Actor George Clooney has lauded President Biden's decision to abandon his re-election bid, crediting his own New York Times essay for influencing the move.
Renowned actor George Clooney has heaped praise on President Biden for withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, attributing his decision to an opinion piece he penned for the New York Times. During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Clooney insisted that Biden deserved recognition for his selfless act.
"The bottom line is that it's very hard to let go of power, and President Biden did something really extraordinary. Really extraordinary," Clooney stated during Tuesday's show.
George Clooney Praises Biden for Withdrawing from Re-election Race
Clooney's July New York Times guest essay argued that Biden's age and declining health rendered him unsuitable for a second term. Citing Biden's performance in a debate against former President Trump, Clooney concluded, "We are not going to win in November with this president."
He further observed Biden's frailty during a recent Hollywood fundraiser: "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."
George Clooney Praises Biden for Withdrawing from Re-election Race
Biden subsequently announced his withdrawal from the race in late July, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him.
Kimmel, hosting Tuesday's show, emphasized the impact of Clooney's essay on the Democratic Party's decision to replace Biden. "It changed the world," Kimmel asserted.
George Clooney Praises Biden for Withdrawing from Re-election Race
Clooney deflected the praise, instead commending Biden's sacrifice: "Honestly, I really do think that that's what should be focused on, really."
Kimmel persisted in acknowledging Clooney's role, noting the improved polling numbers enjoyed by Harris compared to Biden.
Clooney acknowledged the potential for a positive outcome, but remained cautiously optimistic. Kimmel, however, expressed confidence in Harris's chances against Trump.
In an earlier interview with The Washington Post, Clooney praised Biden as "the president who did the most selfless thing that anyone's done since George Washington."
Clooney's decision to publicly express his concerns about Biden's fitness for office has sparked both admiration and criticism. Nonetheless, his influence on the Democratic Party's strategic decision-making highlights the power of informed public opinion in shaping political outcomes.
