Clooney and LuPone Agree: America Is ‘Only Getting Stupider’
In a candid conversation for Variety’s “Actors on Actors”, George Clooney and Broadway icon Patti LuPone discussed the state of America, with both expressing frustration over the country’s current trajectory. The discussion touched on everything from Donald Trump and Elon Musk to the death of democracy, with both actors agreeing that America is facing troubling times.
“I feel like we’re only getting stupider,” LuPone remarked, to which Clooney, ever the optimist, responded, “We’re going to get through it.” Their conversation, which came just in time for the Tony Awards press cycle, also delved into their thoughts on politics, modern journalism, and their shared concern over the current state of American discourse.
Clooney Critiques Trump and Musk’s Influence
As expected, the conversation veered toward Donald Trump and his relationship with the country’s political and media landscape. Clooney, who is currently starring in Good Night, and Good Luck on Broadway, couldn’t help but draw parallels between the play’s depiction of Edward R. Murrow’s fight against Senator Joseph McCarthy and the current political climate.
“McCarthy’s a demagogue,” Clooney said, comparing McCarthy’s use of fear tactics to the way modern-day leaders, like Trump, manipulate public opinion. “We get through these things by standing up for what we believe in,” Clooney added, reflecting on the importance of resisting such fearmongering.
The conversation then shifted to Elon Musk, with LuPone asking, “Do you ever stop and wonder about Elon Musk? Isn’t he destroying the government? When does he have time to tweet to you?”
Clooney’s response was pointed. He referenced Musk’s controversial actions, including the incident where Musk retweeted a statement denying Hitler’s responsibility for the Holocaust, and the troubling parallels between his behavior and Nazi symbolism. Clooney’s remarks were sharp: “When you retweet a statement that says that Hitler wasn’t responsible for the Holocaust—maybe it is a Nazi salute. Maybe.”
Patti LuPone’s ‘Glass-Half-Empty’ View of America’s Future
LuPone, known for her outspoken views, was less optimistic about the future. “I’m a glass-half-empty girl,” she admitted, questioning whether the country can truly survive another Trump presidency. Clooney, however, remained hopeful, expressing confidence that America would find a way to bounce back, as it has in the past.
The conversation also addressed the growing divide in American society, with LuPone noting that expressing dissenting views has become increasingly difficult. “You’re labeled a communist. You’re labeled a fascist,” she said, reflecting on the polarizing nature of modern-day politics.
Broadway and Politics: Clooney’s Role in Good Night, and Good Luck
The discussion was also a chance for Clooney to reflect on his role in Good Night, and Good Luck, a Broadway adaptation of his 2005 film that critiques the media’s role during the McCarthy era. Clooney explained that the play presents controversial figures like Musk and Trump without manipulating the message, leaving the audience to form their own conclusions. “We literally just go, ‘There are your words,’” Clooney said of the portrayal of contemporary figures in the production.
While Clooney remains optimistic about the future, both he and LuPone agreed that the country is facing significant challenges. As the conversation wrapped up, LuPone offered a parting question about whether Clooney goes out for drinks after his Broadway performances—a question that Clooney humorously dodged.
