In a striking opinion piece for USA Today, actress and Democratic activist Ashley Judd has called for President Joe Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race. This plea comes just days after George Clooney penned a similar column for the New York Times, urging Biden to voluntarily and gracefully make way for a more “talented, robust Democrat” who can secure a victory in the upcoming election.
Ashley Judd’s Op-Ed: A Call for Change
Ashley Judd, known for her passionate activism and Hollywood career, has been a steadfast supporter of Biden and other Democratic candidates. However, her recent op-ed reflects a growing concern among Democrats about Biden’s ability to win against a formidable opponent like Donald Trump. In her piece, Judd described Biden’s performance in the recent debate as lackluster, stating that he appeared “incapable of countering Trump, while he, unchecked, gushed a firehose of galling lies.”
The Argument for a New Democratic Candidate
Judd’s call for Biden to step aside is grounded in her fear that Trump could reclaim the presidency and wield its power with “unprecedented, incalculable cruelty and unfairness.” She stressed the urgency for Democrats to unite behind a candidate capable of defeating Trump, emphasizing that there is no time for distractions or divisions within the party.
No Suggested Replacement
Interestingly, Judd did not suggest a specific replacement for Biden in her op-ed. When asked for further comment, her representative did not immediately respond. This omission leaves open the question of who the Democratic Party might rally behind if Biden were to heed her advice and withdraw from the race.
George Clooney’s Similar Plea
Ashley Judd’s call echoes sentiments expressed by George Clooney earlier this week. In his New York Times opinion piece, Clooney, a lifelong Democrat, expressed his love for Biden but argued that the party would likely lose both the presidential race and congressional seats with Biden as the nominee. Clooney cited Biden’s diminished presence during interactions at a Los Angeles fundraiser as evidence of his declining capability to campaign effectively.
Concerns Over Biden’s Age and Viability
The calls from Judd and Clooney come amid broader concerns within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s age and overall viability as a candidate. At 81, Biden would be the oldest president in U.S. history if re-elected. Critics argue that his age, combined with a perceived decline in his public speaking and debate performances, could hinder his ability to energize voters and win against a dynamic opponent like Trump.
Ashley Judd’s Political Activism
Ashley Judd’s involvement in political activism is well-documented. Her allegations against Harvey Weinstein played a pivotal role in sparking the #MeToo movement. Judd has also been a vocal advocate for various Democratic causes throughout her career. In April, she visited the White House to support the Biden administration’s new national strategy to prevent suicide, a cause close to her heart following the loss of her mother, singer Naomi Judd, to suicide in 2022.
The Biden Campaign’s Response
As of now, the Biden campaign has not publicly responded to Ashley Judd’s op-ed. With increasing voices from influential figures within the party calling for a change in the nominee, it remains to be seen how Biden and his team will address these growing concerns.
