George Clooney Officially in Presidential Contest, Disagrees with Biden

in Entertainment

A collage featuring three individuals: on the left is a person with blond hair, in the center is a bearded person with gray hair dressed in a suit, and on the right is George Clooney, officially entering the presidential race while speaking into a microphone.

Credit: Inside the Magic

If you are looking at the media on a day-to-day basis, it is hard to avoid updates on what is going on with the upcoming Presidential election.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the political landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic, with candidates from both major parties actively campaigning and engaging with voters across the nation. This election cycle is characterized by a mix of seasoned politicians and newcomers, each vying for the highest office in the United States.

Joe and Jill Biden
Credit: Hollywood Reporter, X

The Democratic Party’s primary field includes a mix of established figures and progressive challengers. President Joe Biden, who announced his intention to seek re-election, faced competition from within his party, though he remains a prominent figure due to his incumbency. Key issues for Democratic candidates include healthcare reform, climate change, and economic inequality. Progressive candidates are pushing for more aggressive policies on these fronts, seeking to galvanize the party’s base with bold proposals.

The Republican primary is shaping up to be equally competitive, with several candidates initially positioning themselves as the best alternative to President Biden. Former President Donald Trump remained a significant influence within the party, though his candidacy was met with both strong support and notable opposition.

Other prominent Republican figures, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, were also in the race, focusing on issues such as immigration, national security, and economic growth. Of course, we now know Trump is taking the lead, facing off against Joe Biden in what has been a highly controversial topic.

Former president Donald Trump stands at a podium with his name on it, looking to the side, at a rally with supporters in red hats visible in the background, similar to themes discussed on The View.
Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Healthcare, the economy, and foreign policy are dominating the debates on both sides. Candidates are also addressing newer concerns, such as the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic recovery, and strategies to address rising inflation. Climate change remains a critical issue, with stark contrasts between Democratic and Republican approaches to environmental policy.

Campaign strategies are evolving in response to changing voter behaviors and technological advancements. Social media remains a vital tool for reaching younger voters, while traditional campaigning methods, such as town halls and rallies, continue to be important for engaging with a broader audience. The use of data analytics and targeted advertising is more sophisticated than ever, allowing campaigns to fine-tune their messages to specific demographics.

Public opinion polls provide a snapshot of the current political climate, with fluctuating support for various candidates. While polls indicate general trends, the fluid nature of the race means that unexpected events or shifts in public sentiment can quickly change the dynamics. Voter turnout, particularly among key demographics such as young voters and minorities, will be crucial in determining the outcome.

As the election progresses, debates and primary elections will play a critical role in shaping the final match-up for the general election. Both parties are working to consolidate support and address internal divisions to present a united front. The coming months will be pivotal, with candidates intensifying their efforts to connect with voters and distinguish themselves from their rivals.

Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump can be found 365 days per year at Walt Disney World Resort, in the Hall of Presidents attraction, where an animatronic of every U.S. President has been added into the ride. The attraction, while patriotic, has also been the breeding ground of a lot of fights among guests with differing political views. 

hall of presidents joe biden animatronic
Credit: Disney

Things continued to flare after the more recent Presidential Debate.

President Joe Biden is three years and seven months older than former President Donald Trump.

During their debate on CNN a few weeks ago, the age difference between the 81-year-old incumbent and his 78-year-old challenger seemed even more pronounced.

Biden, sounding hoarse and lacking vocal range, often struggled to clearly articulate his differences with Trump. At one point, after Biden trailed off while defending his record on border security, Trump quipped: “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said, either.”

Meanwhile, Trump repeated his usual claims of election fraud. He stated he would accept the results of the 2024 election if it was “fair and legal,” but then reiterated his false claims about fraud in the 2020 election.

“You’re a whiner, and you lost the first time,” Biden retorted.

Donald Trump animatronic on the hall of presidents
Credit: Disney

This debate marked the first time a sitting president and a former president had ever faced off, since their last debate in 2020. They clashed on topics such as abortion, immigration, foreign policy, and inflation.

