Hollywood reacts to Biden’s campaign suspension
Hollywood heavyweights who’d been urging President Biden to step away from the campaign trail on Sunday welcomed his bombshell announcement.
Outspoken Donald Trump critic Robert DeNiro — who had sparred with Trump’s supporters outside a Manhattan courthouse in May — declared his support and admiration for Biden’s decision.
“In an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism, Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “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!”
Other actors and entertainers weighing in included Barbra Streisand, CardiB, “Star Trek” actor and activist George Takei and Mark Hamill of “Star Wars” fame. Cher expressed a touch of ambivalence, fearing Democrats could not win without Biden and calling on her fellow Dems to “think outside the box.”
“He has served our nation admirably for decades, he is a decent honorable man, a hugely successful president, and a patriot,” Takei wrote on X, while Hamill lauded his “record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime” and his restoration of “honesty, dignity and integrity to the office after 4 years of lies, crime, scandal and chaos.”
“Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his four-year term,” Streisand wrote. “We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.”
Singer John Legend posted a lengthy tribute to Biden on Instagram.
“Joe Biden has presided over the most consequential first term of real progress in my lifetime,” he wrote, listing what he saw as the President’s biggest accomplishments. “I’m grateful for the grace and patriotism he has shown by choosing to step aside for the sake of the country.”
“Thank you for your service, President Biden,” tweeted the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter. “You have done so much for the American people.”
Ariana Grande shared a simple photo on her Instagram stories of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and a link to register to vote. Shonda Rhimes thanked Biden for his “extraordinary career of public service.”
With News Wire Services