Bold move that echoes growing sentiment among Democratic circles, actor and activist Ashley Judd has called on President Joe Biden to “voluntarily, gracefully step aside” from his reelection bid. Judd, known for her pivotal role in the Me Too movement, expressed concerns in an opinion piece for USA Today, urging Biden to spare America from the prospect of a second Donald Trump presidency.
Judd, a vocal supporter of Biden in previous elections, highlighted her observations from rural Tennessee, where she emphasized that “Americans have already made up their minds against President Biden.” Her sentiments reflect a broader sentiment among some Democrats, including over a dozen congressional figures and fellow actor George Clooney, who have voiced similar calls following Biden’s widely criticized debate performance against Trump.
“I feel immense, bereft sadness at the beliefs Donald Trump holds, and that his supporters endorse,” Judd wrote. “But that sadness is trivial compared to the hurt, devastation and loss millions will feel if Donald Trump is reelected.”
More Read
Judd underscored the urgency for the Democratic Party to unite behind a new nominee, emphasizing that delay or internal division could prove detrimental in the face of Trump’s campaign momentum. Recent polls have shown Biden trailing Trump closely, with concerns over his age, cognitive fitness, and ability to mount a successful challenge against Trump weighing heavily among voters.
While Biden’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Judd’s plea, speculation persists regarding potential alternatives within the Democratic Party who could present a more formidable challenge to Trump in the upcoming election.
