Key Takeaways:
– Matt Damon, who campaigned for Obama in 2008, expressed disappointment in his presidency in 2011.
– Obama responded with a humorous jab about Damon's film The Adjustment Bureau at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
– Despite their clash, both remain successful in their fields, with Damon continuing his acting career and Obama entering the film industry with Higher Ground, his production company.
The 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama, is known for his quick wit and charm. He demonstrated this during a famous exchange in 2011 with actor Matt Damon. Damon, an initial supporter of Obama in the 2008 presidential elections, publicly declared his disappointment with the president's performance two years into his term. But Obama knew how to turn the tables, leveraging his humor at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Matt Damon's Displeasure
Matt Damon, known for his roles in movies like Jason Bourne and Ford v. Ferrari, took a political stand in 2008. He campaigned for Barack Obama passionately during the elections (via CNN). However, by 2011, Damon's enthusiasm for Obama had cooled. While on Piers Morgan Tonight promoting his film The Adjustment Bureau, Damon vocalized his dissatisfaction with Obama's leadership and policies. Damon felt Obama was squandering his presidential mandate (via CNN).
Obama's Light-Hearted Response
Not one to leave such comments unanswered, Obama retorted in an amusing way. He chose the venue of the prestigious White House Correspondents' Dinner in May 2011. Obama laughingly told the audience that after viewing The Adjustment Bureau, he too was disappointed in Matt Damon, a mutual sentiment it would seem (via The Obama White House | YouTube).
This light-hearted response had even the actor himself chuckling. Yet, despite the laugh, Damon continued to display critical views of Obama, stating to ELLE later that year that his position hadn't changed (via EW). Damon admitted in a 2012 GQ interview that he didn't think Obama came up with the joke himself. Yet, Damon praised the punchline, terming it as a “terrific joke” (via USA Today).
Obama's Ties to the Film Industry
Interestingly, at the time of this humorous back-and-forth, Obama was not part of the film industry. Fast forward a few years, and Obama is now co-owner with wife Michelle Obama, of a film and TV production company. Higher Ground, established in 2018, signed a multi-year agreement with Netflix.
Despite being newcomers, the duo has had considerable success. They've produced interesting content, like documentaries, children's TV shows, and even The Michelle Obama Podcast. Their first feature film, Fatherhood, debuted in 2021 starring Kevin Hart. They also produced the Oscar-nominated film, Rustin, and the high-concept sci-fi film Leave the World Behind.
Looking Back
Whether it's Barack Obama's political career or Matt Damon's acting journey, both these high-profile figures continue to command respect. The misunderstanding that made headlines years ago has been mostly forgotten. It is remembered now as an example of how Obama used humor to diffuse criticism.
Damon continues to enjoy a prosperous acting career, while Obama has established himself as a legitimate movie and TV producer. His company, Higher Ground, shows promise to climb even higher. While the 2011 incident may live on in memory, it's safe to say the two have moved on to their respective successes.
The Adjustment Bureau, for those interested, is now available for rent on Apple TV+. As it turns out, humor can go a long way in politics, and perhaps even in Hollywood.
