Robert De Niro and the Clintons laud Biden's decision to endorse Kamala Harris

President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he will withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked a wave of reactions from Hollywood and political figures alike. 

Celebrated personalities such as Barbra Streisand, Lee Daniels, and the Clintons have lauded Biden’s decision as both noble and strategically astute. 

The Obamas also joined in the praise, with Barack Obama acknowledging Biden's significant contributions to the nation while choosing not to comment on Harris directly.

In his public statement, Biden remarked, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” 

He further urged, “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” signalling his strong support for Harris as his successor.

Biden’s endorsement of Harris has been met with enthusiasm from various quarters. 

Robert De Niro praised the decision as “an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism,” while WME chief Ari Emanuel described Biden as “a great unselfish person,” expressing confidence in Harris’s potential candidacy. 

Both Bill and Hillary Clinton voiced their approval, emphasizing the critical need to unite against Donald Trump and ensure a strong Democratic presence in the upcoming election. 

Their statement highlighted their concern over Trump’s potential return and expressed full support for Harris.

Barack Obama’s statement focused on Biden’s legacy, describing him as “one of America’s most consequential presidents” and a “patriot of the highest order,” though it notably omitted mention of Harris. 

Social media has been abuzz with reactions, from Cardi B’s enthusiastic support to Cynthia Nixon’s critique of Harris’s policy positions, particularly on issues concerning Palestine and domestic spending.

Hollywood figures such as Shonda Rhimes and Damon Lindelof also expressed their support for Harris, with Rhimes sharing a supportive photo of Harris from 2016 and Lindelof voicing relief and excitement about the upcoming election. 

Meanwhile, other notable figures like Mark Ruffalo and Stacey Abrams echoed gratitude for Biden’s service and urged focus on defeating Trump. 

In contrast, some voices like Cynthia Nixon have raised concerns about Harris’s policy stances, particularly in relation to healthcare and foreign policy. 

This has contributed to a nuanced debate surrounding Biden’s decision and Harris’s future role.