A number of Hollywood celebrities have weighed in on President Joe Biden’s July 21 announcement not to seek reelection this November.
Among those who commented included actors Barbra Streisand, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Mark Hamill.
Ms. Streisand praised the incumbent president for his term in the Oval Office thus far.
“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,” she posted on X.
Her comments were echoed by “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill, who commended the president on his accomplishments and thanked him for his service.
“Thank you for your service, Mr. President. It’s now our duty as patriotic Americans to elect the Democrat who will honor & further your legacy,” he wrote on X.
President Biden posted a public letter to social media on July 21 announcing his withdrawal from the race.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” the president wrote.
President Biden also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party nomination in a follow-up post on x.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also shared her reaction on social media, followed by an endorsement for Ms. Harris.
“I support wholeheartedly @joebiden and his decision to step down and to endorse unreservedly @kamalaharris. She is trusted and tested and she is a fierce advocate for women’s rights and people of color and her message is one of hope and unity for America at her time of great national divide,” Ms. Curtis wrote.
“Star Trek” actor George Takei also offered his opinion on social media, in which he praised President Biden for his success, while voicing his support for Ms. Harris.
“I want to honor our President Joe Biden. He has served our nation admirably for decades, he is a decent honorable man, a hugely successful president, and a patriot,” he wrote.
President Biden said Sunday that he plans to deliver a formal address to the nation about his decision not to seek reelection later this week.
“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work,” the president wrote.
“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do—when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Ms. Harris quickly secured a commanding list of endorsements for her presidential nomination bid.
She may still face a challenger before Democratic Party delegates cast their vote next month at the convention in Chicago, but is currently looking likely to secure the top of the ticket for the November election against former President Donald Trump.