Actor George Clooney praised President Biden for dropping out of the presidential race, calling Biden's decision “the most selfless act since George Washington.”
Clooney, who was attending the premiere of his new movie “Wolves” at the Venice Film Festival, spoke about Biden's decision to withdraw from the election on Sunday. The New York TimesThe president called on the 81-year-old commander in chief not to seek reelection because of his age.
Asked about the repercussions of his op-ed, he said he had not yet answered the question, according to the Associated Press.
“The credit goes to the president. He's the most selfless person since George Washington.” Clooney told reporters: Sunday evening. “All the machinations that got us there will not be remembered. And they shouldn't be remembered. It's the selfless act that should be remembered.”
“It's very hard to give up power. We know that. We've seen it all over the world. It's to his credit that there are people who say, 'I think there's a better way,'” he continued.
Clooney's July op-ed calling on Biden to resign shook Hollywood, joining several other Democrats who have called on the sitting president to drop out of the race. Clooney also hosted a star-studded fundraiser for Biden just weeks before the New York Times article was published.
In a statement after Biden withdrew from the White House in July, Clooney said the president had “demonstrated what true leadership means” and was “once again saving our democracy.” In the same statement, he also endorsed Vice President Harris for the presidential bid.
“We are all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice President Harris in her historic challenge,” he added at the time.
The Associated Press contributed.
