Actor and activist George Clooney has publicly called for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns about Biden's age and cognitive abilities. Clooney's op-ed in the New York Times has added to the growing chorus of prominent Democrats and Hollywood figures urging Biden to step aside.
Clooney, who has been a key supporter of Biden, expressed his admiration for the president but emphasized that age is a significant factor that cannot be ignored. He noted that Biden's performance in the June 27 presidential debate against Donald Trump raised serious concerns about his ability to lead the country effectively.
The actor's call for Biden to withdraw has been echoed by other high-profile Democrats, including actor Michael Douglas and filmmaker Rob Reiner. They argue that Biden's age and recent public appearances have fueled doubts about his capacity to govern, and they believe a younger candidate would be better positioned to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.
Clooney's criticism is particularly notable because he has been one of Biden's most high-profile supporters in Hollywood, a key base for the president. Clooney's remarks have intensified public and financial pressure on Biden, with some fearing that the president's candidacy could jeopardize the Democratic Party's control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives.
While Clooney did not specify who should replace Biden, he mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris and several Democratic governors, such as Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Gavin Newsom of California, as potential candidates. He emphasized that the Democratic Party must not ignore the warning signs and should act swiftly to ensure victory in the November election.
- Clooney's op-ed has sparked a wave of reactions from other Hollywood celebrities and Democratic donors. Stephen King, Michael Moore, and John Cusack are among those who have expressed similar concerns about Biden's age and cognitive abilities.
- The debate performance and subsequent interviews have led many to question whether Biden can effectively counter Trump's aggressive campaign tactics. Clooney and others argue that the Democratic Party needs a fresh face to energize voters and secure a win in the upcoming election.
- Despite the mounting pressure, Biden has remained firm in his decision to stay in the race. He has rejected calls from both Washington elites and Hollywood celebrities to step down, insisting that he is fully capable of leading the country.
- The upcoming Democratic convention is seen as a crucial moment for the party to address these concerns and potentially introduce a new candidate. Clooney and other critics believe that a change in leadership is necessary to protect democracy and ensure a Democratic victory in November.
