Biden did not like what George Clooney had to say about him, but this response is downright insane.
Jake Tapper of CNN recently delved into the controversy surrounding President Biden’s perceived stamina, sparked by actor George Clooney’s scathing critique in a New York Times guest essay. Clooney’s piece, published amidst a wave of scrutiny following a fundraiser, lamented Biden’s apparent decline and suggested he should consider stepping down from his position.
In the essay, Clooney recalled a recent fundraiser where he observed a noticeable difference in Biden’s demeanor compared to earlier years, citing him as not the same dynamic figure known from past eras. This critique, amplified by media coverage, prompted a response from Biden’s campaign team, keen to defend the president’s vigor. CNN’s White House correspondent, Kayla Tausche, reported insights from a Biden campaign official countering Clooney’s claims, emphasizing Biden’s upcoming rigorous travel and fundraising schedule as evidence of his enduring vitality.
During the discussion, Tapper raised eyebrows at the campaign’s rebuttal, particularly focusing on the triviality of the detail that Clooney left the fundraiser three hours before Biden—an attempt by Biden’s aides to suggest their candidate outlasted the actor in stamina. Tausche clarified that this detail was intended to show Biden’s robustness compared to Clooney’s early departure, despite the actor not witnessing the entirety of the event.
The backdrop of this debate includes a viral video from the fundraiser showing former President Obama assisting Biden offstage, which some critics labeled as misleading. The White House vigorously disputed these claims, echoing sentiments expressed by media outlets and fact-checkers who criticized such videos as “cheap fakes.”
Clooney’s criticism adds to a chorus of voices within Hollywood and political circles expressing concerns about Biden’s performance, particularly after a debate where his delivery raised alarms among supporters. Amidst growing pressure from within his own party and media allies, there have been calls for Biden to reassess his candidacy against the backdrop of a looming challenge from former President Trump.
This discourse not only highlights tensions within Democratic ranks but also shows broader concerns about leadership and stamina as the Biden administration navigates a pivotal juncture in its tenure. As the debate intensifies, the scrutiny on Biden’s ability to lead effectively into the future remains a critical point of contention among supporters and critics alike.