In a fervent appeal that has sent ripples through political circles, actor, director, and influential Hollywood figure George Clooney has called upon U.S. President Joe Biden to step down in favor of a new Democratic presidential candidate. In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Clooney articulated his concern that President Biden would not secure a win in the upcoming November elections, and his continued candidacy could result in the Democratic Party suffering significant losses across the board.
“We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we will not win the House, and we are going to lose the Senate,” Clooney stated unequivocally. Highlighting a consensus that cuts across all levels of the Democratic Party, he continued, “This is not only my opinion, this is the opinion of every senator, Congress member, and governor who I have spoken with in private. Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly.”
Clooney’s involvement in Biden’s campaign has been notable, having hosted a highly successful fundraiser for the President in June. However, the actor observed a marked difference in Biden’s demeanor during that event. “The one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It is devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He was not even the Joe Biden of 2020,” Clooney expressed in evident disappointment. Adding to his concern, he stated, “He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.”
Raising questions about Biden’s health, Clooney suggested that the President’s tiredness could not be dismissed lightly. “Was he tired? Yes. A cold? Maybe. But our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people did not see what we just saw. We are all so terrified by the prospect of a second Trump term that we have opted to ignore every warning sign.”
Despite his critique, Clooney made it clear that his comments were born out of his respect and affection for Biden. “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. In the last four years, he has won many of the battles he has faced,” Clooney emphasized.
Bringing focus to the Republican candidate, Clooney demanded accountability, pointing to recent developments. “We all think Republicans should abandon their nominee now that he has been convicted of 34 felonies. That is new and upsetting information as well.” Giving a rallying cry to other party leaders, he said, “Top Democrats — Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi — and senators, representatives, and other candidates who face losing in November need to ask this president to voluntarily step aside.”
Addressing potential fears regarding Biden’s withdrawal, Clooney argued that the concerns were baseless. “All of the scary stories that we are being told about what would happen next are simply not true. In all likelihood, the money in the Biden-Harris coffers could go to help elect the presidential ticket and other Democrats. The new nominee would not be left off ballots in Ohio,” said Clooney, urging a sense of pragmatic optimism.
Clooney further acknowledged the strength within the Democratic Party, underscoring its diverse and capable cadre of potential leaders. “We Democrats have a very exciting bench. We do not anoint leaders or fall sway to a cult of personality; we vote for a president. We can easily foresee a group of several strong Democrats stepping forward to stand and tell us why they are best qualified to lead this country and take on some of the deeply concerning trends we are seeing from the revenge tour that Donald Trump calls a presidential campaign.”
With these statements, Clooney has thrown his weight behind a cause that could dramatically shift the Democratic Party’s trajectory heading into the November elections. His call for change is a clear indication of the urgency felt by many within the Democratic ranks, all aiming to stave off what they see as the grim prospect of another Trump presidency. As the narrative unfolds, the nation will be watching closely to see how the party responds to this high-profile plea for a transformational shift at the helm.