The debate turned bitter and personal, with Biden highlighting Trump’s criminal convictions. Trump retaliated by mentioning Biden’s son, Hunter, who was recently convicted as well. Biden then accused Trump of having sex with porn star Stormy Daniels while Trump’s wife was pregnant.

“I didn’t have sex with a porn star,” Trump responded.

Overall, things got messy.

It was reported that the Democratic Party was not thrilled with Biden’s performance, and since the debate, there have been rumors swirling of another candidate taking over for Joe Biden.

Now, it seems George Clooney has stepped into the conversation, officially pushing his opinion into the mix.

Clooney first gained widespread recognition for his role as Dr. Doug Ross on the medical drama ER in the 1990s. His charismatic performance earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Clooney’s film career took off with roles in movies like From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and Out of Sight (1998). However, it was his portrayal of Danny Ocean in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequels that cemented his star power.

George Clooney in 'The Flash'
Credit: DC /Warner Bros.

Clooney has received critical acclaim for his performances in films such as Syriana (2005), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and Michael Clayton (2007), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His directorial efforts include Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), which garnered six Academy Award nominations, and The Ides of March (2011), which received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Clooney has won three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards. In addition to his win for Syriana, he received the Academy Award for Best Picture as a producer for Argo (2012). His work in The Descendants (2011) also earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

George Clooney, who recently co-hosted a star-studded fundraiser for Joe Biden, is urging Democrats to select a new nominee and calling for the president to be a “hero” by stepping aside.

Clooney expressed his views in The New York Times: 

“I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he’s won many of the battles he’s faced.

But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe “big F-ing deal” Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.”

Ocean's 11 with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Elliot Gould
Credit: Warner Bros

The actor also criticized Democratic Party leaders for disregarding numerous warning signs of Biden’s deteriorating physical and mental health and for attempting to defend his disastrous performance against Donald Trump.

Biden and Clooney have a long-standing relationship, dating back to Biden’s tenure as chairman of the Senate Foreign Services Committee. Clooney was working on issues in Darfur and connected with him.

The president has honored Clooney for his support, hosting him at the White House for the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2022.

The actor has become a major force in the Democratic Party, raising millions for its candidates. He’s seen as an influential voice in American politics.

Clooney argued it was more important to beat Donald Trump in November.

“Our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn’t see what we just saw. We’re all so terrified by the prospect of a second Trump term that we’ve opted to ignore every warning sign,” he wrote.

Joe Biden gives a speech
Credit: @POTUS via Instagram

But the actor was reportedly furious at the White House after Biden attacked an attempt by Amal, Clooney’s lawyer wife, to jail the Prime Minister of Israel, it emerged on Thursday.

Amal Clooney signed off on a bid by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court last month to seek the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu alongside Hamas leaders for war crimes – a move the President denounced as “outrageous.”

He reportedly called one of Biden’s closest advisers to make his feelings known.

Clooney, along with actress Julia Roberts and former President Barack Obama, helped raise $30 million for Biden’s campaign last month.

But the fundraiser was overshadowed with questions after a video appeared to show Obama having to guide Biden off stage. Biden has been struggling to rally Democrats around his presidential bid as calls for him to exit the presidential race grow.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi is among those appearing to question Biden’s decision to remain in the contest.

“It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision. Because time is running short,” she said on Morning Joe on Wednesday.

Some Democratic lawmakers have expressed their doubts about Biden’s ability to beat Donald Trump.

United States President Joe Biden at The White House
Credit: @potus on Instagram

Clooney said he’s heard this concern from members of Congress he has spoken to, including worries the Democratic Party will lose the House and Senate.

“We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate. This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor that I’ve spoken with in private. Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly,” he wrote.

He argues a nominee should be picked at the Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Chicago from August 19th through August 22nd.

Biden has insisted he will stay in the race.

He sent a letter to all Democratic lawmakers on Monday, announcing his decision. He’s also reached out to party officials, donors, and mayors as he tries to shore up his support with the party faithful.

Do you agree with George Clooney?

in Entertainment

View Comments (3)