Biden’s Health Declines with Age

Even George Clooney, a prominent donor to President Biden’s reelection campaign, seems to have lost confidence in the president’s ability to win the 2024 election.

The two-time Oscar winner and lifelong Democrat has formally requested the 81-year-old president to step aside so the Democratic party can nominate a new candidate to face former President Trump in November. Clooney cited Biden’s “fight against time” as a battle the president cannot win.

“None of us can,” Clooney wrote in an opinion piece for the New York Times titled “I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee.” Clooney lamented that the Biden he saw at a recent fundraiser was not the same energetic and dynamic Biden of past years.

The downtown L.A. fundraiser raised $30 million, breaking the party’s single-night fundraising record. The event featured high-profile figures like Julia Roberts, former President Obama, and Jimmy Kimmel as the emcee.

Despite praising Biden as a “hero” who “saved democracy” in 2020, Clooney pointed to Biden’s poor performance during CNN’s recent debate. He joined a growing list of Hollywood supporters, including major campaign donors, expressing doubts about Biden’s prospects, despite the president’s determination to remain in the race.

Some notable figures who share Clooney’s concerns include “Lost” co-creator Damon Lindelof, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Endeavor Chief Executive Ari Emanuel, media titan Barry Diller, and Disney heir Abigail Disney.

During the debate, Clooney wondered if Biden was tired or unwell but was more concerned about the narrative spun by his party, arguing that Biden’s nomination is not yet certain ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.

“[O]ur party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn’t see what we just saw,” Clooney wrote. “We’re all so terrified by the prospect of a second Trump term that we’ve opted to ignore every warning sign.” He mentioned how Democrats often hold their breath when Biden makes public appearances or answers unscripted questions.

Clooney emphasized that his concerns are rooted in Biden’s age and said the Democrats face a tough battle in November if Biden remains the candidate. He noted that this sentiment is shared privately by many senators, congress members, and governors.

“[T]he dam has broken. We can put our heads in the sand and pray for a miracle in November, or we can speak the truth,” Clooney wrote. He argued that it’s misleading to claim the nomination is settled when new, troubling information has come to light.

Clooney also criticized the presumptive Republican candidate, Donald Trump, and his campaign, calling it a “revenge tour.” He urged Democrats to consider new candidates like Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

He proposed that candidates focus on what will benefit the country instead of attacking one another, to bring energy and voter engagement to the Democratic convention next month. Although he acknowledged it might be a “messy” process, Clooney believes a fresh contest would revitalize the party.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also hinted at nudging Biden to reconsider his candidacy, telling MSNBC that while the decision is up to the president, “we’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.”

Source: Los Angeles Times