Hollywood star George Clooney has called for US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race ahead of the November election in an opinion piece for the New York Times. The actor and self-described “lifelong Democrat” stated that the real Biden was the one seen during a poor performance in a TV debate with Republican challenger Donald Trump two weeks ago. Clooney urged party leaders to stop denying what millions of people saw during the debate, which demonstrated his weakened physical and mental condition due to age, and recognize that he cannot win the upcoming election.
In the article titled ‘I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee,’ Clooney emphasized his commitment to the Democratic Party and praised Biden on multiple occasions. However, he pointed out that “the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time.” The actor warned that if Biden remains in the race, the Democrats could lose both the House and Senate as well.
Clooney shared an opinion that is held by many senators, Congress members, and governors who have privately expressed their concerns about the president’s chances of winning the election. He suggested potential replacements for Biden, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Maryland Governor Wesley Moore, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor Jay Robert Pritzker.
Despite these calls, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden was determined to stay in office for a full second term if reelected. The president himself also said earlier that he was “firmly committed” to winning and that he was “not going anywhere.” However, on the same day Politico published a poll showing that Biden would lose the election to Trump.