Joe Biden trolled after he backs AFL-CIO in bizarre response to questions about George Clooney's scathing op-ed

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden found himself under intense scrutiny during a meeting with the newly appointed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The focus was not just on international relations but also on the unexpected critique from George Clooney. The actor's op-ed in the New York Times called for Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns about his age and performance.

Joe Biden's response after George Clooney urges him to give up 2024 race

In response to questions about Clooney's op-ed and calls from Congress to step down, Biden's retort was succinct but telling, "AFL-CIO. Go, go, go!" The President's response underscored his reliance on the powerful labor union, which had issued a statement expressing "strong solidarity" with him despite his problematic debate performance.

Reporters in the Oval Office seized their chance to question Biden about Clooney's article, which came just weeks after the actor helped raise nearly $30 million at a Los Angeles fundraiser for Biden. The president is expected to face further questions during what the White House is dubbing a "big boy press conference" at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.

In his op-ed, Clooney was both supportive and critical of Biden. "Joe Biden is a hero; he saved democracy in 2020. We need him to do it again in 2024," Clooney wrote.

However, he also expressed concerns about Biden's capacity to continue his political career, stating, "I love Joe Biden ... But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It's devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe 'big F-ing deal' Biden of 2010. He wasn't even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate."

Clooney's comments reflected a growing sentiment among Hollywood elites and political donors who were disturbed by Biden's halting and sometimes confused debate performance. He criticized party leaders for dismissing these concerns, saying, "Party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn’t see what we just saw" during the debate.

He added, "We’re all so terrified by the prospect of a second Trump term that we’ve opted to ignore every warning sign."

Clooney's op-ed added to the mounting pressure from Biden's own party, political allies, and liberal media figures who have urged him to reconsider his candidacy. These calls stem from fears that Biden might not be able to effectively challenge former President Trump in the upcoming election.

Joe Biden meets UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer

During his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer, Biden had another opportunity to showcase his readiness for the November election. Starmer congratulated Biden on a "really successful summit," and the two leaders exchanged light-hearted remarks about soccer. Biden said, "By the way, soccer has become incredibly popular here in the United States."

Starmer highlighted the "special relationship" between the two nations, to which Biden responded, "There's a lot going on seeking closer ties with Europe. Good for all of us, the transatlantic alliance. I think it's a great idea that we're going to be working together on."

With his political future hanging in the balance, Biden returned to his strength in diplomacy, interacting with world leaders at the NATO summit in Washington. This summit provided a platform for Biden to demonstrate his global leadership, especially in light of criticisms following his debate performance.

In his op-ed, Clooney urged prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to encourage Biden to "voluntarily step aside."

Clooney warned, “We are not going to win in November with this president,” revealing that he had spoken with lawmakers who privately shared his concerns.

Clooney also suggested potential replacements for Biden, such as Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, per CNN.

He concluded with a stark choice, “The dam has broken... we can put our heads in the sand and pray for a miracle in November, or we can speak the truth.”

Joe Biden trolled over bizarre repsonse to George Clooney op-ed

Biden's invocation of the AFL-CIO in response to Clooney's op-ed did not go unnoticed on social media.

"No one cares," one posted on X.

"That Union head is either blind or corrupt," another wrote.

"Excellent. He’s touting the blessing of the same orgs that take money from hardworking Americans," someone else commented.

"Just because he has the backing of a union doesn’t mean he has the votes from the workers," another offered.

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