'Time to pass the baton': Hollywood celebrities react as Joe Biden withdraws from US Presidential elections

New Delhi, India

US President Joe Biden's decision not to contest in the upcoming US Presidential elections has been met with mixed reactions from film celebrities. President Biden announced on Sunday (Jul 21) that he will no longer seek reelection. 

Celebrities like Barbra Streisand, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Mark Hamill weighed in on Joe Biden's historic decision.

Barbra Streisand commended Biden for his work in the White House, and 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."

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Star Wars actor Mark Hamill praised Biden for his "record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime."

"He restored honesty, dignity & integrity to the office after 4 years of lies, crime, scandal & chaos," Hamill wrote on X. "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."

Singer-actress Cher wrote, "In my heart I'm tortured Because I Don’t believe the Democrats Can win the Presidency With"Pres Biden" "Joe"whom I’ve Loved since we met in 2008. I Campaigned for him I believe ITS TIME 2 PASS THE BATON. TIME 4 DEMS 2 THINK " WAY" OUTSIDE THE BOX. MAYBE EVEN A SPLIT TICKET."

Jamie Lee Curtis wrote, "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."

Star Trek actor George Takei wrote, "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. Now let us unite behind Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump in November!"

Ariana Grande reposted Biden's announcement endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 nominee for president on Instagram.

Biden shared his decision to suspend his campaign on social media Sunday and passed on the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris. 

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president," Biden wrote in a public letter. "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."

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"For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected," Biden wrote. "I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me." 

"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 added.