George Clooney Pushes for Biden to Exit 2024 Race in Dramatic Plea

Actor George Clooney, who recently hosted a fundraiser for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, has called for the president to exit the 2024 race.

In a New York Times op-ed published Wednesday, George Clooney expressed his admiration for Biden but raised concerns about his age and ability to continue leading the nation.

Clooney’s Praise and Concerns

“I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he’s won many of the battles he’s faced,” George Clooney wrote.

“But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate,” George Clooney added.

George Clooney’s comments challenge Biden’s assertions that his recent debate performance was merely a “bad night” or a “bad episode,” as he told ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos in his first post-debate television interview.

Growing Chorus of Democratic Voices

Clooney’s op-ed places him among a growing number of Democrats—ranging from elected officials to high-profile donors—urging the president to allow a younger nominee to lead the Democratic Party’s ticket.

“Would it be messy? Yes. Democracy is messy,” wrote George Clooney.

“But would it enliven our party and wake up voters who, long before the June debate, had already checked out? It sure would,” George Clooney added.

“The short ramp to Election Day would be a benefit for us, not a danger,” George Clooney continued.

“It would give us the chance to showcase the future without so much opposition research and negative campaigning that comes with these ridiculously long and expensive election seasons,” George Clooney added.

Biden Campaign’s Response

A Biden campaign official did not respond directly to the op-ed but pointed ABC News to Biden’s recent comments insisting he is remaining in the race.

In his Monday letter to Democratic lawmakers, Biden reiterated his commitment to staying in the race until the end.

At a 2022 White House reception for the Kennedy Center Honorees, including Clooney, Biden praised George Clooney’s character and advocacy work.

“One thing I respect most about George—and I mean this sincerely—is his deep empathy,” Biden said. “He always remembers where he came from.”

Democratic Leaders’ Reactions

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, when asked Wednesday morning whether Biden has her support to lead the ticket, deferred to Biden, stating that “it’s up to the president” to decide if he’s going to run.

“We’re all encouraging him to make that decision,” she said on MSNBC. “Because time is running short.”

Pelosi’s response, while not a full endorsement, highlighted Biden’s strengths, including his recent speech at an event marking the 75th anniversary of NATO. However, she also emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Biden.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado expressed doubt about Biden’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in November, in the most critical comments made publicly by a Senate Democrat since the debate.

“Donald Trump is on track, I think, to win this election, and maybe win it by a landslide, and take with him the Senate and the House,” Bennet said on CNN, although he stopped short of calling on Biden to step aside.

Democratic Unity and Future Steps

After a July 4 holiday recess, congressional Democrats met on Tuesday to discuss the path forward.

House Democrats held a “listening session,” and Senate Democrats convened a lengthy meeting to discuss their strategy. While some members touted unity within the caucus, no clear path forward emerged.

Senator Patty Murray of Washington outlined that she wants to see more from the president, saying he “must do more to demonstrate he can campaign strong enough to beat Donald Trump.”

Outside of the Capitol, a video surfaced from TMZ showing ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos expressing doubt about Biden’s ability to serve another term, stating, “I don’t think he can serve four more years.”

As the debate about Biden’s future continues, the Democratic Party faces a crucial decision that will shape the upcoming election and the direction of the party. Clooney’s op-ed adds a significant voice to the growing discussion about the best path forward for the Democrats in 2024.

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