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, and those in Hollywood alike, including Shonda Rhimes and Damon Lindelof, 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.
In a follow-up message, Biden explicitly endorsed Harris to take his place at the top of the ticket. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” he 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.”
Barack Obama also released a statement, honoring Biden in a lengthy statement that notably did not mention Harris. “Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order,” a portion read.
On social media, many more shared their sentiments. Streisand wrote, “Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.”
Lindelof wrote, in part, “Today, upon hearing news of The President’s decision, I felt profound relief, gratitude.. and then, for the first time, genuine EXCITEMENT for the election ahead. Excitement for my son, who will be voting for the first time in November. And excitement for every person in this country, despondent by the rerun they were being offered and starving for a new episode. A new CHOICE.”
Rhimes shared a photo of her and Harris, writing, “I stood behind her in 2016 when she ran for Senate, I was behind her when she ran as vp and I continue to stand behind her today.”
Lee Daniels wrote, “Feeling proud to be an American on this historic day!”
Jon Favreau, of Pod Save America, wrote, “A courageous and selfless decision. The President did what he’s done for the last four years – he listened to the American people and put the country’s interests ahead of his own. The exact opposite of Donald Trump.”
Ariana Grande also re-shared Biden’s post on her Instagram Story, where she included a link to register to vote as well.
Cynthia Nixon offered a differing viewpoint, writing, “Young people & people of color want desperately to vote for Trump’s Democratic opponent but won’t commit to someone funding the slaughter innocent Palestinians. To win, our Democratic nominee must support funding for healthcare, housing & education not Netanyahu’s genocide.”
See more of Hollywood and beyond’s reactions below.
President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.
Thank you, @JoeBiden. https://t.co/HMUMEB1fTl
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 21, 2024
I cannot overstate the gravity of the noble and history-making decision that President Biden just made. The feeling that I have right now is one of profound gratitude.
I am grateful that Joe Biden has been a friend, the most dedicated of public servants, and an extraordinary… pic.twitter.com/lteWj5RM64
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 21, 2024
The framers of our Constitution knew that our republic would endure only if our presidents have the character and honor to put duty ahead of self interest. President Biden deserves our gratitude for his decades of service to our nation and for his courageous decision today.
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) July 21, 2024
I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.
I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people. https://t.co/SCxFFtyl73
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 21, 2024
President Biden is the most successful and impactful president since at least LBJ. I am deeply honored to have served him and his ambitious agenda. Today, @joebiden has ensured that he will forever be remembered as the fearless patriot he has always been. I could not be more…
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) July 21, 2024
As President, Joe Biden has been — and is — an exceptional leader. He is responsible for developing and signing the most significant investment in climate solutions into law. He helped our nation navigate a global pandemic, ushered in an economic recovery that has created…
— Al Gore (@algore) July 21, 2024
America owes a debt of gratitude to President Biden for his decades of service.
He is now again delivering for the American people by passing the torch at a critical moment where we must continue to put working-people first and address cost of living and public safety concerns. pic.twitter.com/FrXm2VO8Jr
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 21, 2024
Okay everybody, now we have our marching orders and time to hit the trail running. No to Trump/Vance. No to the right-wing Christian religious takeover of our nation. Nothing wrong with Christianity; just shouldn’t be running a nation birthed from freedom of religion.… https://t.co/cqk0fRLWPA
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) July 21, 2024
Joe Biden’s presidency has been transformational. He accomplished more in the past four years — to bring back jobs, stand up to big corporations, and build an economy that works for all of us — than we have been able to get done in the last forty. He deserves full credit for…
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) July 21, 2024
Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order.
Here’s my full statement: https://t.co/Bs2ZumFXxe
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 21, 2024
I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction. Not only has he been—and will continue to be—the most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented…
— Naomi Biden (@NaomiBiden) July 21, 2024
President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.
With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of…
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 21, 2024
Dem delegates need to pick a swing state winner.
— Reed Hastings (@reedhastings) July 21, 2024
Kamala Harris looks more like America’s future than a retrograde, racist, misogynistic convicted felon ever could.
— Craig Thomas (@HimymCraig) July 21, 2024
Throughout his career, Joe Biden has shown resilience and a deep belief in the power of unity and democracy. His steadfast stewardship will continue to inspire us as we move forward to build a better America.
Now, more than ever, we must not only unite to ensure that Donald…
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 21, 2024
.@JoeBiden has a record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime. He restored honesty, dignity & integrity to the office after 4 years of lies, crime, scandal & chaos. Thank you for your service, Mr. President. It’s now our duty as patriotic Americans to… https://t.co/wTnYkClVIk
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 21, 2024
Be forewarned, if you pop in here w/anything but “Let’s go! #TeamHarris!” I’m blocking you on sight.
The need for us to show up & #VoteBlueUpAndDownTheBallot has not changed.
Only the name on the top of our ticket has.
Good vibes only.
Let’s Go!— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) July 21, 2024
Let’s make history!!!! Finally!!!
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) July 21, 2024
I commend President Biden for stepping down. His infirmities were evident to any unbiased observer from the beginning. It was this progressive deterioration — and his abandonment of Democratic Party principles — that prompted me to enter the race and ensure American voters had a…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 21, 2024
President Biden is an American Patriot phenomenal career. Time to defeat Trump and the menace he represents.
— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) July 21, 2024
Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he’s a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.
Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 21, 2024
Joe Biden just did something that Donald Trump is humanly incapable of doing: He put his country first.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 21, 2024
Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history.
I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 21, 2024
I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend.
To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you. pic.twitter.com/5mQvFn8INn
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 21, 2024
President Biden’s historic decision today was a selfless patriotic act. He deferred to what he decided was best for his party and country. He saved this nation 4 years ago in the middle of a pandemic, an economic crisis, and a constitutional crisis after an insurrection against… pic.twitter.com/tvyFaak3ms
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 21, 2024
Tonight, I’m joining millions of Americans, by following President Biden’s lead, and fully support and endorse the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as our nominee for President of the United States. Join Us. 100 Days to Preserve Democracy pic.twitter.com/o5BP77sCIE
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 21, 2024
I couldn’t be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future. She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States. 🇺🇸
— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) July 21, 2024
Here is the difference between a man who loves his country, and one who loves himself.
Joe Biden did an honorable and selfless act by stepping aside. His legacy will be among the best.
Trump cares about Trump only. And the GOP is too scared to do what the Dems did: tell the…
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@AdamKinzinger) July 21, 2024
Young people & people of color want desperately to vote for Trump’s Democratic opponent but won’t commit to someone funding the slaughter innocent Palestinians.
To win, our Democratic nominee must support funding for healthcare, housing & education not Netanyahu’s genocide.
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) July 21, 2024
