Hollywood legend George Clooney is under fire for his outspoken call in July urging President Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race. Following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, many on social media have pinned Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss on the 63-year-old actor.
“F*ck you, George Clooney,” wrote user Maison Belle, reflecting the frustration of many Democrats.
Clooney, who has long been a major fundraiser for Democratic candidates, made headlines earlier this year with a New York Times op-ed in which he argued that Biden should not seek re-election.
Clooney’s Controversial Op-Ed
In his July op-ed, Clooney expressed concern after observing Biden’s performance at a fundraiser and a debate against Trump.
“It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010,” Clooney wrote. “He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.”
Clooney’s remarks, though resonating with some, have become a point of contention among Democrats after Harris’ defeat.
Social Media Reactions
Disillusioned voters wasted no time blaming Clooney for influencing the party’s decision to move forward without Biden.
“Can I blame George Clooney now?” user Elle See asked. “I think that I should be able to blame George Clooney for taking Biden out, especially since the majority of the country voted for an old white dumbass anyway.”
On the other side, Trump supporters sarcastically thanked Clooney for what they see as his role in swinging the election toward their candidate.
“I would like to take a moment to thank George Clooney for shoving the most incompetent candidate down America’s throat to ensure a Trump victory,” wrote user Completely Fed Up.
A Divided Response
Not all Democrats are on board with blaming Clooney. Some see the criticism as misplaced, arguing that celebrities like Clooney, Rob Reiner, and Stephen King were not the driving force behind Biden’s decision to step aside.
“It’s hilarious that people think George Clooney, Rob Reiner, and Stephen King are the ones who made Joe step aside,” user Noize commented.
Harris’ Strategy and Outcome
After stepping into the race, Harris embraced star-studded endorsements, enlisting figures like Beyoncé and even appearing on Saturday Night Live. However, despite the high-profile support, her campaign ultimately fell short.
The debate over Clooney’s influence reflects the frustration and division among Democrats after the election, as many grapple with what went wrong and search for answers.
