In a surprising turn of events, film star George Clooney has delivered a potent blow to President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign through a scathing New York Times opinion piece. Clooney, a prominent Democratic fundraiser, is not alone in his criticism; a growing number of Democratic voices are expressing their doubts about Biden’s ability to lead the party into the 2024 election.
This backlash comes at a critical time, as President Biden appeared to have gained some support from the influential Congressional Black Caucus and key liberal members of Congress. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically once again, just as a high-profile NATO summit unfolds in Washington.
On Wednesday evening, Senator Peter Welch of Vermont became the first Democratic senator to publicly call for Biden to withdraw from the race, citing it as “for the good of the country” in a newspaper op-ed. This mounting dissent has raised the stakes for Biden’s press conference at the end of the NATO summit, marking it as a significant unscripted challenge since his problematic debate performance two weeks ago.
Biden is also scheduled for an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt on Monday, where any misstep could further validate Clooney’s assertions. In his op-ed, Clooney argued that Biden’s decline is evident and that he is no longer the leader he was even a few years ago. Clooney’s critique stems from his observations at a recent fundraiser, where he felt Biden’s performance was noticeably diminished.
The Biden campaign has responded by highlighting the president’s busy schedule, including a transatlantic flight to attend Clooney’s fundraiser. They also pointed to recent disagreements between Biden and Clooney, particularly regarding the administration’s Gaza policy, suggesting that the timing of the op-ed may be strategic.
Clooney’s criticism is particularly significant given his influence as a fundraiser and his connections within the Democratic Party. His remarks have been echoed by other prominent donors like Netflix chair Reed Hastings and IAC chair Barry Diller, signaling a broader discontent among key financial supporters.
Former President Barack Obama’s close ties with Clooney add weight to the actor’s critique, suggesting it may have tacit approval from other prominent Democrats. Trump, seizing the moment, posted on social media, likening Clooney’s criticism to a betrayal.
Senator Welch’s op-ed urged Biden to prioritize the nation over his re-election bid, while former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senator Tim Kaine expressed concerns without directly endorsing Biden’s campaign. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal stated her support for Biden but hinted at her readiness for a new nominee.
As discussions continue, some of Biden’s supporters are exploring contingency plans. California Governor Gavin Newsom reaffirmed his support for Biden but also indicated he would not challenge Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden stepped aside. Senate Democrats are set to meet with Biden campaign officials to discuss the future of the campaign, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries plans to address Democratic concerns directly with Biden.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant changes depending on Biden’s upcoming performances and the ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party. Whether Biden can overcome these challenges and maintain his candidacy remains to be seen, but the pressure is undoubtedly mounting.