Megastar George Clooney’s op-ed on Wednesday calling on President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race has sparked a strong reaction from Biden allies, who are pushing back against Clooney’s portrayal of a recent Los Angeles fundraiser.
In his op-ed, Clooney expressed disappointment in Biden's demeanor at a June 15 fundraiser, stating that the President did not exhibit the same energy and charisma as in previous years. Clooney specifically referenced Biden's performance at the June 27 presidential debate as evidence of a perceived decline.
A senior Biden official who was present at the fundraiser disputed Clooney's account, acknowledging that Biden may have been fatigued from his recent travels but emphasizing that the President was engaged and attentive during the event. The official refuted Clooney's characterization of Biden's demeanor, suggesting that it did not align with their firsthand experience.
Furthermore, a campaign official who also attended the fundraiser noted that Clooney had left the event before Biden, implying that the actor may have missed key moments of the President's interaction with attendees. This detail was highlighted to challenge any insinuation about Biden's stamina and to underscore the importance of witnessing the entirety of the event.
The exchange between Clooney and Biden allies underscores the intense scrutiny and differing perspectives surrounding political figures' public appearances. As the 2024 presidential race looms on the horizon, such debates over perception and performance are likely to continue shaping the discourse around potential candidates.
