Following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election in 2024, actor George Clooney has officially thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a statement released to CNN on July 23, 2024, Clooney lauded Harris’s historic run for the presidency. This follows Clooney’s earlier call for Biden to step back from the race.
In his statement, Clooney praised Biden’s leadership, stating that, “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’s support for Harris comes on the heels of his controversial op-ed in the New York Times, where he critiqued Biden’s performance during presidential debates and interviews, and suggested that he should not run for a second term. His comments echoed the concerns of many in the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s potential second term.
In his commentary, Clooney pointed to Biden’s disastrous debate performance and recent interviews as reasons for needing new leadership. He noted a change in Biden’s demeanor compared to his previous terms.
Despite some backlash, Clooney’s views found resonance amongst other Democrats, leading to increased support for Harris. Shortly thereafter, Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Harris as his successor. Clooney’s endorsement of Harris is seen as a significant boost to her campaign given his stature in Hollywood and his active role in political causes.
Other notable Hollywood figures have also endorsed Harris, including Barbra Streisand, Cardi B, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Charli XCX. This influx of support has greatly aided Harris’s fundraising efforts, with her campaign reportedly raising over $100 million in the first 24 hours of its launch.
This fundraising achievement is the largest amount ever raised in a 24-hour period in presidential history. The support from Hollywood’s A-list is likely to significantly influence public perception and voter enthusiasm as the campaign continues.
Clooney has long been involved in the political landscape, often using his platform to advocate for social and political causes. His public endorsement of Harris serves to underscore his commitment to effecting change within the political arena.
With the 2024 presidential election gearing up, Harris’s campaign is poised to leverage celebrity endorsements and support to build momentum and secure voter backing nationwide. As Harris embarks on her path to the White House, she does so with the backing of Clooney and a host of other Hollywood stars, marking an unprecedented wave of support and enthusiasm.