George Clooney, an A-list actor and director, has recently voiced his concerns regarding President Joe Biden’s potential run for a second term in office. While the Hollywood elite previously supported the President, even participating in a record-breaking $30 million fundraiser just weeks prior, it seems that faith in Biden’s leadership is waning.
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Clooney wrote: “I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals… But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time… It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010.”
Clooney’s criticism comes as no surprise considering Biden’s recent performance during public appearances. The President appeared disoriented during an L.A. fundraiser event which led to him being escorted offstage by former President Obama. Furthermore, during an interview with ABC host George Stephanopoulos, Biden gave an incoherent response when asked about his debate performance against Donald Trump.
Besides suggesting that top Democrats such as Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi request Biden to step down voluntarily, Clooney also proposed names like Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Vice President Kamala Harris among others who could replace Biden as Democratic nominee.
Clooney stated, “We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate. This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor that I’ve spoken with in private.”
In closing his critique of Biden’s presidency, Clooney noted, “Joe Biden is a hero; he saved democracy in 2020. We need him to do it again in 2024.” While his statement seems complimentary on surface level, it further underlines the need for a new leader within the Democratic party.
Biden’s potential step down has been a topic of discussion within party circles as well. There are increasing calls for him to allow Democrats to nominate a new candidate at their convention next month in Chicago.
This revelation from an influential Hollywood figure points towards the growing dissatisfaction among Democrats with Biden’s leadership. With key figures losing faith and calling for change, one can only wonder what lies ahead for the Democratic party.