How George Clooney’s wife Amal influenced his critical op-ed urging Joe Biden to withdraw from race
WASHINGTON, DC: Hollywood heartthrob and lifetime Democrat George Clooney recently made headlines with a scathing New York Times op-ed criticizing President Joe Biden.
The unexpected move was reportedly influenced by his wife, Amal Clooney, and her strong stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
George Clooney's realization and his wife's influence
In June, Clooney co-hosted a major Hollywood fundraiser for Biden, alongside Julia Roberts and Jimmy Kimmel. The event, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, successfully raised a staggering $28 million for Biden's re-election campaign. However, it was during this event that Clooney noticed an undeniable decline in Biden’s physical and mental health.
Clooney, who had been reluctant to speak out about the President's mental decline, was profoundly affected by what he observed. Despite his reluctance, Clooney felt compelled to act after the fundraiser. He had not been in Biden's company for some time and was shocked at the noticeable decline.
"I love Joe Biden," the Hollywood A-lister insisted. "I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he's won many of the battles he's faced. But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It's devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe 'big F-ing deal' Biden of 2010."
"He wasn't even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate," he continued.
Amal Clooney, a renowned human rights lawyer, has been vocal about her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Her views have put her at odds with many Democrats, including President Biden, who remains a staunch supporter of Israel.
Amal played a notable role in calling for the prosecution of Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for war crimes. Her involvement is said to have largely influenced George's perspective and actions.
Furthermore, her absence from the fundraiser was notable. Sources revealed that her presence would have made the event awkward, given her recent involvement with the International Criminal Court's decisions regarding Israel.
An insider told the Daily Mail, "George was scheduled to host the recent Biden fundraiser alongside longtime friends Julia Roberts, Jimmy Kimmel, and Barack Obama. It was a star-studded gala held to raise campaign funds for Biden's re-election. And while Amal usually would attend such an event with her husband, her recent part in the International Criminal Court's decisions would have made for an awkward and uncomfortable situation."
"George has always been a person who honors his commitments," the insider added. "So, he did his part and attended the event, going at it alone."
The tension between Amal’s stance and the Biden administration’s support for Israel placed George in a challenging position. Ultimately, it was Amal’s influence that swayed George to speak out against Biden.
"He hadn't been in Biden's company for a while, and he was shocked at his physical and mental decline. And he suddenly realized he couldn't consider backing the president for another four years," the source added. "Once George had the opportunity to see Joe, as popular and much loved as Biden is among his supporters, he realized he was just not strong enough to face another four grueling years at the helm."
George Clooney calls for new candidate to lead Democrats
Clooney called for a new candidate to lead the Democratic Party. He suggested several potential candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Clooney’s call for new leadership echoed the sentiments of many Democrats who have grown concerned about Biden’s capacity to serve another term.
"We Democrats have a very exciting bench. We don't anoint leaders or fall sway to a cult of personality; we vote for a president. We can easily foresee a group of several strong Democrats stepping forward to stand and tell us why they're best qualified to lead this country and take on some of the deeply concerning trends we're seeing from the revenge tour that Donald Trump calls a presidential campaign," Clooney wrote.
His op-ed has added fuel to the growing chorus of Democrats calling for Biden to step down. In recent weeks, several prominent Democrats and Biden allies have voiced their concerns about the President’s health and leadership abilities. Clooney’s public criticism, given his close relationship with Biden, has been particularly impactful.
As one source noted, "With each passing day there are more and more Democrats coming out in support of Biden stepping down."
Clooney’s decision to speak out has not been without personal and professional consequences. His relationship with the White House is now strained, and he risks alienating some of his close friends who support Israel.
Many of Clooney’s longtime friends, including actor Richard Kind and producer Grant Heslov, are Jewish and may be troubled by Amal’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. "He may also be putting some of his friendships in jeopardy because many of his longtime friends are Jewish and they and others support Israel's stance," said the source.
Joe Biden's health and Israel-Hamas conflict
Concerns about Biden’s health have been mounting within the Democratic Party. Clooney’s op-ed is a high-profile example of these concerns coming to the fore. The President’s recent public appearances have shown signs of decline, leading many to question his ability to lead the country for another term.
Clooney’s observations at the fundraiser, where he noticed Biden’s diminished capacity, have only added to these worries. Clooney joins the scores of Democrats and Biden allies who have called for the President to step down in the two weeks since his meandering and mumbling showing on CNN.
The Israel-Hamas conflict remains a deeply divisive issue in US politics. As mentioned, Amal Clooney’s stance, calling for the prosecution of Israeli leaders for war crimes, contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel.
George Clooney’s alignment with his wife’s views brings forth the complexity of these debates and the personal stakes involved. The source said, "No matter what the outcome, the pressure is now off George to dig in his heels in support of Biden, which meant going against his wife. Amal has also taken a strong stance on her views regarding the conflict, and George is, as always, listening. Now, at least for the time being, the former gap between him and his wife are not as much of an issue."
George Clooney has long been an advocate for human rights, but his marriage to Amal has intensified his commitment to these issues. Amal’s work with the International Criminal Court and her advocacy for civilian protections in conflict zones have deeply influenced her husband.
George Clooney’s lifestyle before Amal Clooney
Before marrying Amal, George led a very different lifestyle. "Before he met Amal, George lived a very different lifestyle," a source told Daily Mail. "He dated a bevy of beauties, but none of the relationships proved serious. He preferred spending time with his guy friends, who he felt he could trust much more than some of the women he hooked up with."
The insider continued, "George was a super-generous friend. He was always treating his pals to fun-filled vacations, whether it was taking off on a boy's only holiday in Italy riding motorcycles and dining at expensive restaurants or jetting off to his place in Cabo with his pals."
"And of course, he would always foot the bill. A year before marrying Amal, George decided to surprise 14 of his pals with $1million each," said the source. "Many of those pals are Jewish."
It's no wonder that Clooney shares a deep bond with his friends, many of whom might now find themselves in a complex position given Amal’s stance on Israel. "These were George's ride or die pals," the source said. "And while Thom isn't Jewish, Richard, Rande and Grant are. And while they like Amal, they have to be bothered by her stance on what's going on in Israel."
"George is walking a fine line," added the insider. "His allegiance to his wife and twins will always come first. But he still values his close friendships and his relationships with the people currently in the White House."
