Hollywood actor George Clooney says he's still getting grief for his 2024 opinion essay that contributed to then-President Joe Biden quitting the White House race that Democrats lost to Donald Trump.

"It's OK," he said Wednesday on CNN about his July, 10, 2024 guest opinion in The New York Times, titled "I Love Joe Biden But We Need A New Nominee." 

Eleven days later, Biden left the race and was replaced by Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump.

"You have to take a stand if you believe in it," he said about the essay. "Take a stance, stand for it, and then deal with the consequences. That’s the rules."

He also argued Maryland Gov. Wes Moore appears to be Democrats' best, early 2028 presidential candidate. 

Clooney said Moore, a Rhodes Scholar and military veteran, looks to be "levitating" above other, potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates.

 "I think he is a guy that has handled this tragedy in Baltimore beautifully," said Clooney, referring to the deadly March 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. "He does two tours of duty in Afghanistan – active duty. He speaks beautifully. He’s smart. He ran a hedge fund – the Robin Hood Foundation. He’s a proper leader. I like him a lot. I think he could be someone we could all join in behind."

Clooney also praised Democratic Govs. Andy Beshear, of Kentucky, and Gretchen Whitmer, of Michigan.