US President Joe Biden has announced he is ending his bid for reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, AP reported. The announcement, which came amid growing calls from Hollywood heavyweights for Biden to step aside, marks a significant shift in the Democratic Party’s strategy heading into the 2024 election.
Just weeks ago, George Clooney, who had headlined a record-breaking fundraiser for Biden, penned a provocative opinion piece in the New York Times urging the president to withdraw from the race. Clooney’s argument was that the party needed a fresh face to galvanise voters, describing the transition process as potentially “messy” but ultimately beneficial for Democrats.
“President Biden has served this country with distinction, but it’s time for a new nominee to wake up our voters,” Clooney wrote. His sentiments echoed through Tinseltown, resonating with other A-listers who had attended the glittering fundraiser in Los Angeles, including Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Kimmel, former President Barack Obama, Jack Black, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kathryn Hahn, and Jason Bateman.
Reactions pour in
As the news broke, Ralph posted a celebratory photo with Harris on social media, captioned, “President Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris!” The post quickly went viral, encapsulating the excitement and anticipation surrounding Harris’s historic candidacy.
Barbra Streisand took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to laud Biden’s presidency. “Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his four-year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.”
Cher, known for her unfiltered opinions, expressed mixed emotions. “In my heart, I’m tortured because I don’t believe the Democrats can win the presidency with ‘Pres Biden’ Joe, whom I’ve loved since we met in 2008. I campaigned for him. I believe it’s time to pass the baton. Time for Dems to think way outside the box. Maybe even a split ticket.”
Rob Reiner, another vocal supporter, praised Biden’s character and service. “Joe Biden is a man of the highest character. He has tirelessly and effectively served us for over 50 years. He has shown what real leadership is all about. Selfless with a deep respect for our Constitution and the Rule of Law.” Reiner’s post ended with a pointed jab at former President Donald Trump, highlighting the stark contrast in leadership styles.
“Joe Biden has a record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime,” wrote Mark Hamill, the beloved Star Wars icon. “He restored honesty, dignity, & integrity to the office after four years of lies, crime, scandal and chaos. Thank you for your service, Mr President. It’s now our duty as patriotic Americans to elect the Democrat who will honour and further your legacy.” Hamill’s earlier visit to the Oval Office, where he jokingly dubbed Biden “Joe-bi-Wan-Kenobi,” was a lighthearted moment that underscored his admiration for the president.
‘True American patriot’
George Takei also took to social media to honour Biden. “I want to honour our President Joe Biden. He has served our nation admirably for decades, he is a decent honorable man, a hugely successful president, and a patriot. Now let us unite behind Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump in November!”
John Legend, the Grammy-winning singer, acknowledged Biden’s achievements while also supporting Harris. “Joe Biden had more than earned re-election, but time and age come for us all,” he posted on Instagram before endorsing Kamala Harris to replace the president on the ticket.
Rapper Cardi B rejoiced on X, saying: “Let’s go! I told you all Kamala was supposed to be the 2024 candidate,” in reference to a video she’d posted on June 30.
Meanwhile, Hocus Pocus star Bette Midler called Biden a “true American patriot,” writing on X: “He is the rarest of politicians, a decent man who lived by his values.” She also called Republican presidential nominee Trump a “schmuck” for his response to Biden’s announcement, in which he labeled Biden “the worst” president in US history.
Robert De Niro, who supported the Biden campaign in recent weeks, thanked Biden for his “act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism” in a statement to The Hill. “Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump,” he said.
Not all reactions were purely celebratory. Russell Brand, known for his unconventional views, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the current political climate. “Joe Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination after ending his re-election bid. We’re in a wild world, mate.” Brand had recently stirred controversy by suggesting that voters might be better off choosing Trump over Biden.
In the wake of Biden’s announcement, political analysts are abuzz with speculation about how this endorsement will reshape the race. Harris, who has made history as the first woman, first Black, and first South Asian vice president, now stands poised to potentially become the nation’s first woman president.
The Hollywood establishment’s swift pivot to Harris underscores the industry’s enduring influence on American politics. With celebrities leveraging their platforms to sway public opinion, the Democratic Party’s embrace of Harris reflects a calculated move to energise its base and appeal to a broader electorate.
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