Amidst growing doubts about President Biden's re-election prospects, a rift has emerged among Hollywood's Democratic donors, with some turning their back on the president while others remain steadfast in their support.
As President Biden faces mounting criticism over his apparent mental decline and dwindling popularity, a growing number of his influential Hollywood donors have been calling for him to withdraw from the 2024 race. Among the most prominent voices is George Clooney, who penned a scathing op-ed in the New York Times urging Biden to step aside.
Clooney, who has been a long-time supporter of Biden and even hosted a fundraiser for his re-election campaign this summer, cited the president's age and perceived cognitive decline as reasons for his withdrawal. "This is about age. Nothing more. But also nothing that can be reversed," Clooney wrote. "We are not going to win in November with this president."
Clooney's Call for Biden to Withdraw Divides Hollywood Donors
Clooney's call has been echoed by other prominent Democrats in the entertainment industry, including horror author Stephen King, filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, and Star Trek screenwriter Damon Lindelof. These former Biden supporters have expressed concerns about his ability to beat former President Trump in November and believe he should make way for a younger and more dynamic candidate.
However, some Hollywood liberals remain defiant in their support for Biden. Late-night comedy legend David Letterman is set to headline a Biden campaign fundraiser in Martha's Vineyard later this month, indicating his continued belief in the president's leadership.
Clooney's Call for Biden to Withdraw Divides Hollywood Donors
Letterman has been a longtime friend and supporter of Biden, and his willingness to lend his star power to the president's campaign suggests that not all Hollywood donors have lost faith in him. Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who will also be attending the fundraiser, echoed Letterman's sentiment, saying, "We support the President, the V.P. and the Democratic Party, in good and tough times because he has been there for us as a family and a state."
Multiple ranking Democrats on House committees have also expressed their desire for Biden to step aside. Representative Angie Craig, a vulnerable Democrat from Minnesota, said she had "concerns" about Biden's age and mental acuity. Representative Carolyn Maloney, a New York Democrat who recently lost her primary race, echoed these concerns, saying that Biden "has had a lot on his plate" and that "it's time for a new generation of leaders."
Clooney's Call for Biden to Withdraw Divides Hollywood Donors
The growing division among Hollywood donors mirrors a broader trend of waning support for Biden within the Democratic Party. A recent poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos found that only 57% of Democrats believe Biden should run for re-election, a significant drop from 71% in January.
Despite the growing pressure, Biden and his campaign team have insisted that he will remain the nominee and defeat Trump. Biden campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon said on MSNBC, "The president's in this race," she said. "You've heard him say that time and time again, and I think we saw on display last night exactly why, because Donald Trump is not going to offer anything new to the American people."
However, questions linger over Biden's ability to unify the Democratic Party and defeat Trump in 2024. With the president's approval ratings at historic lows and a growing number of his former supporters voicing their concerns, it remains to be seen whether Biden can navigate the political storm and emerge victorious in the upcoming election.
