George Clooney, once a staunch supporter of Joe Biden, has delivered a scathing critique of the media’s coverage of the President’s tenure and mental acuity, while also promoting his upcoming Broadway production.
At a Glance
- Clooney criticized media for inadequate coverage of Biden’s fitness
- He described Biden as “much less sharp” after a fundraiser meeting
- Clooney urged Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race
- He’s starring in a Broadway show about Edward R. Murrow
- Clooney attributed Trump’s election to Biden’s poor messaging
Clooney’s Critique of Biden and Media Coverage
George Clooney, the Hollywood actor and longtime Democratic supporter, has recently made headlines for his candid remarks about President Joe Biden and the media’s coverage of his presidency. In a series of interviews and public statements, Clooney expressed disappointment in Biden’s performance and criticized the media for what he perceives as inadequate scrutiny of the President’s capabilities.
Clooney’s concerns about Biden’s fitness for office came to a head after a fundraiser meeting where he observed a significant decline in the President’s mental acuity. “I saw him for hours a year earlier at the Kennedy Center, and I saw someone much less sharp,” Clooney said. This observation led the actor to pen an op-ed in the New York Times titled “I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee,” urging the President to step aside.
Media’s Role and Biden’s Communication
Clooney didn’t limit his criticism to Biden alone. He also took aim at the media for their coverage of the presidency. “The media, in many ways, dropped the ball,” Clooney stated, suggesting that there was insufficient analysis of Biden’s capacity to serve effectively. The actor emphasized that this lack of rigorous reporting may have contributed to Donald Trump’s electoral success.
Despite his personal affection for Biden, Clooney was forthright about the administration’s shortcomings, particularly in communication. He criticized the Biden team for poor messaging about the economy and what he termed as attempts to cover up the President’s “incapacities.” This communication failure, according to Clooney, played a significant role in shaping public perception and political outcomes.
Reflections on Trump and Democracy
While critical of Biden, Clooney didn’t spare Trump from his observations. He shared anecdotes about meeting the President, comparing him to Ebenezer Scrooge and describing his approach as disregarding rules and norms. “No rules count anymore,” Clooney remarked, reflecting on the shifting political landscape.
“I believe that whole idea of the arc of history bending toward justice, and I know it doesn’t feel that way right now,” Clooney said.
The actor emphasized the importance of democracy and accepting election outcomes, expressing concern about the polarized state of American politics. Clooney’s comments reflect a broader worry among some Democrats about the party’s messaging and leadership heading into future elections.
Amid his political commentary, Clooney also discussed his upcoming Broadway production, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” where he will portray renowned CBS broadcaster Edward R. Murrow. This theatrical venture marks a return to a story Clooney previously explored in film, now bringing it to the stage in a time when discussions about media integrity and political responsibility are particularly relevant.
