 While Obama did not encourage or advise Clooney to say what he said, he also didn't object to it, we're told from people familiar with their exchange. The lack of pushback is an eye-popping revelation, given that the former president was one of the first big voices defending Biden following his abysmal debate performance. Obama's team has declined to comment. So, from behind the scenes, Barack Obama's like, Would you like to write a piece, George? That talks about how a president should step aside? Never liked that guy. He's a jerk. And George Clooney was like, Sure, Mr. President.