George Clooney is defending himself against accusations that he played a role in Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to President Donald Trump. Clooney says he is being unfairly blamed for his op-ed that criticized President Joe Biden, which some argue paved the way for Harris’ failed presidential campaign.
Clooney reportedly wrote the op-ed in The New York Times after discussions with former President Barack Obama. The piece questioned Biden’s viability as a candidate but did not explicitly call for Harris to replace him. Democrats ultimately removed Biden from the ticket and nominated Harris, leading to widespread criticism after her defeat.
According to a source cited by the Daily Mail, Clooney feels scapegoated. “He thinks it is completely unfair to try and make him a scapegoat for her loss,” the source said, adding that Clooney is disheartened by the backlash and plans to step back from politics.
Clooney has long supported Democratic causes and raised substantial funds for the party. Just weeks before publishing his op-ed, he hosted a fundraiser that generated $30 million for Biden’s re-election campaign. Critics argue that his subsequent call for change undermined party unity.
The controversy highlights divisions within the Democratic Party. While some blame Clooney’s op-ed for weakening Biden’s image, others argue the decision to nominate Harris was the real misstep. Clooney himself believes Democrats failed to fully assess their options before the election.
Clooney’s retreat from politics comes as Democrats face internal strife over their 2024 loss. His defenders argue that his intentions were to strengthen the party, not contribute to its defeat. The debate underscores the challenges the party faces in rebuilding after a high-profile loss.
