George Clooney, the renowned actor, has publically declared his support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential bid following President Joe Biden’s decision to not seek re-election.
Having previously suggested that Biden should not run for a second term, Clooney delivered his endorsement in a statement to CNN on Tuesday, July 23, lauding Harris’ groundbreaking run for the presidency.
“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,” said Clooney.
Clooney’s endorsement followed his contentious op-ed in the New York Times earlier this month, and in an interview with George Stephanopoulos, where he critiqued Biden’s debate performance and advised Biden against running for re-election. His straightforward comments echoed the worries of many in the Democratic Party about Biden’s capacity to serve another term.
In his opinion piece, Clooney stressed Biden’s poor performance in the debate and recent interviews as key factors in his call for new leadership. He pointed out that the Biden seen at the fundraiser, attended by former President Barack Obama, was not the Biden of 2010 or 2020.
Despite criticism from some circles, Clooney’s position struck a chord with many Democrats, leading to a rise in support for Harris. In a matter of weeks, Biden announced his decision to step aside, endorsing Harris as his successor. Clooney’s subsequent endorsement of Harris is a significant boost to her campaign, considering his Hollywood stature and political activism.
Clooney’s endorsement of Harris is part of a broader influx of support from Hollywood celebrities. High-profile individuals like Barbra Streisand, Cardi B, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Charli XCX have all publicly endorsed Harris’ campaign. This wave of support has greatly enhanced fundraising efforts, with Harris’ campaign reportedly raising over $100 million within the first 24 hours of its official launch.
This fundraising milestone sets a new record for the most money raised in 24 hours in a presidential campaign, highlighting the enthusiasm and momentum behind Harris’ candidacy. The strong backing from Hollywood’s elite is projected to play a key role in shaping public opinion and voter enthusiasm as the campaign continues.
Clooney’s political activism is not a recent development. He has long been a supporter of the Democratic Party and has used his platform to champion various social and political issues. His decision to endorse Harris publicly underlines his commitment to promoting positive change in the political realm.
“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, the Harris campaign is expected to capitalize on the endorsements and support from celebrities and influential figures to build momentum and secure voter support nationwide. With the backing of Clooney and other Hollywood heavyweights, Harris’ road to the White House is being marked by unprecedented support and enthusiasm.