Actor George Clooney has found himself in hot water with Democrats following his call for President Joe Biden to step down ahead of the recent election.
Months earlier, Clooney had authored a strong op-ed urging Biden, then 81, to pass the torch, suggesting that Biden’s chances against Trump were slim.
Clooney even commended Biden as “selfless” when the president ultimately withdrew, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris to face Trump.
Now, with Trump securing both the electoral and popular votes, Democrats are pointing fingers, and Clooney’s stance has become a focal point for party frustration.
Social Media Backlash
The reaction online has been swift and unforgiving. Political commentator group altNOAA called out Clooney on social media, writing, “Someone bring me George Clooney. We need to have a…talk.”
Many journalists and users on X shared screenshots of Clooney’s op-ed, with sarcastic “thank you” messages, highlighting the role Clooney’s comments may have played in Biden’s decision to step aside.
As Trump’s victory continues to sink in, more voices within the Democratic base are blaming Hollywood’s influence and Clooney’s early critique of Biden as catalysts for the outcome.
Internal Divisions and Blame Games
The internal strife doesn’t stop at Clooney; Democrats are also laying blame across various figures within the party.
Some sources within Biden’s circle reportedly blame former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her role in urging Biden to step down.
This is reminiscent of how Biden once faulted Barack Obama for discouraging him from running in 2016.
Other Democrats have pointed fingers at politicians such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, viewed by some as too far-left, and even criticized turnout among key demographics like white women and Hispanic voters.
Analysts believe that Biden’s exit left Harris scrambling in a limited timeframe, ultimately hurting her ability to make a significant impact.
The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements
Clooney’s influence was not isolated, as several other celebrities rallied behind Harris, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Bruce Springsteen.
Trump, on the other hand, received endorsements from figures like Elon Musk and Kanye West.
However, some experts question whether these endorsements impact voter behavior.
Professor Laurence F. Maslon of NYU explained that celebrity endorsements may boost engagement but do not necessarily sway votes.
Arizona State University professor Margaretha Bentley echoed this, noting that while celebrity endorsements increase civic engagement, they don’t directly influence voting decisions.
Trump’s Triumphant Return
Meanwhile, Trump has been celebrating his win with friends and supporters at Mar-a-Lago.
Images from the Florida estate show Trump enjoying the festivities, chatting with figures like Elon Musk and UFC president Dana White.
The atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago reflects a sense of victory, as Trump captured key swing states and received increased support across various demographics since the 2020 election.
Democrats’ Next Steps
As Trump gears up to enter office on January 20, Democrats face a critical period of reflection and restructuring.
President Biden has even reached out to Trump, congratulating him on the win and committing to a smooth transition, marking a rare display of civility after a highly contentious race.
The Democratic Party is now grappling with questions about the impact of Biden’s decision to step aside, Clooney’s role in the campaign, and how to rebuild a coalition moving forward.
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