George Clooney urges Biden to drop out to “save democracy” after fundraiser

George Clooney, a prominent Democrat and staunch supporter of Joe Biden, is the latest in a series of personalities urging the president to reconsider his bid for re-election following a troubling performance in a recent debate.

In an opinion piece published in the New York Times on Wednesday, the Oscar-winning actor argued that the Democratic Party urgently requires a new nominee to effectively challenge former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November elections. Clooney underscored the “profound moment” the nation is experiencing, highlighting a record-breaking fundraiser he hosted for Biden’s re-election campaign last month.

“I love Joe Biden,” Clooney penned. “As a senator, as a vice president, and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him—his character and his morals. Over the last four years, he has successfully confronted many battles.”

However, Clooney pointed out an undeniable challenge. “The one battle he cannot win is the fight against time,” he continued. “None of us can. It’s heartbreaking to admit, but the Joe Biden I saw three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F—ing deal’ Biden of 2010, or even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all saw at the debate.”

During the debate, the 81-year-old President struggled noticeably. Clooney remarked, “Our party leaders need to stop assuring us that 51 million people didn’t witness what we just saw.”

He further noted that “we’re all so terrified by the idea of a second Trump term that we choose to disregard every warning sign. The George Stephanopoulos interview only reinforced what we observed the previous week. As Democrats, we collectively hold our breath or turn down the volume whenever we see the president, whom we respect, walk off Air Force One or respond to an unscripted question.”

Clooney alleged that his viewpoint is quietly shared by many Democratic lawmakers. “This is the opinion of every senator, congress member, and governor with whom I’ve spoken privately,” he claimed. “Every single one, regardless of their public statements.”

As alternatives to Biden, Clooney suggested several potential candidates such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

“Joe Biden is a hero,” Clooney concluded. “He saved democracy in 2020. We need him to do it again in 2024.”