Biden's Bruising Day Dampens Democrats' Hopes for Moving Forward
A Stunning Critique from Hollywood
The most impactful critique of President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign may have come not from a political figure or commentator, but from a prominent actor. George Clooney’s biting op-ed in the New York Times has added to a growing wave of discontent within the Democratic Party, undermining the president’s efforts to stabilize his campaign this week—and potentially beyond.
A Growing Chorus of Discontent
This surge of dissent arises just as it seemed President Biden had gained some momentum, with endorsements from the influential Congressional Black Caucus and key liberal members of Congress. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, coinciding with a significant NATO summit in Washington.
On Wednesday evening, Peter Welch of Vermont became the first Democratic senator to openly call for Biden to step aside, “for the good of the country,” in a newspaper editorial. This escalating drumbeat of dissent raises the stakes for Biden’s upcoming press conference at the conclusion of the NATO summit on Thursday afternoon. This will be his most critical unscripted appearance since a disastrous debate performance two weeks ago that ignited the current crisis.
High-Stakes Media Appearances
In addition to the press conference, Biden has a scheduled interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt on Monday. Any missteps in these appearances could reinforce the damaging points made by Clooney in his New York Times piece. Clooney asserts that Biden’s decline is undeniable, citing a recent fundraiser where he observed a noticeable change in the president. “The Joe Biden I saw three weeks ago was not the Joe… of 2010,” Clooney writes. “He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all saw at the debate.”
Clooney argues that Biden is not equipped to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election and criticizes the Biden campaign’s claim that he is the clear choice of Democratic primary voters as “disingenuous, at best.” Perhaps most damningly, Clooney suggests that every prominent Democrat he has spoken to shares these concerns, whether they admit it publicly or not. “We can put our heads in the sand and pray for a miracle in November,” he writes, “or we can speak the truth.”
The Campaign’s Pushback
The Biden campaign is pushing back against Clooney’s op-ed, highlighting the president’s rigorous travel schedule, including a trip across nine time zones from the G7 summit in Italy to attend Clooney’s fundraiser. Campaign officials also note recent disagreements between Biden and Clooney, particularly regarding the administration’s Gaza policy, suggesting the timing of the opinion piece could be strategic.
However, Clooney is not just any celebrity. As a long-time Democratic fundraiser with strong connections in Hollywood and to former President Barack Obama, Clooney’s comments pose a significant threat to Biden. His critique follows expressions of dissatisfaction from other major Democratic donors like Netflix’s Reed Hastings and IAC’s Barry Diller.
Increasingly Vocal Prominent Democrats
Other prominent Democrats are also voicing concerns that should give Biden pause. For example, Senator Welch, in his Washington Post column, urged Biden to prioritize the country’s needs and step aside. Earlier that day, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a significant influence within the party, notably stopped short of endorsing Biden’s re-election bid. She suggested critics wait until after the NATO summit before voicing their concerns.
Similarly, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal have made comments indicating a readiness to consider other options if Biden steps down. Even some of Biden’s staunchest supporters are contemplating “what if” scenarios. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed continued support for Biden but also indicated he wouldn’t run against Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden stepped aside.
Uncertain Path Forward
Democratic leaders are meeting with Biden campaign officials to discuss the campaign’s future, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries planning to speak directly with Biden about party concerns. While there is movement, it remains unclear whether it will lead to a resolution or continued uncertainty.
If Biden were to step down, the path forward is murky. Some suggest Vice President Harris would naturally step in, but Clooney advocates for regrouping and selecting a new nominee. However, his suggestion that this process could avoid negative campaigning seems overly optimistic.
Despite the shifting mood in Washington, Biden still controls the majority of national convention delegates who will decide the party’s presidential ticket. While the polls show him trailing Trump, they have not changed dramatically since his problematic debate. And, as his critics acknowledge, the decision ultimately rests with Biden.
Wednesday’s events highlight that if Biden continues his campaign, he may never fully dispel concerns about his age. His debate performance might become a lingering issue that he cannot overcome.