George Clooney, the well-known actor and Democratic supporter, has recently made headlines by calling for a change in the party’s presidential nominee for 2024. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Clooney expressed his concerns about President Joe Biden and emphasized that his decision was rooted in a sense of civic responsibility.
Clooney described his feelings about the current state of the Democratic Party, stating, “It was a civic duty,” to speak out against what he perceives as dishonesty among his political allies. He mentioned his experiences as a Democrat in Kentucky, where he witnessed a lack of truthfulness. This prompted him to urge Biden to step aside for the good of the party.
The actor’s call for change comes after he hosted a significant fundraiser for Biden’s campaign, which raised over $30 million. Shortly after this event, Clooney published a guest essay in the New York Times, surprising many with his request for Biden to withdraw from the race. In the essay, he praised Biden’s achievements but also highlighted concerns about age and its impact on Biden’s ability to campaign effectively.
Clooney’s remarks followed a particularly tough debate performance by Biden against Donald Trump, which left many in the Democratic Party feeling anxious about the upcoming election. Just weeks later, Biden announced he would not seek re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
In his interview, Clooney acknowledged the backlash he has faced for his statements but stood firm in his beliefs. He spoke about the importance of free speech, stating that one must be willing to accept criticism when advocating for their views. Clooney also praised Biden’s decision to step down, calling it a move that could help “save democracy.”
As Biden begins to re-emerge in public life, he recently delivered a speech condemning recent policy changes under a potential second Trump administration. Clooney’s comments have sparked discussions within the Democratic Party about the future direction and leadership as they prepare for the next election cycle.