In a recent interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, actor and prominent Democratic donor George Clooney expressed his views on the current political landscape as well as potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election. Clooney specifically highlighted the need for a primary election when President Joe Biden stepped back from the race, indicating that the Democratic party must learn from the missteps of the last election cycle. As Democrats face the dual challenge of rallying their base and formulating a strong, coherent message for the future, Clooney’s insights are worth noting.
During the conversation, Clooney addressed the issues arising from Harris inheriting the candidacy from Biden, particularly highlighting the campaign’s overall difficult nature. He remarked, “How they were running was that it was a failed administration.” In his view, it is fundamentally challenging to run a campaign that appears to be in disagreement with the very administration one is essentially representing. This inherent contradiction, according to Clooney, contributed to the struggles faced during the election, making it difficult to rally comprehensive support.
Clooney’s views hold particular weight within the Democratic circles in Hollywood where he is often seen as a political compass. His previous op-ed in the New York Times, which was a direct appeal for Biden not to seek reelection, marked a pivotal moment in Democratic discourse which ultimately culminated in the president’s decision to withdraw from the race. Following this development, Clooney voiced the opinion that a primary contest should have taken place rather than automatically defaulting to Kamala Harris as the nominee. He noted that the situation could have been different had there been a more open and competitive Democratic primary process, hinting that Harris might have emerged victorious.
While discussing potential Democratic candidates for 2028, Clooney identified several governors as promising leaders, indicating that individuals like Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan should be considered for the spotlight. However, he placed particular emphasis on Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, considering him to be an exceptional leader and someone who has displayed strong capability in managing crises, such as the bridge collapse incident last year in Baltimore.
Emphasizing urgency, Clooney stated the Democrats need to act promptly to identify their next leader. “We have to find somebody – rather soon,” he warned, recognizing the necessity of assembling a competent team to effectively tackle upcoming challenges. Clooney’s engagement, even leading star-studded fundraisers for Biden, signifies his ongoing commitment to the party, but he also pointed out that genuine discussion and reflection regarding leadership are crucial during these testing times.
During the interview, Clooney elaborated on his motivation for critiquing Biden last summer, stating that as a Democrat, he recognizes the discourse within his party and felt it was necessary to speak out against what he perceived as inaccuracies. His reflection raises questions about Biden’s current suitability for leadership while also suggesting that the party might benefit from new perspectives and candidates.
Clooney’s concerns articulated through his op-ed were particularly striking, as he noted Biden’s apparent shift from his past self — claiming he was “not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010,” nor even the 2020 edition of himself. Following his op-ed, Biden’s eventual exit from the race came rather quickly, underscoring the weight of Clooney’s public criticisms and endorsements within party politics.
As a notable parallel to his work in Hollywood, Clooney currently shines on Broadway with “Good Night, and Good Luck,” a play based on the film he directed. The timeless themes of truth, media integrity, and the importance of an informed citizenry resonate deeply with the modern political landscape. He draws on the lessons from the past as he wrestles with the contemporary issues stemming from political disenfranchisement and disinformation, articulating a call for responsible engagement.
Clooney’s remarks leave a significant mark on the conversation around the Democratic party’s future, positing several key concerns and allowing a glimpse into the shifting dynamics of American politics. As potential candidates begin to emerge and define themselves within the political arena, Clooney and others are carefully watching and hoping for a revitalized political environment that fosters genuine leadership and democratic unity.