Actor George Clooney has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race.
Clooney, who had previously called for Biden to step aside, expressed his support in a statement shared with CNN on Tuesday, praising Harris’s historic bid for the White House.
“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,” Clooney stated.
Clooney’s endorsement comes after his controversial op-ed in the New York Times earlier this month, where he criticized Biden’s performance in the presidential debate and an interview with George Stephanopoulos, urging Biden not to seek re-election. Clooney’s candid remarks reflected the sentiments of many within the Democratic Party who were concerned about Biden’s ability to serve another term.
In his op-ed, Clooney emphasized Biden’s weak debate performance and recent interviews as critical reasons for calling for new leadership. He noted that the Biden he observed during the fundraiser, which included former President Barack Obama, was not the Joe “big (expletive) deal” Biden of 2010, nor was he the Biden of 2020.
Despite the backlash from some quarters, Clooney’s stance resonated with other Democrats, leading to a surge in support for Harris. Within weeks, Biden announced his decision to exit the race, endorsing Harris as his replacement. Clooney’s subsequent endorsement of Harris is a crucial boost to her campaign, given his influence in Hollywood and his active engagement in political causes.
Clooney’s endorsement is part of a broader wave of Hollywood celebrity support for Harris. Prominent figures such as Barbra Streisand, Cardi B, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Charli XCX have publicly endorsed Harris’s campaign. This surge of support has significantly boosted fundraising efforts, with Harris’s campaign reportedly raising over $100 million within 24 hours of its official launch.
The campaign’s historic fundraising achievement marks the most significant amount raised in 24 hours in presidential history, spotlighting the excitement and momentum behind Harris’s candidacy. The overwhelming support from Hollywood A-listers is expected to play a significant role in shaping public perception and voter enthusiasm as the campaign progresses.
Clooney’s involvement in the political landscape is not new. He has been an active supporter of the Democratic Party for years and has used his platform to advocate for various social and political causes. His decision to publicly endorse Harris underscores his commitment to influencing positive change within the political sphere.
“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 heats up, Harris’s campaign is expected to leverage the endorsements and support from celebrities and influential figures to build momentum and secure voter support across the nation. With Clooney and a host of other Hollywood stars backing her bid, Harris’s path to the White House is being paved with unprecedented support and enthusiasm.