George Clooney accuses Obama of betrayal after election defeat

In the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, George Clooney has expressed feelings of betrayal towards Barack Obama. This fallout reportedly stems from Clooney's role in supporting Kamala Harris during her campaign, which ended unsuccessfully against President-elect Donald Trump. Before the election, Clooney had taken a significant public stance by urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the race following his poor debate performance in June. Many observers assumed that Clooney's op-ed in the New York Times was influenced or even directed by Obama, further complicating their relationship as Clooney emerged as a prominent advocate for Harris. Despite his efforts, the campaign did not resonate with voters and resulted in a major defeat for the Democratic Party, leading to increased scrutiny and criticism of Clooney. After the loss, party insiders state that Clooney began to feel scapegoated, as he became the focal point for the party's failure. He felt used by Obama, viewing himself as the 'fall guy' who took on significant backlash for the political strategy he supported. Clooney's frustration was amplified by the sense that he had rallied Hollywood's support for a doomed campaign, leaving him to bear the brunt of the disappointment. In light of these events, Clooney has voiced his intentions to step back from political activism, indicating a desire to distance himself from the world of political endorsements and campaigns. This situation exemplifies the challenges faced by Hollywood influencers in the realm of politics and reflects a growing disillusionment among those who previously leaned heavily on celebrity endorsements for electoral gain. The disconnect between celebrity political activism and actual voter sentiment has been underscored by recent polling, which reveals a trend among American voters of declining support for celebrity-backed political candidates.