Hollywood was quick to respond to the news that President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and supported Vice President Kamala Harris.
Democratic supporter Barbra Streisand wrote on X on Sunday that “we should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.” While many paid tribute to Biden’s presidency, others wondered what the future would hold.
Cher wrote on X that she was “tortured” because she didn’t believe the Democrats could win without Biden. She said it was time to think “way outside the box” and proposed a split ticket.
In recent weeks, several Hollywood household names have begun calling for Biden to drop out of the race. Just weeks after George Clooney headlined a record-breaking fundraiser for the president’s re-election campaign, he penned an op-ed in the New York Times calling on Biden to end his candidacy.
Clooney argued that the party should choose a new candidate, saying the process would be “messy” but would “wake up” voters in the party’s favour.
Others who attended or participated in the celebrity fundraiser in Los Angeles included Julia Roberts, Streisand, Jimmy Kimmel, former President Barack Obama, Jack Black, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman.
Ralph posted a photo of himself and Harris on Sunday with the caption: “President Biden endorsed Kamala Harris!”
Here are some notable reactions from celebrities:
“Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant things in his four years in office. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.”
“In my heart I am tormented because I do not believe the Democrats can win the presidency with “Pres Biden” “Joe”, whom I have loved since we met in 2008. I campaigned for him and I believe it is time to pass the baton. TIME FOR THE PROTESTERS TO THINK “FAR” OUTSIDE HISTORY. MAYBE EVEN A SPLIT TICKET.”
“@JoeBiden has a record of service unmatched by any president in our lifetime. He restored honesty, dignity, & integrity for the office after 4 years of lies, crime, scandals & chaos. Thank you for your service, Mr. President. It is now our duty as patriotic Americans to elect the Democrat who will honor & “Increase your legacy.”
“I want to honor our president @JoeBiden. He has served our nation admirably for decades, he is a decent honorable man, a hugely successful president and a patriot. Let us now unite behind @KamalaHarris and defeat Donald Trump in November!”
“Joe Biden endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination after he ended his re-election bid. We live in a wild world, bro.”