Actor George Clooney has openly retracted his endorsement of former President Joe Biden.
Following a critical op-ed piece, Clooney prompted Biden to exit the 2024 presidential contest, which Biden later did, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Fox News reported.
Clooney, a long-time supporter of Biden, reversed his stance after a series of events that culminated in a public fallingout. This shift was triggered by his observations at a Los Angeles fundraiser that raised $30 million and Biden's discouraging debate performance last June.
In an influential New York Times piece, Clooney articulated his growing disillusionment with Biden, noting a stark contrast between the current and previous versions of the politician. He remarked on Biden’s differing presence at the fundraiser compared to earlier years when he was known as “big F-ing deal” Biden.
Actor and Director George Clooney, also known for his active political involvement, expressed his concerns candidly. He noted, “It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser 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."
Despite withdrawing his support, Clooney affirmed his affection for Biden, highlighting an emotional complexity to his decision. He stated he still holds Biden in high regard personally, even if he believes Biden no longer possesses the necessary capabilities for the presidency.
The consequences of Clooney’s public withdrawal were severe, with Biden leaving the presidential race less than two weeks after the published essay. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who later lost the election to Donald Trump.
During an interview on "60 Minutes," while discussing his Broadway role as journalist Edward R. Murrow, Clooney compared the historical challenges journalists faced under Senator Joseph McCarthy to those under Trump’s administration, hinting at ongoing struggles for media freedom. Clooney plays Murrow, known for his critical news reporting during McCarthy's era, in "Good Night, and Good Luck."
George Clooney's essay was also a reflection of his personal values, which he attributes to being raised by a journalist. He emphasized the importance of truth and integrity, both in journalism and politics.
George Clooney further criticized the general governmental attitude toward press freedom, indicating it transcends political parties and ideologies. He argued that all governments inherently dislike press freedom, stressing the crucial role of journalists when other branches of government fail.
Amidst this political backdrop, former President Donald Trump filed a massive lawsuit against "60 Minutes" and CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global, for $20 billion, alleging interference in elections and voters through biased coverage, including the interview with Clooney.
Donald Trump, who won the election following Harris's defeat, termed the "60 Minutes" segment featuring Clooney as merely a "puff piece," criticizing its lack of substantive content. In a recent interview, Clooney emphasized the indispensable role of journalism: "When the other three estates fail, when the judiciary and the executive and the legislative branches fail us, the fourth estate has to succeed."
Clooney’s outspoken stance marks a significant turn in his political engagement, illustrating the ongoing influence of celebrity voices in American political discourse. This episode also highlights the intricate relationship between politics, media, and public personalities in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes. Despite his withdrawal of support, Clooney’s engagement in political activism remains robust, utilizing his platform to address issues of national and journalistic importance.
