George Clooney has publicly addressed the campaign he supported to encourage President Joe Biden to withdraw from seeking reelection. During a screening of his film “Wolfs” at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney described Biden’s decision to end his campaign as an act of selflessness comparable to George Washington’s resignation. This comment highlights Clooney’s admiration for Biden’s choice, viewing it as a sacrifice for the greater good.
Clooney had advocated for Biden to step down following a poor debate performance in July, which he criticized in an op-ed for the New York Times. Although he had previously supported Biden by hosting a fundraiser, Clooney expressed dismay at the president’s deteriorating performance, suggesting that Biden was struggling against the limitations of time and age.
George Clooney
Following Clooney’s op-ed, Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the presidential race in a televised address from the Oval Office. In his speech, Biden emphasized the importance of defending democracy over personal ambition, acknowledging that his commitment to serving the American people was more significant than seeking another term.
Despite his influential role in urging Biden to step aside and the subsequent rise in Kamala Harris’ polling, Clooney has downplayed his own impact. He has stressed that the focus should remain on Biden’s courageous decision rather than the political maneuvering behind it. Clooney praised Biden’s acknowledgment of the need for a new direction, underscoring the difficulty of relinquishing power.
In his remarks in Venice, Clooney expressed that the credit for the decision to withdraw should solely go to Biden. He emphasized that while political processes and strategies might be complex, the essence of Biden’s choice was rooted in his recognition of a better path forward for the country.
