Prominent Democratic fundraiser and Hollywood actor George Clooney has called for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 U.S. presidential race, shortly after senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi dodged questions about Biden’s future candidacy.
Clooney stated that while Biden has won many battles, “the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time.”
Clooney’s remarks came following Pelosi, the former House Speaker, expressing concerns about Biden’s ability to continue in the race, suggesting time was “running short” for the 81-year-old president to decide after his stumbling performance in a debate against Donald Trump.
Despite this, Biden remains steadfast in his determination to run as the Democratic candidate and defeat Trump, 78, in the upcoming November election.
In an op-ed for the New York Times, Clooney shared his disappointment, stating that the Biden he met at a fundraising event three weeks ago was not the same Biden from 2010, nor even 2020.
“He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate,” Clooney wrote. The fundraiser, co-hosted by Clooney in Los Angeles and featuring Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand, raised a record $30 million for the Biden campaign.
The Biden camp has responded to Clooney’s criticisms, with an unnamed source noting that the president stayed for over three hours at the event, while Clooney left shortly after taking a photo.
The campaign also highlighted that Biden had just arrived from Italy after attending the G7 summit when he appeared at the fundraiser.
In his op-ed, Clooney insisted that Democratic leaders need to acknowledge the reality that Biden’s age is a significant concern, stating, “This is about age. Nothing more. We are not going to win in November with this president.”
Clooney also mentioned that his concerns echoed those of “every” member of Congress he had spoken with.
When asked to respond, Biden’s campaign referred to a letter the president sent to Democrats in Congress, affirming his commitment to his candidacy and his determination to beat Trump.
However, dissent within the party continues to grow as Biden faces scrutiny while hosting the NATO summit in Washington.
Pelosi, a key figure among Capitol Hill Democrats, appeared to dismiss Biden’s insistence on continuing his campaign.
She said “I want him to do whatever he decides to do. It’s up to the president to decide if he’s going to run. We are all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.”
Despite these challenges, support from elected Democrats remains substantial. California Governor Gavin Newsom, named by Clooney as a potential replacement, affirmed his support for Biden.
The Congressional Black Caucus and progressive House members like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have also publicly backed the president. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer declared his support, though Axios reports he has privately expressed openness to replacing Biden.
Two senior Democrats speaking to CBS News mentioned a “near consensus” among party leaders, donors, and supportive groups about Biden’s future.
As questions swirl about Biden’s campaign during the NATO summit, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed confidence that the U.S. would remain a committed alliance member, regardless of who wins the White House.
“The more dangerous the world is, the more obvious it is we need NATO,” Stoltenberg stated.
President Biden is scheduled to hold a solo news conference on Thursday and will record an interview with NBC News to be aired Monday evening. In Pennsylvania, Democratic voters shared mixed feelings about Biden.
Harrisburg resident Karen Gillchrist remains firmly behind Biden, while Elizabethtown’s Melissa Nash expressed her uncertainty, indicating the need for strong leadership against Trump.
The unfolding debate within the Democratic Party reflects the high stakes and uncertainty surrounding the 2024 presidential race.
BBC
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