Staff Reports
It’s official: Hollywood is ready to bid adieu to President Joe Biden. The very crowd that once threw millions at his campaign fundraisers now wants him to shuffle off the political stage. It turns out that even Tinseltown knows when it’s time for a bad act to exit.
The first presidential debate was a bombshell, but not the kind Biden hoped for. Critics left and right tore apart his performance, and now there’s a growing chorus of celebs saying he’s no match for the big bad wolf—otherwise known as Donald Trump. Some data even suggests that of all candidates, Kamala Harris could fare better in the ring against the former president. Yep, that’s how desperate they are.
My friend George Clooney has clearly expressed what many of us have been saying. We love and respect Joe Biden. We acknowledge all he has done for our country. But Democracy is facing an existential threat. We need someone younger to fight back. Joe Biden must step aside.…
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) July 10, 2024
George Clooney, Hollywood’s silver-haired savior, penned an op-ed that was as brutal as a Rotten Tomatoes score for a box-office flop. He lamented that Biden isn’t the “Joe Biden of 2020” anymore. It’s a bit rich considering Clooney raked in $28 million for Biden just a month ago at a star-studded fundraiser featuring Julia Roberts, Jack Black, and others. Talk about buyer’s remorse.
Not to be outdone, Rob Reiner, who directed classics like The Princess Bride, echoed Clooney’s sentiments. Reiner’s now touting the line that “Democracy is facing an existential threat” and they need “someone younger to fight back.” Maybe Reiner should consider directing a sci-fi thriller about a geriatric president clinging to power while a younger, sprightlier hero saves the day.
Then there’s Michael Douglas, who once played a president on the big screen and felt that gave him license to weigh in. Apparently, he’s “deeply concerned” about the election outcome and suggested the Democratic Party has “a lot of talent,” hinting at an understudy ready to take Biden’s place. Someone get this man an Oscar for stating the obvious.
The cherry on top is Jon Favreau, not the Marvel director but the former Obama aide and Pod Save America host. He was right there at Clooney’s glittering fundraiser and insists everyone saw what he did: Biden fumbling like a teleprompter without a script. Favreau is convinced Clooney is “exactly right,” as though Hollywood hotshots are the ultimate deciders of political competency.
Even Stephen King, the master of horror, and Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, have thrown their hats into the ring. In his typical fashion, Musk has cranked up his criticism of Biden but remains aloof when opening his wallet for either Biden or Trump. It’s billionaire code for “keep me out of this mess.”
To wrap it up, Democratic lawmakers are not just whispering but shouting for Biden to step aside. Heavyweights like Reps. Pat Ryan, Adam Smith, and Lloyd Doggett are calling for a new nominee. But Biden insists he won't step down in a move that’s as stubborn as a rusty gate. He dares anyone discontented to “challenge me” at the Democratic National Convention, all while airing his frustration about the “elites” telling him to move over.
Could Hollywood and Democrats finally be in harmony over something? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: Biden’s star is fading faster than a summer blockbuster after opening weekend.
