Actor George Clooney's close relationship with Barack Obama is reportedly on the rocks in the wake of the 2024 presidential election.
Breitbart reported that following Kamala Harris' defeat, George Clooney believes he was maneuvered into a scapegoat role by former President Obama.
Earlier in 2024, Clooney penned a provocative op-ed in the New York Times, which many believe was encouraged by Obama himself. This piece called for President Joe Biden to forgo a reelection bid after a notably poor debate performance.
This move seemed to pave the way for Biden's decision to step aside, allowing Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Clooney subsequently threw his support behind Harris, advocating for her campaign through commercials aimed at working-class men.
Despite these efforts, Donald Trump clinched the election, winning both the electoral and popular vote, leaving Clooney to reflect on the effectiveness and implications of his involvement.
Post-election, the reaction within the Democratic Party has been harsh towards Clooney. Many party insiders have openly criticized his role in the campaign, blaming him for Harris' loss.
An entertainment industry source revealed, "George is furious with Obama for disappearing after the election disaster and leaving him holding the bag for pushing the plan with his Hollywood pals." This sentiment indicates a deep sense of betrayal Clooney feels towards Obama.
Feeling misled and abandoned, Clooney is now reconsidering his future in political advocacy, as stated by another source: "George feels duped and vows he’s not going to be anyone’s political water boy anymore."
A new trend appears to be emerging in the aftermath of the election. Recent polls suggest a growing disapproval among Americans regarding celebrity endorsements in political campaigns, signaling a possible decline in Hollywood's political influence.
This shift could be a direct result of the backlash Clooney and other celebrities have faced following the 2024 election. The sentiment is captured by a source close to Clooney: "George feels he stepped up and took a bullet for the team, and now everyone’s complaining about the bloodbath."
Clooney's expectations of Obama to publicly support his actions have so far been unmet, as shared by the same source, "He thinks Obama should come forward and say that George did the right thing and it isn’t his fault that it didn’t work out. But he doesn’t expect that will be forthcoming, and it’s left George feeling like a patsy."
As George Clooney contemplates stepping back from his previously active role in politics, this situation highlights a broader question about the future of celebrity involvement in political activism.
The evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape might see a shift in how influential figures like Clooney are perceived and utilized in future electoral strategies.
For now, Clooney's experience serves as a cautionary tale for other celebrities who might consider entering the political fray, underscoring the potential personal and public ramifications of such decisions.