Current:Home > ScamsGeorge Clooney calls Joe Biden 'selfless' for dropping out of 2024 presidential race -FutureFinance
George Clooney calls Joe Biden 'selfless' for dropping out of 2024 presidential race
View
Date:2025-04-13 13:49:52
George Clooney called President Joe Biden "selfless" for stepping down as the Democratic nominee in this year's presidential race.
During a press screening Sunday at the Venice Film Festival of his much-anticipated movie "Wolfs," he addressed his controversial July op-ed published by The New York Times that called on President Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. "I've never had to answer that question, so I suppose I'll do it here," the actor said as the room applauded.
"The person who should be applauded is the president, who did the most selfless thing that anybody's done since George Washington," Clooney said, according to a video shared by Deadline. "All the machinations that got us there, none of that's gonna be remembered and it shouldn't be … What should be remembered is the selfless act of someone who… You know, it's very hard to let go of power. We know that. We've seen it all around the world. And for someone to say, 'I think there's a better way forward,' all the credit goes to him, and that's really the truth."
In July, Clooney sparked controversy over the op-ed move, in which he argued the Democratic party needed a new nominee.
"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," wrote Clooney in the New York Times piece. "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."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Clooney, a self-described lifelong Democrat, was among a group of A-list celebrities that co-hosted a glitzy Hollywood fundraiser last month for Biden's campaign that brought in $30 million.
More:George Clooney backs VP Harris, after calling for Biden to withdraw
But in his op-ed, Clooney said Biden was not the same person at the fundraiser in Los Angeles that he’s known for years, writing that the one battle Biden can’t win is the "fight against time."
"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," Clooney wrote.
On July 21, President Biden ended his reelection bid amid intense pressure from Democratic leaders sounding the alarm that his path to beat former President Donald Trump in November had vanished.
On July 23, Clooney commended President Joe Biden's decision to exit the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris' bid.
"President Biden has shown what true leadership is," Clooney said in a statement to CNN. "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."
George Clooney denies report claiming he earned $35M for 'Wolfs'
On Sunday, while promoting his upcoming new film "Wolds" with co-star Brad Pitt in Venice, Clooney addressed a recent report from The New York Times claiming the actors were each paid "more than $35 million each."
Clooney said it was "an interesting article and whatever her source was for our salary, it is millions and millions and millions of dollars less than what was reported. And I am only saying that because I think it’s bad for our industry if that’s what people think is the standard bearer for salaries."
"I think that’s terrible, it’ll make it impossible to make films," he added.
Contributing: Joey Garrison, Sudiksha Kochi, Pamela Avila, USA TODAY
veryGood! (1781)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Islanders, Here’s Where to Shop Everything in the Love Island USA Villa Right Now
- Wisconsin judge dismisses lawsuit over military voting lists
- Judge blocks Arkansas law that would allow librarians to be charged for loaning obscene books to minors
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- 'So horrendous': At least 30 dead dogs found at animal rescue that allegedly hoarded animals
- Folwell lends his governor’s campaign $1 million; Stein, Robinson still on top with money
- Who’s in, who’s out: A look at which candidates have qualified for the 1st GOP presidential debate
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- The FBI should face new limits on its use of US foreign spy data, a key intelligence board says
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Tennessee ban on paycheck dues deduction to teacher group can take effect, judges rule
- Mother who killed two children in sex-fueled plot sentenced to life in prison, no parole
- Brazil denies U.S. extradition request for alleged Russian spy Sergey Cherkasov
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- This man owns 300 perfect, vintage, in-box Barbies. This is the story of how it happened
- Ed Sheeran serves hot dogs in Chicago as employees hurl insults: 'I loved it'
- Paul Reubens Dead: Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien and More Stars Honor Pee-Wee Herman Actor
Recommendation
New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
Mike Huckabee’s “Kids Guide to the Truth About Climate Change” Shows the Changing Landscape of Climate Denial
Police investigate killings of 2 people after gunfire erupts in Lewiston
Here's Your First Look at Vanderpump Rules Star Tom Sandoval's New Reality TV Gig
The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
Mar-a-Lago worker charged in Trump’s classified documents case to make first court appearance
YouTuber Who Spent $14,000 to Transform Into Dog Takes First Walk in Public
San Francisco prosecutors to lay out murder case against consultant in death of Cash App’s Bob Lee