George Clooney has expressed regret regarding the decision to have Kamala Harris replace Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election. In an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Clooney reflected on his previous op-ed published in the New York Times, where he advocated for Biden to step down. Although he stands by his call, he now believes it was a “mistake” for Harris to assume the candidacy.
Clooney explained that he had hoped for a competitive primary process to assess the best candidate. “We had a chance,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of a thorough evaluation. He pointed out the challenges Harris faces, stating, “It’s very hard to run against your own record.” By positioning her campaign as a departure from Biden, Harris has encountered significant obstacles. “I think it was a mistake, quite honestly,” Clooney added, acknowledging the difficult circumstances surrounding the current political landscape.
In his discussion with reporter Seth Doane, Clooney also addressed the backlash from Hunter Biden following his op-ed. He confirmed that he had seen Hunter’s response, which included claims that former President Barack Obama influenced Clooney’s decision to write the piece. Clooney refuted these claims and expressed concern over public disputes, stating, “I don’t find it to be helpful to have a public spat with him.” He emphasized the need for compassion, wishing Hunter well in his recovery while steering clear of further conflict.
Clooney elaborated on his motivations for publicly voicing his opinions. He stated, “I do it when I think I have a responsibility to.” Drawing from lessons taught by his father, he believes in challenging those with more power and advocating for those with less. This principle guides his actions and encourages him to speak out when he feels compelled to do so.
In a previous op-ed published in July 2023, Clooney warned that Biden would face significant challenges in the upcoming election, stating, “We are not going to win in November with this president.” He predicted losses in both the House and Senate, asserting that this sentiment was echoed by numerous political leaders he had consulted privately. Just eleven days later, on July 21, 2023, Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsed Harris, a decision that Clooney subsequently supported.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Clooney’s remarks reflect broader concerns within the Democratic Party about the upcoming election and the influence of prominent figures in shaping its direction. The actor’s willingness to speak candidly about these issues highlights the intricate balance between personal convictions and the collective goals of a political party navigating a challenging electoral environment.
