Karine Jean-Pierre Criticizes George Clooney’s Comments on Biden

In a recently released book, former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has taken aim at actor George Clooney, calling his recent New York Times essay a “gut punch” to former President Joe Biden. Clooney’s essay urged Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race, and Jean-Pierre expressed her disbelief upon reading it.

“I woke up and the article was everywhere in the New York Times. The headline was striking: ‘George Clooney: I love Joe Biden, but we need a new candidate.’ I couldn’t believe it,” she writes in her book, titled Independent.

Clooney’s guest piece, published in July 2024, was part of a larger push to encourage Biden to withdraw from a campaign that many perceive as unwinnable for the Democrats. Jean-Pierre reflected on the shock of Clooney’s words, noting that as a celebrated Hollywood figure and a committed Democrat, his views could significantly influence public opinion.

Jean-Pierre highlighted the irony of Clooney’s critique given that just weeks prior, he had helped Biden raise substantial funds at a Los Angeles event. “It’s surprising to say, but the Joe Biden who attended the fundraiser wasn’t the same as the one from 2010 or even 2020. He appeared much like the Joe we saw during the debate,” she mentions, echoing Clooney’s sentiments.

In defense of his essay, Clooney characterized it as a “civic duty,” suggesting that his concerns were rooted in his commitment as a Kentucky Democrat. He felt compelled to speak out against what he viewed as dishonesty in the political landscape.

Jean-Pierre defended Biden against Clooney’s assessment, stating that his concerns lacked context. She mentioned that they had returned from Italy before the fundraiser and acknowledged the toll travel can take, especially on someone like Biden. “I was tired after crossing multiple time zones, and I’m decades younger than him, so it’s understandable if he wasn’t at his prime,” she wrote.

Following Clooney’s essay, Jean-Pierre noted an increase in calls from party leaders urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy. She asserted that while Clooney may not have intended to attack, his words certainly sped up the discussions surrounding Biden’s future.

Throughout her book, Jean-Pierre expresses frustration with the Democrats, claiming they’ve betrayed Biden by pushing him to step down. It’s an interesting perspective—one that highlights the complexities of party loyalty and the heavy burden of political expectations.