George Clooney Calls Urging Biden to Step Down a 'Civic Duty,' Responds to Backlash -

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Hollywood actor and political activist George Clooney has opened up about his controversial call for President Joe Biden to exit the 2024 presidential race, saying it wasn’t a matter of courage but a responsibility he felt as a citizen.

Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Clooney explained that urging Biden to step aside was an act rooted in honesty and civic responsibility—not an attempt to gain attention or stir controversy. “It wasn’t bravery. It was just the truth,” he said. “And if the truth costs you popularity, so be it.”

Facing Backlash but Standing Firm

Clooney acknowledged that his remarks angered many fellow Democrats, especially since he had previously been a vocal supporter of the president. Still, he insisted that freedom of speech applies across the board—even when it involves speaking uncomfortable truths.

The Op-Ed That Sparked a National Conversation

Clooney’s remarks followed a widely circulated op-ed he published in The New York Times on July 10, where he questioned Biden’s fitness to run for re-election, especially after his underwhelming debate performance against former President Donald Trump.

Though Clooney had recently co-hosted a star-studded fundraiser that generated $28 million for Biden’s campaign, he felt compelled to speak out. In the article, he pointed to Biden’s advanced age and declining energy as the primary reason for his stance. “This is about age. Nothing more. And it’s something that can’t be reversed,” he wrote, adding that remaining in the race could cost the Democrats not just the White House, but also their majority in Congress.

A “Selfless” Presidential Exit

President Biden eventually did withdraw from the race, a move Clooney later described as “the most selfless act by a U.S. president since George Washington.” At the Venice Film Festival, he praised Biden for putting the nation’s future ahead of personal ambition.

A Long History of Taking a Stand

Clooney is no stranger to political backlash. He recalled the intense criticism he received for opposing the Iraq War in the early 2000s—including having his films picketed and being placed on controversial “watch lists.”

“I’ve been through worse. That’s the deal—you take a stand if you believe in it. Then you deal with the consequences,” Clooney remarked.
“I respect others’ right to criticise me just as much as I respect my right to speak out.”

What’s Next for Clooney

Following Biden’s departure, Clooney has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee for 2024. Meanwhile, on the professional front, Clooney is currently starring in the Broadway adaptation of Good Night and Good Luck, continuing his legacy both on screen and on stage.

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