George Clooney, a high-profile Biden supporter and fundraiser, has joined a growing chorus of voices calling for President Joe Biden to end his campaign. Clooney’s call comes in the wake of Biden’s widely criticized performance in the June 27th debate against Donald Trump. In an opinion piece, Clooney expressed his love and respect for Biden but argued that the party would be better off with a new nominee. He pointed to Biden’s age as a key factor in his declining performance, stating that “the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010.”
Clooney’s call echoes concerns raised by other high-profile figures, including Abigail Disney, who has withheld funding from Biden’s campaign, and Michael Douglas, who expressed concern over Biden’s ability to serve a second term. Clooney’s op-ed ignited a debate within the Democratic Party, with some supporting his call for a new nominee and others defending Biden’s continued candidacy.
The Biden campaign has responded to Clooney’s criticisms by disputing his account of Biden’s demeanor at a recent fundraiser, highlighting the President’s commitment to staying in the race. The campaign also pointed to Biden’s vow to stay in the race, reaffirming their confidence in his ability to lead the nation. This situation highlights the growing anxiety within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s ability to win re-election, fueled by concerns over his age and recent performance.
The calls for Biden to step aside are likely to intensify as the Democratic National Convention approaches, potentially leading to a dramatic shift in the race for the presidency. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Biden’s campaign and the Democratic Party’s strategy for the 2024 election.