By Antynet Ford
Renowned figures have been quick to pay tribute to US President Joe Biden after he announced he will not be running in November’s presidential election.
Amongst them, Hollywood who has long been a strong base of support – and money – for Biden’s Democratic Party, but in recent weeks donors had been turning away from the president after a poor performance in a TV debate with rival Donald Trump.
Since the announcement, some have publicly declared their support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Talk show host and comedian Jon Stewart called Mr Biden a “legend”, while actor Robert De Niro said his decision was an “act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism”.
“There is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box.” De Niro, a fervent Trump critic said.
Oscar-winning actress and singer Barbara Streisand praised Mr Biden, saying he would “go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his four-year term.” Said in a post on X.
“He helped restore “honesty, dignity & integrity to the office after four years of lies, crime, scandal & chaos.” Star Wars actor Mark Hamill said referring to his predecessor.
This was reiterated by director Ken Burns, who said Mr Biden had “led the country out of the disastrous term of his predecessor [while] quietly doing good things for all Americans”.
Singer John Legend said he was “grateful for the grace and patriotism” Mr Biden had shown in stepping aside, and threw his support behind Ms Harris: “She’s ready for this fight and I’m excited to help her in any way I can.”
Harris has a “trusted and tested” record, according to actress Jamie Lee Curtis, adding that she has been a “fierce advocate for women’s rights and people of colour and her message is one of hope and unity for America at her time of great national divide”.
If she goes on to win in November’s election, Harris would become the first woman, and woman of colour, to win the presidency of the United States.
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