George Clooney Labels Kamala Harris's 2024 Nomination a 'Mistake' Due to Lack of Primary

George Clooney, the acclaimed actor and a significant Democratic party donor, recently asserted that Kamala Harris's ascension as the Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 election was a "mistake." Speaking on CBS's Sunday Morning, Clooney explained his view that the absence of a primary election placed Harris in a difficult position, forcing her to contend with her past political record. This statement follows his influential July 2024 New York Times op-ed, which had urged then-President Joe Biden to withdraw from the race.

Clooney elaborated on his reasoning, stating, > "I think the mistake with it being Kamala is that she had to run against her own record. It's very hard to do if the point of running is to say 'I'm not that person.' … I think it was a mistake, quite honestly… But we are where we are." He emphasized that a primary would have allowed the party to "battle-test" candidates more effectively.

Joe Biden ultimately stepped aside shortly after Clooney's op-ed was published, endorsing his then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris subsequently secured the Democratic nomination but was defeated by Donald Trump in the 2024 general election. Clooney reaffirmed his stance on his earlier op-ed, indicating he would write it again, believing it was his duty "to tell the truth" about Biden's viability.

The actor's initial call for Biden to step down drew a strong, expletive-laden rebuke from Hunter Biden, the former president's son. However, Clooney dismissed these criticisms in his recent interview, stating he would not engage in a "public spat" and wished Hunter Biden well in his "ongoing recovery."

Clooney's comments have generated renewed discussion and mixed reactions within political circles, with some observers supporting his candor and others accusing him of undermining the Democratic party. His remarks underscore persistent debates about candidate selection processes and the challenges faced by political figures in high-stakes elections.