Actor George Clooney, a lifelong Democrat, recently made headlines by calling for Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee for president. In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Clooney expressed his concern that the party would lose both the presidential race and control in Congress with Biden as the nominee. Clooney, who has hosted high-dollar Hollywood fundraisers for Biden in the past, argued that the party should select a new nominee at its upcoming convention.
Clooney focused much of his criticism on Biden's age, noting differences he observed in the president's demeanor at a recent event compared to previous years. He described Biden as lacking the energy and charisma he had seen in the past, suggesting that the president's performance at a recent debate was indicative of a larger issue.
Clooney's call for Biden to step down was supported by others who interacted closely with the president. One individual, who spoke anonymously, noted a noticeable decrease in Biden's presence at a recent fundraiser in Los Angeles. Despite this, Biden has remained steadfast in his refusal to end his reelection bid, even after a lackluster debate performance against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Clooney's comments come at a crucial time for the Biden campaign, as the actor's fundraising efforts have been integral to energizing supporters and raising record amounts of money. Representatives for Clooney did not immediately respond to requests for further insight into his decision or recent interactions with Biden.
As the Democratic Party prepares for its convention next month, Clooney's call for a new nominee has sparked debate and speculation within political circles. With the election rapidly approaching, the party faces a critical decision in determining its path forward.