Actor and director Robert Redford announced he is throwing his support behind Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in an op-ed published by CNN.
Redford opens the op-ed reminiscing about when he was younger, listening to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt over the radio.
He acknowledged the former presidentâs unifying voice amid the challenge of fascism.
Redford identified him as an example of the kind of leadership America needs in this political climate.
He transitioned to explaining how that is not something the nation has right now, instead, Americans have President Donald Trump.
âBut one thing is clear: Instead of a moral compass in the Oval Office, thereâs a moral vacuum. Instead of a president who says weâre all in it together, we have a president whoâs in it for himself,â Redford said.
He added, âInstead of words that uplift and unite, we hear words that inflame and divide.â
Redford gave examples of how he believes Trump has sacrificed âany claim to moral authorityâ including retweeting and deleting a video of someone shouting âwhite power,â calling journalists âenemies of the state,â and turning a mask to combat the coronavirus into a âculture war.â
Redford warned four more years of the Trump administration would lead to autocracy and lead to more damage to the environment.
He pivoted to urging Americans to vote for Biden.
âAnd I believe Biden was made for this moment. Biden leads with his heart. I donât mean that in a soft and sentimental way,â Redford said.
He continued, âIâm talking about a fierce compassion â the kind that fuels him, that drives him to fight against racial and economic injustice, that wonât let him rest while people are struggling.â
Redford closed his op-ed by pointing to peaceful protests and community action to combat the coronavirus pandemic as examples of unity.
âThese acts of compassion and kindness make our country stronger. This November, we have a chance to make it stronger still â by choosing a president who is consistent with our values, and whose moral compass points toward justice,â Redford said.
