Hollywood's Growing Discontent with Biden's Re-Election Bid
The calls for President Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race are intensifying, with notable figures from Hollywood joining the chorus. Leading the charge is actor George Clooney, who, in a scathing op-ed in the New York Times, urged Biden to withdraw. Clooney, once a staunch supporter of Biden, expressed his admiration for the president's past achievements but highlighted concerns about his current capacity to lead. 'I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. But the one battle he can't win is the battle against time,' Clooney wrote.
Clooney's comments come after Biden's lackluster performance in a recent debate against Donald Trump, which has raised alarms about his ability to secure a victory in the upcoming election. Clooney pointed out that Biden's age and recent public appearances have led many to question his fitness for office. 'It's devastating to say this, but the Joe Biden I was with at the fundraiser three weeks ago was not the Joe Biden of 2010. He wasn't even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all saw at the debate,' Clooney added.
Political Heavyweights Weigh In on Biden's Future
The discontent is not limited to Hollywood. Former President Barack Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi are reportedly involved in discussions about Biden's political future. Sources indicate that Obama has been in contact with Clooney and other key Democratic figures. While Obama has not explicitly encouraged Clooney's public criticism, he has not opposed it either. Pelosi, on the other hand, has been more vocal, suggesting on a popular TV show that Biden should make a quick decision about his candidacy. In private, she has expressed doubts about Biden's chances of winning and has urged members of Congress to focus on their re-election efforts, even if it means asking Biden to step down.
These developments mark a significant shift in the Democratic Party's stance towards Biden's candidacy. Until recently, the idea of replacing him was considered far-fetched. However, his recent debate performance and growing concerns about his age have led to increasing calls for a change at the top. Pelosi is reportedly advising swing district members to secure their positions, even if it means publicly calling for Biden to step down, although she recommends waiting until after the current NATO summit out of respect for national security.
Biden's team is preparing to counter these criticisms by meeting with members of Congress to reassure them of his capabilities. The president is also expected to hold a critical press conference, which will be closely watched by journalists, party officials, and political strategists. Despite the reports, a spokesperson for Pelosi has denied that she is working to oust Biden, stating that she supports any decision the president makes. However, the involvement of senior figures like Obama and Pelosi highlights the depth of the crisis within the Democratic Party.
The upcoming events, particularly Biden's press conference, will be crucial in determining his political future and the Democratic Party's strategy for the 2024 elections.
