George Clooney praises Biden's 'selfless' decision, compares him to George Washington

George Clooney has publicly commended President Joe Biden for his decision to step aside as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential race. 

The Oscar-winning actor and producer, who had previously urged Biden to reconsider his re-election bid, expressed his admiration for the president’s decision during a press screening of his upcoming film 'Wolfs' at the Venice Film Festival.

Clooney, who had been vocal about his concerns regarding Biden’s ability to lead the Democratic Party to victory, penned a New York Times op-ed titled "I Love Joe Biden, but We Need a New Nominee" earlier this summer. 

In the essay, Clooney reflected on Biden’s age and performance in the June 27 debate with Donald Trump, suggesting that the president may no longer be the dynamic leader he once was.

During the press screening, Clooney broke his silence on Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race and support Vice President Kamala Harris. 

"The person who should be applauded is the president, who did the most selfless thing that anybody's done since George Washington," Clooney said, eliciting applause from the audience. 

"It's very hard to let go of power... And for someone to say, 'I think there's a better way forward,' all the credit goes to him."

Clooney also emphasized that while there may have been behind-the-scenes discussions and concerns, the focus should remain on Biden’s selfless act. 

"All the machinations that got us there, none of that's gonna be remembered and it shouldn't be," he stated. 

"What should be remembered is the selfless act of someone who... recognized the importance of the moment and put the country first."

Before Biden’s announcement on July 21, Clooney had shared his concerns privately with Democratic senators and members of Congress. 

According to Clooney, "every single one" agreed that Biden might struggle to secure a victory in November. 

Clooney was not alone in his concerns, as other prominent figures in entertainment, including Stephen King, Rob Reiner, and Michael Moore, echoed similar sentiments.

Since stepping down, Biden has firmly backed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, along with her vice-presidential pick, Tim Walz. 

In his announcement, Biden expressed his unwavering support for Harris, stating, "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president, and it's been the best decision I've made."

Clooney’s comments at the Venice Film Festival highlight the significance of Biden’s decision and the potential impact it could have on the future of the Democratic Party. 

As the 2024 election approaches, the focus now shifts to Harris and her campaign, with Biden’s endorsement providing a strong foundation for the party to rally behind.