Actor George Clooney is at the center of political controversy following the recent presidential election.

In a surprising turn of events, George Clooney's public call for Joe Biden to step down significantly influenced the 2024 election outcome. As a result, it sparked widespread backlash among Democrats, especially after Kamala Harris's defeat, Breitbart reported.

Back in July, Clooney, a respected figure within the Democratic Party, penned a provocative op-ed in the New York Times. At 63, he expressed a blunt message to the public and the Democratic leadership: "We are not going to win in November with this president." His piece urged 81-year-old President Joe Biden to abandon his campaign for reelection.

George Clooney’s Bold Call Triggers Leadership Change

Clooney did not stop at just critiquing Biden's chances. Furthermore, he claimed that every Democratic senator, congress member, and governor he spoke with privately agreed with his assessment, although none came forward publicly at the time. "This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor who I’ve spoken with in private," he insisted in the op-ed.

As a result, his call seems to have set off a chain reaction. Shortly after he made his public plea, President Biden announced on July 21 that he would step aside, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to take the lead on the Democratic ticket.

Kamala Harris’s Brief Campaign Ends in Disappointment

Harris launched into an intense 107-day campaign, aiming to maintain Democratic leadership and counter Donald Trump's resurgence. Despite her efforts, Harris was unable to secure victory, leading to widespread critique of Clooney's initial influence.

The election results have triggered a strong reaction among Clooney's fans and critics alike. Some have taken to social media platforms like X to express their displeasure and sarcasm about his role in the election dynamics. A user identified by the altNOAA group posted, "Someone bring me George Clooney. We need to have a…talk."

Celebrities and Politicians Divided Over Biden’s Withdrawal

Several high-profile figures also voiced their opinions before the election. In particular, Stephen King, Nancy Pelosi, and Barbra Streisand publicly supported Biden's decision to withdraw, praising his choice as beneficial for party unity and for strengthening Harris's candidacy.

Yet, the aftermath of the election has brought a different perspective. Critics argue that Clooney's intervention was detrimental. "I would like to take a moment to thank George Clooney for shoving the most incompetent candidate down America’s throat to ensure a Trump victory. #MAGA," a critic remarked on X, reflecting a sentiment that Clooney may have misjudged the political landscape.

Assessing the Impact of Celebrity Influence on Politics

Recently, the debate over celebrity involvement in politics has intensified. Notably, Clooney's case exemplifies the significant impact celebrities can have on political processes, for better or worse. As Democrats now grapple with the results, many are beginning to question the wisdom of such endorsements and their potential consequences on election outcomes.

Furthermore, this incident raises broader questions about the role of public figures in shaping political campaigns and potentially swaying election results with their influential platforms.