooney hosted a record-breaking $28 million fundraiser for Biden, highlighting his previous support for the President's campaign.
The bond between Clooney and Biden spans years, notably during Biden's tenure as chairman of the Senate Foreign Services Committee and through various high-profile public engagements.
In his op-ed, Clooney reminisced about Biden's past accomplishments but argued that the Biden he observed weeks ago at a fundraiser seemed vastly diminished from the vigorous leader he once knew.
He boldly claimed that Democratic party leadership was ignoring the President's apparent health issues and poor debate performance, warning that such denial could jeopardize not just the presidential race but also Democratic control over Congress.
"Joe Biden is a hero; he saved democracy in 2020. We need him to do it again in 2024," Clooney reflected in his piece, signaling a deep respect and historical support for Biden. However, he juxtaposed this praise with a clear-eyed assessment of Biden's current state, saying, "But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time."
The fundraising event, attended by Hollywood's elite and political heavyweights like Julia Roberts and former President Barack Obama, raised a substantial $30 million.
However, controversy arose when a widely circulated video purportedly showed a disoriented Biden being assisted off-stage by Obama, later denounced by the White House as fraudulent and manipulated.
Clooney's criticism comes at a fragile moment for Biden's campaign, resonating with others within the party. Prominent Democrats, including Michael Douglas, have echoed Clooney's sentiments, reflecting broader concerns about the President's viability as a candidate.
In response to pointed criticism, Biden affirmed his commitment in a letter to Democratic lawmakers, stating, "I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running it to the end, and to beating Donald Trump." He emphasized his determination to continue and succeed.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi stressed that the decision to run should be Biden's, underscoring the need for clarity as the Democratic National Convention in Chicago approaches in mid-August. This event is crucial for finalizing the Democratic candidacy.
In his op-ed, Clooney also suggested exploring alternative Democratic candidates like Wes Moore and Kamala Harris, hinting at the party's preparation for a future without Biden as its leader. This signals a growing movement within the Democratic Party considering post-Biden presidency scenarios.
Furthermore, Clooney's words have sparked significant reevaluation within Democratic ranks as they approach the national convention. His call for new leadership mirrors wider discussions on health, capability, and generational change in American politics.
In conclusion, Clooney's appeal to President Biden to withdraw from the race marks a dramatic shift in political alliances, reflecting broader concerns over leadership and electoral viability within the Democratic Party.
As party leaders and the electorate contemplate this unexpected twist, the weeks leading to the convention will likely involve strategic recalibrations and intense political debates.
