Doubts Linger as Biden Faces Mounting Pressure to Bow Out

As the 2024 presidential election looms, a growing chorus of voices, including prominent celebrities, are calling for President Joe Biden to forgo a second term. This comes in the wake of Biden's lackluster performance during the June 27 Democratic debate, which has shaken confidence within key segments of the party, including the influential Hollywood community.

Calls for Biden to Step Aside Intensify Amid Concerns Over His Fitness for Office

Debate Performance Raises Doubts About Biden's Capabilities

Biden's debate showing was marked by a range of concerning issues, including awkward pauses, a hoarse voice affected by a cold, moments of apparent disorientation, and low energy levels. One particularly notable incident occurred when the president struggled to name Medicare while discussing tax policies targeting the wealthy. "We have 1,000 trillionaires in America—I mean billionaires in America. And what's happening? They're in a situation where they, in fact, pay 8.2 percent taxes, if they just paid 24 percent, 25 percent—either one of those numbers—we'd raise 0 million—billion dollars, I should say—in a ten-year period," he stammered, pausing again and appearing to forget the subject before finally recalling Medicare, albeit clumsily.

Celebrities Join the Call for Biden to Step Aside

In response to Biden's debate performance, numerous celebrities have publicly called for him to step aside. This chorus of voices grew louder heading into the Fourth of July weekend, as many pondered the future of the Democratic Party without Biden at the helm. Among the celebrity voices calling for Biden to step down is a long-standing Democrat and horror author, who tweeted, "Joe Biden has been a fine president, but it's time for him—in the interests of the America he so clearly loves—to announce he will not run for re-election." The director of "When Harry Met Sally" echoed this sentiment, urging Biden to "stop messing around" and step down to prevent a Trump victory, which they believe would jeopardize democracy.

Biden Defends His Commitment to Running for Reelection

In the midst of this turmoil, Biden issued an open letter to House Democrats urging them to dismiss rumors and back his reelection campaign. "Now that you have returned from the July 4th recess, I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump," he wrote on July 8. He stressed his belief that he remains the best candidate to challenge Trump, calling for unity within the party.

Biden Criticizes Potential Replacements and Touts His Achievements

Biden also critiqued the notion that any potential replacement could win, taking a swipe at his former primary rivals and pointing out their failures. "This was a process open to anyone who wanted to run," Biden reminded his colleagues. "Only three people chose to challenge me. One fared so badly that he left the primaries to run as an independent. Another attacked me for being too old and was soundly defeated. The voters of the Democratic Party have voted. They have chosen me to be the nominee of the party." Biden's letter also aimed to clarify his platform and celebrate his achievements in office, including low unemployment rates, the infrastructure act, and climate-change investments.

Growing Concerns Raise Uncertainty About Biden's Political Future

The growing concerns among celebrities and the broader Democratic base illustrate the high stakes and uncertainty surrounding Biden's political future as the party grapples with internal divisions and an impending election. Even George Stephanopoulos, a prominent political commentator, was caught on camera by TMZ expressing doubts about Biden's capacity to serve a full second term, further fueling the ongoing debate.