Liberal celebrities in Hollywood are rallying behind George Clooney after his recent essay urging President Joe Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race. Clooney’s call has resonated with several high-profile figures who share his concerns about Biden’s ability to secure a second term.
Michael Douglas, appearing on “The View,” expressed his agreement with Clooney’s perspective. “I think it’s a valid point,” Douglas said, highlighting his deep concerns about Biden’s performance and the Democratic Party’s need for a stronger candidate. Douglas suggested that Biden might have been poorly advised before the recent presidential debate, which many viewed as a lackluster performance.
Rob Reiner, known for his role in “All in the Family,” echoed Clooney’s sentiments on social media. “We love and respect Joe Biden. We acknowledge all he has done for our country. But Democracy is facing an existential threat,” Reiner wrote. He emphasized the need for a younger candidate to take on the challenges ahead, urging Biden to step aside for the good of the country.
Actress Mia Farrow also voiced her concerns, warning that it might be time for Biden to “pass the torch” to avoid losing control of the Senate, the House, and potentially the country’s democratic foundations. Farrow stated that while she would still vote for Biden if he remained in the race, she believed he was losing ground and that a new Democratic candidate could better carry forward Biden’s accomplishments.
Clooney’s essay, published in The New York Times, was particularly striking given his recent role in hosting a star-studded fundraiser for Biden in Los Angeles. In his piece, Clooney lamented that the Biden he saw at the fundraiser was not the same dynamic figure he remembered from 2010 or even 2020. He suggested that the Democratic National Convention should consider nominating a different candidate, mentioning names like Vice President Kamala Harris, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
The debate over Biden’s candidacy has also reached other prominent figures. ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos was caught on video expressing doubts about Biden’s ability to serve another four years, although he later clarified that his comments were his personal views and not those of ABC News.
The discussion around Biden’s candidacy is not limited to Hollywood. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi recently stated that it was up to Biden to decide whether to stay in the race, reflecting the broader uncertainty within the Democratic Party. Vermont Sen. Peter Welch became the first Senate Democrat to call for Biden to withdraw, citing the high stakes of the upcoming election.
The debate performance in question has caused significant concern among Democrats, with many fearing that Biden’s perceived weaknesses could jeopardize not only the presidency but also down-ballot races. Hollywood megadonor Ari Emanuel has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, indicating that donors are shifting their focus to other races.
Damon Lindelof, co-creator of “Lost,” announced he would withhold future donations until Biden steps aside, citing the president’s debate performance as a turning point. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings also called for Biden to step aside, emphasizing the need for a vigorous Democratic leader to defeat Trump.
The anxiety within Hollywood is palpable, with industry figures like Barry Diller and Abigail Disney expressing their reluctance to continue supporting Biden’s campaign. Despite this, Biden has remained steadfast, asserting his intention to stay in the race and vowing to defeat Trump once again.
The relationship between Hollywood and the Democratic Party has long been symbiotic, with celebrities playing a crucial role in fundraising and public support. However, the current climate of uncertainty and dissatisfaction among some of Biden’s most prominent backers could pose a significant challenge for his campaign.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the party faces a critical decision. The support of key donors and influential figures will be essential in determining the path forward. For now, the calls for Biden to step aside continue to grow louder, with many hoping for a candidate who can unite the party and secure a victory in 2024.
Source: The New York Times, Fox News, ABC News, The Washington Post, Deadline, The Associated Press
