In a candid interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, actor and activist George Clooney discussed his controversial July 2024 op-ed in The New York Times, where he called for then-President Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race.

Clooney described writing the piece as a “civic duty,” emphasizing the importance of honesty within his party. “I was raised to tell the truth,” Clooney stated, expressing concern over what he perceived as a reluctance among Democrats to acknowledge Biden’s declining performance.

The actor has also criticized the media for “hiding Biden’s incapacities.”

The op-ed followed Biden’s disastrous performance in the June 27 debate against Donald Trump, which raised questions about his age and capability. Clooney, a longtime Democrat and supporter of Biden, noted that the president he saw at a fundraiser weeks prior was not the same as in previous years. Despite the backlash, Clooney stood by his decision, highlighting the necessity of taking a stand for one’s beliefs.

Following the publication of Clooney’s essay, Biden announced his withdrawal from the race on July 21, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Clooney praised Biden’s decision as “selfless,” comparing it to George Washington’s choice to relinquish power.

Clooney expressed enthusiasm for supporting Harris’s campaign, stating he was “so excited” to rally behind her historic quest for the presidency. ​

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Paige Javor

Article by Paige Javor

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