In a striking opinion piece published in The New York Times, Clooney, a long-time supporter and friend of Biden, urged the 81-year-old president to bow out of the race, following a widely criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump.
“I love Joe Biden,” Clooney wrote. “I consider him a friend, and I believe in him…But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time.”
Record Fundraiser Amid Growing Concerns
Clooney, who co-hosted a successful fundraiser with Biden in Los Angeles last month, expressed his dismay at Biden’s condition during the event, despite the record-breaking $28 million it raised for the campaign. He reflected on the difference between the Joe Biden of now and the Biden of past years, highlighting concerns that have been privately shared among Democrats.
“It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010,” Clooney noted, referencing a famous hot-mic moment from Biden’s vice-presidency.
A Call for Change
Clooney’s comments echo a growing sentiment among Democratic lawmakers and supporters. He underscored the fear that Biden’s continued presence at the top of the ticket could spell disaster for the party in the upcoming elections.
“As Democrats, we collectively hold our breath or turn down the volume whenever we see the president, who we respect, walk off Air Force One or walk back to a mic to answer an unscripted question,” Clooney lamented.
Urging Democratic Leaders to Act
Clooney appealed to top Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and Nancy Pelosi, to request Biden’s voluntary withdrawal from the race. He stressed that the issue was solely about age and its irreversible impact.
“We Democrats have a very exciting bench. We don’t anoint leaders or fall sway to a cult of personality; we vote for a president,” Clooney stated, suggesting that potential contenders like Vice-President Kamala Harris and Maryland Governor Wes Moore could be considered as alternatives.
Looking Ahead to the Convention
Despite concerns that Biden’s exit could cause chaos so close to the election, Clooney brushed off such worries, advocating for a dynamic and open selection process at the upcoming Democratic convention.
The plea from one of Hollywood’s most influential figures adds significant pressure on Biden, as Democrats grapple with the challenges of ensuring their strongest possible position heading into the November election.