George Clooney calls for Biden to exit Presidential race in wake of debate fallout

"He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020," Clooney states as Hollywood stars call for a change in Democratic candidacy.

In a dramatic turn of events, actor George Clooney has openly called for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the US presidential race, following a debate performance that left many Democrats questioning his viability for a second term. 

This sentiment was echoed by another prominent Democratic supporter, Michael Douglas, who expressed his concerns to the BBC about Biden's electoral prospects.

The debate has clearly had a significant impact, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also hinting at concerns within the party, noting that "time is running short" for Biden to make a decision about his candidacy. 

These developments come amidst a backdrop of internal discussions and public statements that suggest a rift within the Democratic Party over Biden's campaign strategy and leadership capabilities.

Clooney, in his New York Times piece, stated that the Joe Biden he met at a recent fundraising event was a far cry from the leader he knew over a decade ago. 

"He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020," Clooney remarked, highlighting a perceived decline in the President’s public engagements. 

This event, which also featured Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand, reportedly raised a record $30 million in one night, underscoring the high stakes involved.

Douglas, meanwhile, while praising Biden's past achievements, pointed out the necessity for a candidate to be "articulate" in today's combative political climate, suggesting that Biden may not meet this criterion based on his recent debate performance.

The Biden campaign has responded to these critiques with assurances of his continued commitment to the race, despite a growing chorus of Democratic officials suggesting otherwise. 

Notably, Senators Michael Bennet and Peter Welch, along with Representatives Pat Ryan and Earl Blumenauer, have all voiced their concerns, with some calling for Biden to step down "for the good of the country."

As the narrative unfolds, key Democratic figures like Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, along with groups such as the Congressional Black Caucus, have reiterated their support for Biden. 

However, reports from Axios indicate that even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has privately expressed openness to reconsidering Biden’s candidacy.

Amidst these swirling controversies, Biden remains focused on international matters, hosting the NATO summit in Washington D.C., where the alliance's relevance and unity were strongly emphasized by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

As Biden prepares for a rare solo news conference and an upcoming NBC News interview, the Democratic base remains divided. 

Pennsylvania voters, a crucial demographic in the upcoming election, have voiced mixed feelings, reflecting the broader uncertainty about the future direction of Biden's campaign and leadership.