George Clooney Slams Kamala Harris Run: 'Mistake'
George Clooney, 2013. Photo courtesy of Sean Reynolds under CC BY 2.0.
George Clooney is no stranger to stirring the pot, but his recent reflections on the 2024 US presidential race have reignited a firestorm of political drama. The Oscar-winning actor, known for his charm and Hollywood glamour, has reportedly doubled down on his controversial call for President Joe Biden to step aside last summer. Clooney insists he would write the same blistering New York Times op-ed again, standing firm behind his blunt critique of the Democratic leadership. Yet, in a candid twist, he also brands the elevation of Kamala Harris as the party's nominee after Biden's withdrawal as "a mistake," as reported by the New York Post, revealing the impossible position she was placed in by having to run against her own record.
Clooney's Bold Bet on a Democratic Shake-up
In an eye-opening interview with CBS's "Sunday Morning," Clooney laid bare his frustrations with the Democratic Party's handling of the 2024 election. The actor, who has long been a financial backer and vocal supporter of Democratic causes, made headlines earlier this year when he penned an op-ed titled "I Love Joe Biden, but We Need a New Nominee." In it, he argued that Biden's cognitive decline made him unelectable against former President Donald Trump, urging the party to hold a primary contest to find a stronger candidate.
Clooney told CBS that he still believes a primary was the right move, one that would "battle-test" the candidates and energized the party, as reported by The Guardian. Instead, Biden dropped out after a poor debate performance and quickly endorsed Harris, effectively ending any open competition. Clooney's regret is clear: he thinks Harris was handed a "very tough task" that was nearly impossible to win.
The Impossible Task of Kamala Harris
According to Clooney, Harris faced a unique challenge in the 2024 race. She had to run against her own record, a political tightrope that made it difficult for her to present herself as a fresh alternative. Clooney explained that when a candidate's campaign message is essentially "I'm not that person," it becomes a hard sell, especially when the public is well aware of their past actions and policies, as reported by the New York Post.
This critique echoes a broader narrative that Harris struggled to distance herself from controversies and criticisms tied to her tenure as vice president and California's attorney general. Clooney's assessment is blunt: nominating Harris was a "mistake," but "we are where we are," he said, as reported by the New York Post, acknowledging the party's current reality.
A Lifelong Democrat Calling for Change
What makes Clooney's stance particularly striking is his identity as a lifelong Democrat who is deeply invested in the party's success. He frames his op-ed and subsequent comments not as betrayal but as a call for the party to "get their act together." Clooney's willingness to publicly challenge the party's leadership underscores a growing impatience among some Democrats who fear complacency and poor strategic decisions could cost them crucial elections.
He also defended Biden's decision to step aside as a "selfless act," as reported by the New York Post, recognizing the difficulty of relinquishing power. Clooney praised Biden for doing "the hardest thing to do," highlighting the personal and political courage involved in that choice.
The Fallout: Hunter Biden's Fiery Response
Clooney's op-ed and outspoken criticism did not come without backlash. Hunter Biden, the president's son, reportedly launched a profanity-laced tirade against Clooney in a widely publicized interview. Hunter accused Clooney of being a "brand" rather than a genuine actor and questioned his right to publicly undermine his father, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. The younger Biden's explosive remarks included multiple expletives and a pointed dismissal of Clooney's influence in political matters.
Despite the harsh words, Clooney chose not to engage in a public spat. He described Hunter's comments as "outright lies" and said that debating them would not be helpful to anyone, especially Hunter himself, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. Clooney expressed hope for Hunter's "ongoing recovery" and emphasized that he prefers to avoid fueling further division within the Democratic Party.
Clooney's Hollywood Meets Politics Moment
This saga is a vivid reminder of how Hollywood's glittering world often collides with the gritty realities of politics. Clooney, who has balanced a successful acting career with activism and political involvement, has never shied away from controversy. His willingness to call out his own party's leadership, even at the risk of alienating allies, paints him as a figure who values principle over popularity.
The actor's reflections also reveal the high stakes and intense pressures surrounding the 2024 election. With Biden's cognitive abilities under scrutiny and Harris facing uphill battles, the Democratic Party's choices have been dissected and debated by insiders and outsiders alike.
What Lies Ahead for the Democrats?
As the dust settles on the 2024 election, Clooney's comments serve as a stark warning to the Democratic Party. The need for unity, fresh leadership, and strategic clarity has never been more urgent. Clooney's call to "battle-test" a nominee was not just about one election but about the party's long-term viability.
References: Defiant George Clooney has no regrets on damning Biden op-ed - but admits Kamala's run was a 'mistake' | George Clooney says replacing Joe Biden with Kamala Harris 'was a mistake' | George Clooney | George Clooney calls Hunter Biden's rant 'outright lies,' Kamala Harris' presidential bid 'a mistake'
