Hollywood star George Clooney has expressed his opinion that Kamala Harris’s move to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee in the recent US presidential election against Donald Trump was a misstep. However, the actor clarified that he stands by his earlier public stance, advocating for Biden to withdraw from the race.
In a notable op-ed published in the New York Times, Clooney, a prominent figure in Democratic fundraising, penned the piece titled “I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee.” In it, he articulated concerns about Biden’s age and the “fight against time,” suggesting that while Biden had achieved much, he couldn’t win the battle against his own stamina.
Clooney’s candid remarks surfaced following a public critique from Hunter Biden, son of the former president, who took issue with Clooney’s questioning of his father’s cognitive sharpness. Shortly after Clooney’s op-ed, President Biden announced his decision to withdraw, paving the way for Vice President Harris to become the party’s candidate.
Reflecting on the situation in a recent interview, Clooney stated he would reiterate his previous call for a primary contest, believing it would have been beneficial. “We had a chance,” he commented. Despite his intentions, the primary process did not materialize, and Vice President Harris ultimately secured the nomination, though she later lost to Donald Trump.
Addressing Harris’s campaign, Clooney remarked, “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 by stating, “I think it was a mistake, quite honestly.”
Clooney recalled a fundraising event where he met Biden, noting a perceived difference from the Biden he knew in earlier years. He referenced Biden’s performance in a critical debate against Trump, which amplified concerns about the then-81-year-old president’s fitness for office.
In response to Clooney’s comments, Hunter Biden reportedly directed profanities towards the actor in an interview, questioning his involvement and authority in the political arena.
Meanwhile, Vice President Harris has indicated a potential future presidential run, expressing confidence in the possibility of a female president in the White House.
More from the BBC
US election 2024
US election 2024
- Harris ‘concerned’ she did not ask Biden to quit race
- Harris calls Biden’s re-election bid reckless in new memoir
- Who is suspect in Trump assassination attempt, Ryan Routh?
- Meet Usha Vance, Second Lady of the United States
- Trump assassination attempt suspect can represent himself at trial, judge rules