Renowned actor and activist George Clooney has sparked intense debate and reflection within political circles with his recent op-ed in The New York Times, where he openly questioned President Joe Biden’s suitability for reelection. Clooney, a longtime supporter of Biden and a vocal advocate for Democratic causes, expressed deep reservations about the president’s current capabilities compared to previous years.
Just weeks ago, Clooney headlined a fundraising event alongside actress Julia Roberts, reportedly raising a staggering $30 million in a single evening for Biden’s reelection campaign. However, his latest article paints a starkly different picture, describing Biden as a shadow of his former self.
“In a stunning New York Times op-ed, Clooney says, ‘It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with at the fundraiser was not the Joe big bleeping deal Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020,'” the article reads, capturing the essence of Clooney’s disillusionment.
Clooney’s association with Biden spans many years, marked by celebrations at the White House and mutual admiration for each other’s work. Yet, the actor now joins a chorus of concerns about Biden’s capacity to lead effectively into the future.
Michael Douglas, another prominent figure in Hollywood, echoed Clooney’s sentiments on “The View,” stating, “I think it’s a valid point. I’m deeply concerned.” Douglas highlighted the difficulty Biden faced during debates and expressed worries about the president’s future performance.
Clooney, known for his activism and humanitarian efforts, acknowledged Biden’s past contributions, describing him as a hero who “saved democracy in 2020.” Despite this, he urged the Democratic Party to consider selecting a new nominee at the upcoming convention, citing concerns about age and suggesting that Biden’s time may have passed.
The actor’s candid critique has reignited discussions about Biden’s leadership within the party, with some Democratic supporters grappling with the prospect of a new candidate leading the charge in 2024.
While speculation about Clooney’s own political ambitions has surfaced in the past, particularly with calls for him to run for president, he has consistently dismissed such notions. Reflecting on his father’s congressional campaign experience and its toll on his family, Clooney has emphasized his preference for supporting candidates from the sidelines.
As the Democratic Party navigates the complexities of selecting a nominee for the upcoming presidential election, Clooney’s article has undoubtedly added a significant voice to the ongoing debate about Biden’s future and the party’s prospects moving forward.
