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.