Inside the White House Interview with 50 people; Shielding Biden from The Public Eye

[Social Media]

 

During Joe Biden's presidency, the White House adopted unique measures to accommodate the challenges of managing an aging leader. With Biden being the oldest president in U.S. history, aides implemented strategies to adjust his schedule, interactions, and public appearances, sparking both scrutiny and defense of his administration’s practices.  

 

Jill Biden’s energetic campaigning during the 2020 primary already highlighted Joe Biden’s more measured pace. Michael LaRosa, Jill’s press secretary at the time, recalled being advised to avoid comparisons that might inadvertently underscore the contrast. "The more you talk her up, the more you make him look bad," LaRosa was told by Anthony Bernal, then Jill Biden's chief of staff. This early incident foreshadowed the careful management that would define the White House during Biden’s term.  

 

Meetings were streamlined and often conducted with senior aides acting as intermediaries for Biden. Figures like National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior counselor Steve Ricchetti frequently engaged with high-ranking officials and conveyed information back to the president. Some prominent Democrats, including Rep. Adam Smith, found it difficult to secure direct access to Biden during critical moments, such as before the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. "I was begging them to set expectations low," Smith said, expressing his frustration over not being able to communicate directly with Biden until after the fallout.  

 

The White House was designed to shield the president not only from the public eye but also from some of his own cabinet members. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen experienced decreasing direct interactions with Biden, relying more on staff members to carry out key directives. Yet, cabinet officials like Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack defended the approach, saying, "You don’t always have to raise the issue with the president."  

 

Public appearances were equally controlled. Biden’s speeches were heavily scripted, and aides often guided him during events, repeating instructions like where to stand or how to exit a stage. Despite these measures, missteps persisted, such as during a debate with Donald Trump, where Biden struggled to articulate thoughts. This performance intensified concerns about his mental acuity, leading to Vice President Kamala Harris eventually replacing him on the Democratic ticket for the 2024 election—a move that ended in defeat for the party.  

 

Critics of Biden's presidency highlighted the insulation created by his close-knit team. Rep. Jim Himes noted a lack of personal contact with the president compared to previous administrations, stating, "I really had no personal contact with this president." Meanwhile, Sen. Joe Manchin observed Biden’s reliance on staff, remarking that the "eager beavers" around him took on much of the heavy lifting.  

 

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended Biden’s leadership, emphasizing his legislative achievements and attention to policy. Bates also countered claims of decline, asserting that the president actively sought external advice and was kept informed of significant issues.  

 

However, some concerns were hard to dismiss. Biden’s preparation for interviews, including one with special counsel Robert Hur, revealed inconsistencies. According to a person familiar with the sessions, Biden struggled to recall key details, although the White House attributed this to his tendency to "over-share." The final report from that investigation characterized Biden as a "sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory."  

 

Biden's campaign strategy reflected similar efforts to manage perceptions. At donor events, pre-approved questions were provided to participants, and aides worked diligently to ensure the president remained on script. Still, these precautions did not always prevent errors, frustrating supporters.  

 

Throughout his presidency, Biden’s inner circle maintained an intense focus on supporting and protecting him. This approach, while keeping his administration operational, also drew criticism for its heavy-handed nature and raised questions about the broader implications of leading with a diminished capacity. Despite these challenges, Biden’s aides emphasized that the president remained deeply engaged with his agenda, even as his unique style of governance shaped the White House’s operations.  

 

Based on a report by WSJ 2024-12-21

 

 

 

[HappyExpat57]

I saw a clip of him climbing down from Marine One helicopter a few days ago. He damned near had to get on his hands and knees. He should have left when he promised to. Now his legacy will be forever tarnished as a stumbling, mumbling dotard.

[Cryingdick]

1 hour ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I saw a clip of him climbing down from Marine One helicopter a few days ago. He damned near had to get on his hands and knees. He should have left when he promised to. Now his legacy will be forever tarnished as a stumbling, mumbling dotard.

 

He had no legacy so nothing to tarnish there.

[HappyExpat57]

19 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

He had no legacy so nothing to tarnish there.

And this is why we can't have adult conversations with you. Just cuz you don't like the guy doesn't warrant ridiculous, trite pap.

[Cryingdick]

3 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

And this is why we can't have adult conversations with you. Just cuz you don't like the guy doesn't warrant ridiculous, trite pap.

Oh, okay. let's go back to pretending we were about to crave that morons head on Rushmore. The guy will be studied as the president that was brain dead and his staff covered it up. That's it.

 

I am sorry you are unable to have adult conversations maybe see somebody about that.