In a surprising turn of events, actor and activist George Clooney has called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, just weeks after co-hosting a fundraiser in his support. Clooney's remarks add to a growing chorus of voices urging Biden to step aside following his widely criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27, 2024.
Clooney, who has been a vocal supporter of Democratic causes, expressed his concerns in a statement on Wednesday, arguing that Biden's weakened public presence and performance issues are detrimental to the party’s chances of retaining the White House. "We need a leader who can energize the base and effectively counter the dangerous rhetoric of Donald Trump," Clooney said.
HOLY CR*P.
Remember George Clooney held a fundraiser for Biden where Biden had to be led off stage by Obama after he froze?
Then KJP responded and said the video was a “cheap fake” and “manipulated”
Now George Clooney is admitting that Biden was the same man at that fundraiser… pic.twitter.com/ld0TeEQQ7x
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 10, 2024
The debate, held in Atlanta, highlighted Biden's struggles with articulation and stamina, leading to a wave of calls from prominent media outlets and political figures for the president to consider stepping down. The New York Times editorial board, typically a staunch supporter of Biden, published a piece titled "To Serve His Country, President Biden Should Leave The Race," arguing that Biden's performance suggested he was no longer fit for the demands of the presidency.
Similarly, The Chicago Tribune echoed these sentiments, stating, "Biden, if we’ve not made that clear, should announce that he will be a single-term president who now has seen the light when it comes to his own capabilities in the face of the singular demands of being the president of the United States".
Biden, who famously doesn't listen to "elites," now receives a public plea to drop out from one of his most high-profile fundraisers, George Clooney. Clooney also called him in June and asked him to quit besmirching the ICC, where his wife works, to protect Israeli war criminals pic.twitter.com/ZDTRmnWUHB
— Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) July 10, 2024
Despite these calls, key Democratic figures have rallied to Biden's defense. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina have both publicly supported Biden, emphasizing his achievements and capability to lead the country through another term. "Bad debates happen," Warnock stated, underscoring the president's track record over his tenure.
Moreover, Biden's campaign has not shown any signs of conceding to these demands. In a fundraising appeal, the campaign highlighted the chaos that could ensue if Biden were to step down, potentially paving the way for a Trump victory in November. Biden himself addressed his supporters at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, candidly acknowledging his age but reaffirming his commitment to truth and leadership.
While some Democratic figures like Colorado congressional candidate Adam Frisch have joined Clooney in urging Biden to withdraw, others argue that shifting candidates at this stage would be more damaging. Frisch noted that Biden's debate performance solidified his conviction that a new candidate is needed to energize the party and address the pressing issues of the day.
As the debate continues, the Democratic National Convention in August looms large as a potential flashpoint for further discussions on Biden's candidacy. With both supporters and critics vocalizing their positions, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the Democratic campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
