11/7/2024–|Last update: 11/7/202409:11 PM (Makkah Time)
Hollywood star George Clooney has joined calls within the Democratic Party for US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential nomination. This comes despite Biden’s insistence on staying in the race, aiming to defeat former President Donald Trump, who is 78 years old.
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Clooney echoes the concerns voiced by Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi has expressed growing worry within the party regarding Biden’s ability to continue the campaign following his recent, shaky debate performance once morest Trump. Clooney argues that while Biden has overcome many challenges in his career, he cannot overcome the challenge of time.
In his essay titled, “I love Joe Biden, but we need a new candidate,” Clooney writes that it’s difficult to say, but the Biden he met at a recent Democratic campaign fundraiser was not the same as the Biden he knew in 2010 or 2020.
“It’s devastating to say this, but he’s not the same man he was, and he’s not going to win this fall. I’m a lifelong Democrat. I make no apologies for that. I’m proud of what my party stands for. As part of my participation in the democratic process and in support of the candidate I chose, I led some of the largest fundraising campaigns in my party’s history for Barack Obama in 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Joe Biden in 2020,” he adds.
“And last month I co-hosted the largest fundraiser for any Democratic candidate ever, to re-elect President Biden. I say all of this just to express how much I believe in this process and how deeply I believe in this moment. I love Joe Biden as a senator, as vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. You believe in his character. You believe in his morals. And in the last four years, he has won many of the battles he has fought.”
“This was the same guy we all saw in the debate,” the 63-year-old actor adds. “Our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn’t see what we just saw,” he added. “This is regarding age, nothing more. We will not win in November with this president.”
Clooney claims that Biden will not win the election in November, reiterating that his concerns mirror those of every senator and congressman he has spoken with privately, despite their public statements.
Historic debate between US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on June 27, 2024 (Reuters)
Clooney, together with Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand, raised $30 million (£23 million) for Biden’s presidential campaign.
A source from Biden’s campaign, remaining anonymous, responded to Clooney’s comments. The source pointed out that Clooney attended the fundraiser, took a photo, and left quickly. Meanwhile, Biden stayed for over three hours following arriving from Italy to attend the G7 summit.
US President Joe Biden is set to host a press conference today, Thursday, and will also record an interview with NBC News, which will be broadcast later.
George Clooney Calls for Biden Step Down, Citing Age as a Factor in 2024 Election
Hollywood star George Clooney has added his voice to the growing chorus within the Democratic Party calling for US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the party’s presidential nomination. Clooney’s comments, published in an op-ed for The New York Times, come amidst concerns regarding Biden’s age and his ability to effectively lead the nation in a challenging political climate.
Clooney’s op-ed coincides with comments from Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who expressed concern within the party regarding Biden’s stamina and performance following his recent debate once morest Donald Trump. Clooney, a lifelong Democrat and supporter of Biden’s past campaigns, acknowledges his personal admiration for the president but asserts that Biden is not the same man he was in 2010 or 2020, suggesting that time has taken its toll on his ability to lead the country.
Concerns About Biden’s Age and Performance
Clooney’s criticisms center around Biden’s age and its potential impact on his ability to effectively carry out the duties of the presidency. Clooney contends that Biden’s recent performance in the debate once morest Trump, alongside his general demeanor in public appearances, suggests that he is not the same man he was in prior campaigns.
“It’s devastating to say this, but he’s not the same man he was, and he’s not going to win this fall. I’m a lifelong Democrat. I make no apologies for that. I’m proud of what my party stands for,” Clooney writes. “As part of my participation in the democratic process and in support of the candidate I chose, I led some of the largest fundraising campaigns in my party’s history for Barack Obama in 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Joe Biden in 2020.”
“And last month I co-hosted the largest fundraiser for any Democratic candidate ever, to re-elect President Biden. I say all of this just to express how much I believe in this process and how deeply I believe in this moment. I love Joe Biden as a senator, as vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. You believe in his character. You believe in his morals. And in the last four years, he has won many of the battles he has fought.”
Clooney’s op-ed explicitly calls out what he perceives as a blind eye among party leaders who refuse to acknowledge Biden’s age as a significant factor in his current performance. “Our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn’t see what we just saw,” he writes. “This is regarding age, nothing more. We will not win in November with this president.”
Democratic Party’s Internal Struggles
Clooney’s concerns reflect the internal struggles within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s candidacy. While the party has historically relied on Biden’s experience and political acumen, the increasing awareness of his physical and mental limitations has created a sense of unease and uncertainty, particularly among younger Democrats.
Biden has responded to these criticisms by maintaining his intention to run for re-election, emphasizing his experience and commitment to the nation. However, the Democratic Party’s internal debate remains heated, with many questioning whether Biden’s leadership can effectively address the nation’s complex challenges in the face of a potential Republican resurgence.
Biden’s Plans for the Future
The future of Biden’s candidacy remains uncertain. Despite Clooney’s criticisms, Biden maintains a strong base of supporters within the party, many of whom view him as a stabilizing force amidst political uncertainty.
Biden is scheduled to hold a press conference today, Thursday, and will record an interview with NBC News that will be broadcast later. These events are likely to provide further insights into Biden’s plans for the future and his response to the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party.
The 2024 Election: A Pivotal Moment
The 2024 election is expected to be a highly contested race, with both Democrats and Republicans facing significant challenges. The ongoing debate within the Democratic Party concerning Biden’s candidacy adds another layer of complexity to the election cycle, raising questions regarding the party’s ability to present a united front once morest a potentially resurgent Republican party.
Clooney’s op-ed represents a significant departure from the traditional support he has shown for Democratic candidates. His decision to speak out once morest Biden’s candidacy reflects the growing unease within the party regarding Biden’s age and his capacity to lead the nation. Whether Biden will ultimately decide to remain in the race, or whether the Democratic Party will find a new candidate, the future of the 2024 presidential election remains uncertain.