After weeks of dismay over Joe Biden’s political prospects, Hollywood celebrities erupted in excitement on Sunday after the president announced he would not seek reelection, with many stars perfunctorily praising Biden’s so-called “achievements” while prematurely naming Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s next nominee.
Stars including Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Bette Midler, Mark Ruffalo and Jon Cryer all spoke out.
“Biden has been a president with an unparalleled track record in our lifetimes. He has restored honesty, dignity and integrity to the office of the presidency,” Disney said. Star Wars Actor Mark Hamill wrote:
“We have 90 days. President Harris, let’s do it,” wrote Jon Cryer, star of CBS’ “Two and a Half Men.”
“Thank you @JoeBiden for your service, selflessness, integrity and putting country first,” Ben Stiller chimed in.
Joe Biden announced Sunday afternoon that he would not be seeking reelection, as reported by Breitbart News. “While I had intended to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country that I step aside for the remainder of my term and focus solely on fulfilling the duties of my presidency,” Biden said in a prepared statement.
His decision comes as he faces growing pressure from donors and Democratic leaders to drop out of the race following a disgraceful performance at last month’s debate in which a visibly confused Biden struggled to complete sentences, repeatedly lost his train of thought and slurred gibberish (“We finally won Medicare”).
The ouster of Biden less than four months before the November election has left Democrats reeling and scrambling to find a replacement. While Biden endorsed Kamala Harris on Sunday, former President Barack Obama has been conspicuously silent on the matter, stoking speculation that an open primary will be held — a blow to Harris.
Kamala Harris, even more unpopular than Joe Biden, has always relied on Hollywood for moral and financial support, a longstanding bond that dates back to her days as a California politician.
On Sunday, the stars did not disappoint, leading the cheerleading squad for President Harris.
.@JoeBiden You have accomplished something unmatched in our lifetimes. After four years of lies, crime, scandal and chaos, you have restored honesty, dignity and integrity to the office of the presidency. Thank you, Mr. President, for all you have done. As patriotic Americans, it is now our duty… https://t.co/wTnYkClVIk
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 21, 2024
Robert De Niro, who has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, responded Sunday afternoon when news broke that Joe Biden would not be seeking a second term. https://t.co/MUKZ2Orq9o pic.twitter.com/5PgQyu4qef
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 21, 2024
I want to respect the president. @JoeBidenHe has served our country well for decades. He is an honorable man, a very successful president, and a patriot. Now is the time for us to unite behind him. Kamala Harris Let’s defeat Donald Trump in November!
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 21, 2024
You have 90 days
President Harris
Let’s do this. https://t.co/Nv5RT0WBrN
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) July 21, 2024
appreciate @JoeBidenService, selflessness, integrity and putting country first. https://t.co/qQS1LEEjAA
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) July 21, 2024
Legend.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) July 21, 2024
So folks, we now have our marching orders. It’s time to run. No to Trump/Vance. No to the right-wing Christian takeover of our country. There’s nothing wrong with Christianity. They just shouldn’t be running a country that was born out of religious freedom. … https://t.co/cqk0fRLWPA
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) July 21, 2024
I didn’t know it was happening because I didn’t watch TV or talk to anyone. I believe this is our only chance to preserve our democracy. The Democrats are “really” “really”
Think outside the box.
“Winning is everything” – not winning
Nothing can be changed, times must change— Cher (@cher) July 21, 2024
Joe Biden is a true American patriot. He was a great president. It’s unfortunate that the circumstances were so unique and historic that he had to withdraw. He is a rare breed among politicians, an honorable man who lives by his values.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) July 21, 2024
.@JoeBiden A true patriot.
I respect and appreciate his lifelong service and, of course, understand and respect his decision not to run.
Thank you, Mr. President!
Our family is praying for you and wishing you all the best until the end of your term and beyond. 🇺🇸
— Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) July 21, 2024
We’re ready, Kamala. Ratatouille was a big hit in the battleground states.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) July 21, 2024
#Arin for Kamala Harris #Unity
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) July 21, 2024
President Biden’s historic decision today was a selfless and patriotic act. He did what he determined was best for his party and his country. Four years ago, he saved our country in the midst of a pandemic, an economic crisis, and a constitutional crisis following an insurrection… pic.twitter.com/tvyFaak3ms
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 21, 2024
this man!!!
A great man who dedicated his life to serving his country.
thank you.
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
thank you. https://t.co/swNaclEJWL— Michael Kelly (Fuck the Blue Check) (@michaeljkellyjr) July 21, 2024
Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) July 21, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President, for your lifetime of service. https://t.co/jNn18ZOARl
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) July 21, 2024
