Actor George Clooney stated that Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate for the November election was a "mistake." These comments follow criticism directed at Clooney by President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, for questioning his father's mental sharpness. Clooney had previously written an op-ed advocating for a new nominee and a primary election.
Clooney's Stance on the 2024 Election
George Clooney, a prominent Democratic fundraiser, expressed that he considered Kamala Harris's nomination as the Democratic candidate for the US presidential election last November to be a "mistake." He made these remarks in an interview with CBS.
Clooney referred to an op-ed he authored for the New York Times in July, titled "I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee." In the piece, Clooney wrote that President Biden had won many battles but could not win against time, indicating a need for a new nominee. Clooney stated he had no regrets about writing the op-ed, which called for Biden to withdraw from the race.
Less than two weeks after Clooney's op-ed was published, Joe Biden announced he would step aside, leading to Kamala Harris's nomination. Clooney emphasized his desire for a primary election to "battle-test" candidates. No Democratic primary was held, and Harris received the nomination before losing to Donald Trump in the general election.
Regarding Harris's candidacy, Clooney stated, "I think 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'. It's hard to do and so she was given a very tough task." He concluded, "I think it was a mistake, quite honestly."
Concerns Raised About President Biden
In his op-ed, Clooney described meeting Joe Biden at a fundraising event, noting that the Biden he observed was not the same as in 2010 or 2020. Clooney specifically referenced a television debate against Donald Trump that occurred weeks prior, which had generated new concerns about the 81-year-old president's fitness for office.
Hunter Biden's Response
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, criticized George Clooney in an interview with the YouTube outlet Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan. Hunter Biden accused Clooney of exaggerating his father's condition. When asked about Clooney's intervention in the race, Hunter Biden responded with profanity, questioning Clooney's involvement. Hunter Biden's remarks included, "What do you have to do with… anything?" and "Why do I have to… listen to you?"
Kamala Harris's Future Aspirations
In an interview with the BBC last month, Kamala Harris stated she "possibly" might run for president again one day. She also expressed confidence that a woman would eventually hold the presidency.