George Clooney, the acclaimed actor, has publicly declared his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as a candidate for the 2024 presidential election. This comes after President Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election.
Earlier, Clooney had suggested that Biden should step down from his position. He shared his views and support for Harris with CNN on Tuesday, applauding her groundbreaking run for the presidency.
“President Biden has shown what true leadership is. He’s saving democracy once again. We’re all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice President Harris in her historic quest,” stated Clooney.
The actor’s endorsement comes in the wake of his controversial opinion piece in the New York Times where he critiqued Biden’s performance in the presidential debate and an interview with George Stephanopoulos, advising Biden against running for re-election. His frank comments echoed the concerns of several Democrats regarding Biden’s capacity to serve another term.
In his op-ed, Clooney highlighted Biden’s lackluster debate performance and recent interviews as key factors necessitating a change in leadership. He observed that Biden during a June fundraiser, which also saw the presence of former President Barack Obama, was not the same as he was in 2010 or 2020.
Despite receiving some criticism, Clooney’s view was shared by other Democrats, leading to increased support for Harris. Shortly after, Biden decided to withdraw from the race, endorsing Harris for the position. Clooney’s endorsement of Harris is seen as a significant boost to her campaign, considering his significant influence in Hollywood and his active involvement in political issues.
Several other Hollywood celebrities have also expressed their support for Harris. Famous personalities such as Barbra Streisand, Cardi B, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Charli XCX have publicly backed Harris’s campaign. This wave of support has resulted in a remarkable increase in fundraising efforts, with Harris’s campaign managing to raise over $100 million within 24 hours of its official launch.
The campaign’s noteworthy fundraising achievement sets a new record for the most substantial amount raised within 24 hours in a presidential campaign, indicating the enthusiasm and momentum behind Harris’s candidacy. The extensive support from Hollywood’s elite is anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and voter excitement as the campaign continues.
Clooney’s political engagement is not a new phenomenon. He has been an active supporter of the Democratic Party for years and has utilized his platform to champion various social and political causes. His decision to publicly back Harris underlines his dedication to fostering positive change in the political realm.
“We’re all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice President Harris in her historic quest,” Clooney reiterated in his statement to CNN. “This is about more than just a campaign; it’s about the future of our democracy.”
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, Harris’s campaign is likely to utilize the endorsements and support from celebrities and influential figures to build momentum and secure voter support nationwide. With the backing of Clooney and a host of other Hollywood stars, Harris’s journey to the White House is receiving an unprecedented level of support and enthusiasm.
