Robert De Niro, Clintons and Obamas React to Biden Withdrawal: “A Patriot of the Highest Order”
Biden announced on Sunday he would not seek the Democratic nomination, and endorsed Kamala Harris for president.
BY ZOE G. PHILLIPS, July 21, 2024.
Hollywood reacted to Biden’s announcement that he will halt his re-election campaign and endorse Kamala Harris for president on Sunday. Many, including names such as Barbra Streisand, Lee Daniels, the Clintons and the Obamas, celebrated Biden’s decision as a heroic and selfless move for the country. Several politicians, including the Clintons and Elizabeth Warren, also endorsed Harris.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote.
Hollywood reacted to Biden’s announcement that he will halt his re-election campaign and endorse Kamala Harris for president on Sunday. Many, including names such as Barbra Streisand, Lee Daniels, the Clintons and the Obamas, celebrated Biden’s decision as a heroic and selfless move for the country. Several politicians, including the Clintons and Elizabeth Warren, also endorsed Harris.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote.
Harris thanked Biden for the endorsement in a statement and also praised his service. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she wrote.
Reactions across Hollywood, media and the nation at large began swiftly following the announcement. Robert De Niro told The Hollywood Reporter via a representative, “In an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism, Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president . . . because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box. With respect, admiration, and affection, thank you Mr. President!”
WME chief Ari Emanuel told THR, “Great what a unselfish person.” When asked about Harris running in Biden’s place, Emanuel added, “She should compete.”
Both Bill and Hilary Clinton swiftly praised Biden’s service and endorsed Harris for president. “We’ve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term,” their statement read. “He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her. America’s future depends on it
