Hollywood celebrities have voiced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election in November’s presidential race.
President Biden, who has faced declining donor support after a lacklustre TV debate with rival Donald Trump, received praise from prominent figures for his decision.
“Joe Biden is a legend,” remarked talk show host Jon Stewart, while actor Robert De Niro called Biden’s decision “an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism.”
De Niro emphasized defeating Donald Trump, labelling it as crucial for the country.
Oscar-winning actress Barbara Streisand lauded Biden for restoring “honesty, dignity & integrity” to the presidency after what she described as “four years of lies, crime, scandal & chaos” under Trump.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Biden’s role in leading the country through a tumultuous period.
Director Ken Burns commended Biden for navigating the aftermath of his predecessor’s term while accomplishing positive changes for Americans.
Singer John Legend expressed gratitude for Biden’s grace and patriotism, throwing his support behind Kamala Harris, describing her as ready for the presidential race.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis praised Harris for her advocacy and message of hope and unity, especially for women and people of colour.
“If she wins in November, she’ll make history!!” exclaimed comedian Kathy Griffin, reflecting the sentiment shared by singer Katy Perry, who posted a supportive video on Instagram.
Star Trek actor George Takei characterized the potential election match-up as “prosecutor vs felon,” highlighting Harris’ past as a prosecutor and Trump’s legal challenges.
Singer Charli XCX contributed to the social media buzz, referencing her album ‘Brat’ to support Harris.
Meanwhile, Hollywood, a traditional stronghold for Democratic support, had shown signs of turning away from President Biden in recent weeks. Several prominent figures withdrew their support and called for a change in candidacy.
Aaron Sorkin, creator of ‘The West Wing,’ initially called for nominating Mitt Romney but later backed Harris, reversing his stance.
Actor George Clooney, expressing admiration for Biden, cited concerns over his age and public missteps on the campaign trail, suggesting challenges in winning the upcoming election with him.
The support from Hollywood’s influential voices underscores the pivotal role celebrities play in shaping political narratives during election cycles.
