George Clooney backs Kamala Harris for president after pushing for Biden exit

Hollywood star and longtime Democratic fundraiser George Clooney has endorsed Kamala Harris’ presidential bid after calling on Joe Biden to bow out of the race. The 63-year-old actor was one of several celebrities and key Democrats to call for the president to step down over concerns about his age and cognitive fitness.

Harris announced her intention to “earn and win” the party’s nomination on Sunday. Since then, several high-profile figures, including Biden himself, have backed the vice president. “President Biden has shown what true leadership is,” Clooney said in a statement to CNN on Tuesday. “He’s saving democracy once again.

We’re all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice PresidentVice PresidentVice President Harris in her historic quest.”

Biden was the presumptive Democratic candidate in November’s general election after landing enough delegate votes in the presidential primaries. Biden appeared to struggle through the first presidential debate with Donald Trump on June 27, with Biden’s campaign team blaming a cold for his difficulty in articulating himself and responding to questions.