“He isn't same as before,” George Clooney urges Biden to step down

Hollywood actor George Clooney published a New York Times (NYT) opinion piece on Wednesday publicly urging US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the US presidential race.

Clooney, a prominent Democratic fundraiser, asserted that Biden, at 81, faces insurmountable challenges in battling against time. 

"It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe “big F-ing deal” Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020," Clooney wrote, referencing a fundraising event he had hosted last month in Los Angeles that garnered a record USD 30 million for Biden's campaign.

"This is about age. Nothing more," Clooney emphasized, arguing that ignoring these issues would be disingenuous and ultimately detrimental to the party's electoral prospects.

He highlighted conversations with numerous senators, representatives, and governors who privately shared similar concerns about Biden's ability to lead effectively in a highly competitive and combative political landscape.

The actor's remarks echo sentiments expressed by other high-profile Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hinted at Biden's dwindling support within the party. 

Pelosi emphasized the urgency of Biden's decision-making process, suggesting that time was running short for the president to affirm his candidacy for the upcoming election.

However, Biden's campaign has staunchly defended his candidacy, pointing out his determination to continue as the Democratic Party's nominee and challenge Trump in November. 

Responding to Clooney's critique, a Biden campaign source dismissed concerns raised by the actor, emphasizing Biden's commitment to his campaign despite the challenges.