George Clooney has publicly urged Joe Biden to reconsider his presidential candidacy, citing concerns about the president’s ability to defeat Donald Trump in November. The actor and prominent Democratic fundraiser made his comments following growing uncertainty within the party about Biden’s electoral prospects.
Clooney, who co-hosted a record-breaking fundraiser for Biden’s campaign in Los Angeles, expressed his reservations in an op-ed for the New York Times. “It’s devastating to say it,” Clooney wrote, “but the Joe Biden he met at a fundraising event three weeks ago was not the Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020.” Clooney emphasized that his concerns echoed those of many party members.
Michael Douglas, another Hollywood star and fundraiser for Biden, echoed Clooney’s sentiments in an interview with the BBC, stating he was “worried” about Biden’s ability to navigate the challenges of a second term. Douglas had previously hosted a fundraiser for Biden in April and praised the president for his past performance but underscored the importance of being articulate in the current political climate.
The expressions of doubt from Clooney and Douglas come amidst broader unease within the Democratic Party, highlighted by comments from Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker. Pelosi, a key figure among Capitol Hill Democrats, suggested that time was running short for Biden to make a decision about his candidacy, despite Biden’s repeated assertions of commitment to the race.
While Biden’s campaign has reaffirmed his determination to continue and defeat Trump, dissent within the party ranks is becoming increasingly vocal. Democratic figures like Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado and Representative Peter Welch of Vermont have publicly expressed reservations about Biden’s candidacy, with Welch even calling for Biden to withdraw for the “good of the country.”
Despite the internal questioning, Biden continues to enjoy support from significant party members such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s top Democrat, publicly declared his support for Biden, though reports suggest he has privately discussed alternatives with donors.
The debate over Biden’s candidacy has spilled over into international forums, including the ongoing NATO summit in Washington DC. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed confidence that the United States would remain committed to the alliance regardless of who wins the presidency, but acknowledged concerns about Biden’s candidacy raised among member states.
In response to mounting scrutiny, Biden is set to hold a solo news conference and an interview with NBC News in the coming days, aiming to reassure supporters and address doubts about his campaign. Meanwhile, Democratic voters in swing states like Pennsylvania reflect a spectrum of opinions, with some expressing steadfast support for Biden’s experience while others voice concerns about his ability to lead effectively.
The coming days are likely to be crucial for Biden as he navigates internal party pressures and seeks to consolidate support ahead of the November election, amidst a backdrop of intensified scrutiny and debate within Democratic ranks.
