Biden: Pelosi, Clooney, Senate Democrats cast doubt on 2024 re-election bid

U.S. President Joe Biden’s path to re-election in 2024 came under intense scrutiny as influential figures within the Democratic Party and Hollywood voiced their reservations..

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a candid interview on MSNBC, alongside actor and activist George Clooney, and key Senate Democrats, have sparked a wave of introspection and concern about Biden’s viability as the party’s nominee.

Nancy Pelosi, a stalwart Biden ally, called for a swift decision from the President regarding his candidacy. “I want him to do whatever he decides to do,” Pelosi remarked, carefully sidestepping a definitive endorsement. Pelosi’s comments, made during a pivotal NATO summit in Washington, underscore the urgency felt within Democratic circles. “Whatever you’re thinking, either tell somebody privately, but you don’t have to put that out on the table until we see how we go this week,” she advised fellow Democrats.

George Clooney, who recently hosted a high-profile fundraiser for Biden, delivered a critical blow with an op-ed in the New York Times. Clooney’s stark assessment declared Biden “not the same man he was in 2020,” signaling a significant shift in Hollywood’s support. Clooney’s withdrawal is particularly poignant given the substantial influence and financial backing the entertainment industry provides to Democratic campaigns.

Adding to the mounting pressure, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has reportedly expressed openness to alternative Democratic candidates, despite his public reaffirmation of support for Biden. Concurrently, Senator Peter Welch broke ranks, explicitly calling for Biden to step aside in an op-ed. This marks a significant moment as Welch becomes the first Democratic senator to publicly urge Biden’s withdrawal.

A prominent donor, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Democratic leaders planned to voice their concerns post-NATO summit. “It’s going to be a bloodbath,” the donor warned, highlighting the escalating tensions among lawmakers and financial supporters. This sentiment echoes the broader discontent among Democrats who fear Biden’s perceived weaknesses could jeopardize down-ballot races.

The Abandon Biden Campaign, critical of Biden’s handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict, has amplified calls for Biden to exit the race. While the campaign acknowledges the challenges posed by a potential Trump presidency, it remains steadfast in its opposition to Biden’s re-election bid.

In response to these mounting challenges, Biden has reiterated his commitment to the 2024 race. At the NATO summit, when asked about Pelosi’s support, Biden responded with a triumphant fist. His campaign, led by Jen O’Malley Dillon and senior advisers Mike Donilon and Steve Ricchetti, is set to brief Senate Democrats, aiming to bolster internal support.

Vice President Kamala Harris, positioned as a frontrunner should Biden step aside, addressed a large audience in Dallas, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming election. “The election is the most existential and consequential of our lifetimes,” Harris proclaimed, rallying support with chants of “Four More Years!”