George Clooney, the esteemed actor, has publicized his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential election in 2024. This follows President Joe Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the race.
Through a statement released to CNN on July 23, Clooney, who had earlier urged Biden to step down, declared his support for Harris’ historic presidential run.
“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,” said Clooney.
Clooney’s support for Harris came on the heels of his contentious op-ed in the New York Times on July 10. In this piece, he critiqued Biden’s debate performance and his interaction with George Stephanopoulos, suggesting that Biden should not seek re-election. Many Democrats echoed Clooney’s concerns about Biden’s capacity to serve another term.
In his op-ed, Clooney pointed to Biden’s lackluster debate performance and recent interviews as reasons for his call for new leadership. He explained that the Biden he saw during a fundraiser event, attended by former President Barack Obama, was not the same Biden he remembered from 2010 or 2020.
Although some backlash followed Clooney’s op-ed, his position found resonance among other Democrats, leading to a swell of support for Harris. Biden subsequently declared his exit from the race, endorsing Harris as his successor. Clooney’s endorsement of Harris is key to her campaign due to his Hollywood influence and political activism.
Clooney’s endorsement accompanies a larger trend of Hollywood support for Harris. High-profile individuals like Barbra Streisand, Cardi B, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Charli XCX have publicly backed Harris’ campaign. This wave of support has significantly fueled fundraising efforts, with reports of Harris’ campaign amassing over $100 million within 24 hours of its official launch.
This fundraising accomplishment is historic in presidential campaign history, highlighting the momentum and enthusiasm behind Harris’ candidacy. The robust support from prominent Hollywood figures is anticipated to shape public opinion and voter excitement as the campaign advances.
George Clooney’s political activism is not new. His support for the Democratic Party has been longstanding, and he has consistently utilized his platform to advocate for diverse social and political causes. His public endorsement of Harris reflects his commitment to effecting positive change in the political realm.
Reiterating his statement to CNN, Clooney said, “We’re all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice President Harris in her historic quest. This is about more than just a campaign; it’s about the future of our democracy.”
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, the Harris campaign is projected to capitalize on the endorsements and support from celebrities and influential figures to build momentum and win voter support nationwide. With backing from Clooney and a plethora of other Hollywood stars, Harris’ journey to the White House is receiving an unprecedented level of support and enthusiasm.