During a recent interview on CBS News Sunday Morning with Seth Doane, actor and filmmaker George Clooney addressed the backlash following his op-ed, in which he urged Joe Biden to reconsider his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. Clooney’s remarks included a critique of Kamala Harris‘s appointment as the Democratic candidate, which he described as a “mistake.”
When Doane inquired if he would pen the piece again, Clooney affirmed his stance, stating, “Yes. We had a chance. I wanted there to be, as I wrote in the op-ed, a primary. Let’s battle-test this quickly and get it up and going.” He elaborated on his concerns regarding Harris’s campaign, noting, “The mistake with it being Kamala is she had to run against her own record. It’s very hard to do if the point of running is to say, ‘I’m not that person.’”
Clooney explained that he believed the Democratic Party would face significant challenges if they continued on their current path. He added, “To not do it would be to say, ‘I’m not gonna tell the truth.’”
Earlier this year, Clooney reiterated his position during an interview with CNN, asserting that taking a stand was a civic duty. He stated, “That’s the deal; you have to take your stand if you believe in it. Take a stand, stand for it and then deal with the consequences.” He acknowledged the criticism he faced for his opinions, recalling backlash from his previous anti-war stance two decades ago.
Clooney’s op-ed sparked a heated response from Hunter Biden, who labeled the actor’s comments as undermining his father’s presidency. In an expletive-laden interview in August 2023, Hunter Biden expressed his frustration, stating, “Fuck you. What do you have to do with fucking anything?” He criticized Clooney, asserting, “What right do you have to step on a man who’s given 52 years of his fucking life to the service of this country?”
Clooney addressed Hunter Biden’s comments during the weekend interview, choosing not to engage in a public dispute. He remarked, “I could spend a lot of time debunking many of the things he said because many of the things he said were just outright lies.” He emphasized the importance of moving forward rather than dwelling on past conflicts, wishing Hunter well in his recovery.
Clooney concluded by stating that he does not find public disputes to be beneficial, especially for the Democratic Party. His willingness to engage in political discourse highlights his commitment to civic engagement, while also recognizing the complexities of political communication in today’s climate.
As the 2024 election approaches, Clooney’s reflections on his op-ed and subsequent reactions underscore the challenges faced by the Democratic Party and the ongoing conversations surrounding its leadership.
