Hollywood icon George Clooney’s recent op-ed in the New York Times, urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, has made waves in political circles. According to Politico, former President Barack Obama was informed of Clooney’s intentions beforehand but chose not to object.

Clooney’s Warning to Obama

Sources reveal that Clooney contacted Obama in advance to notify him of his forthcoming call for Biden to step down. Despite receiving the heads-up, Obama neither encouraged nor discouraged Clooney from making his public statement.

Clooney’s Critique and Fundraiser Context

Clooney, who had co-hosted a Biden fundraiser in Los Angeles less than a month ago, critiqued the President’s performance during a recent debate. In his op-ed, Clooney stated that Biden “cannot win” the upcoming election, referencing his perceived decline since their last interaction.

Obama’s Stance

While Obama’s team has declined to comment on Clooney’s remarks, sources indicate that Obama did not push back on the actor’s opinion. This non-interventionist stance has sparked discussions among political analysts and the public.

Jon Favreau’s Agreement

Jon Favreau, a former adviser to Obama, echoed Clooney’s sentiments. Speaking to CNN, Favreau highlighted that many attendees at the fundraiser shared Clooney’s concerns about Biden’s debate performance, emphasizing that this was not a surprising reaction among those present.

Clooney’s Blunt Assessment

Clooney’s op-ed was direct, asserting that the Democratic Party stands little chance of winning with Biden as the candidate. He claimed that private conversations with senators, congress members, and governors reflected a unanimous agreement on Biden’s inability to secure a victory in November.

Public and Private Reactions

Despite the strong private opinions, only a few House Democrats have publicly called for Biden to end his campaign. The majority, including Obama, remain publicly supportive or adopt a wait-and-see approach.

Clooney’s Final Thoughts

In his op-ed, Clooney expressed deep respect and admiration for Biden but acknowledged the inevitable passage of time. “I love Joe Biden. As a senator, vice president, and president. But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time,” Clooney wrote, underscoring his belief that the party must face reality and seek a new candidate for the upcoming election.

This development raises crucial questions about the future of the Democratic campaign and the internal dynamics within the party as they approach the 2024 election.