There has been significant discussion surrounding President Biden’s inner circle, particularly regarding financial decisions, campaign strategy, and public perception. Reports have surfaced about Mike Donilon, a longtime Biden advisor, allegedly receiving $4 million to run Biden’s 2024 campaign, a figure that has raised eyebrows among political insiders. Some sources claim that this decision was met with resistance from members of Biden’s team, who believed the amount was excessive and could lead to internal friction. Comparatively, Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chairperson for 2024, reportedly received $300,000, a stark contrast to Donilon’s compensation. This discrepancy has fueled speculation about favoritism and financial mismanagement within Biden’s campaign structure.
Beyond financial concerns, broader discussions about Biden’s inner circle have emerged, particularly regarding efforts to manage public perception. A new book titled Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson explores how Biden’s closest advisors allegedly worked to conceal signs of his cognitive decline from voters. The book suggests that Biden’s team, referred to as the “Politburo”, restricted access to the president and controlled his public appearances to mitigate concerns about his ability to govern.
Reports indicate that Biden’s advisors limited his working hours and carefully scripted his speeches to avoid potential missteps. Some cabinet members expressed concerns that Biden was increasingly unavailable for direct briefings, with information being relayed through senior aides instead. This strategy, while aimed at maintaining stability, has led to accusations of a cover-up regarding Biden’s health and decision-making capabilities.
Former President Donald Trump recently made a statement on social media suggesting that Biden was never an open-border supporter, either in the past or during his presidency. This claim has sparked speculation about whether Biden’s inner circle may have influenced immigration policies while taking advantage of his alleged cognitive decline. Some critics argue that Biden’s advisors played a significant role in shaping policy decisions, while others believe Trump’s statement is an attempt to shift the narrative surrounding immigration debates.
The controversy surrounding Biden’s inner circle extends beyond financial matters and into broader concerns about transparency. Some Democratic insiders have criticized the handling of Biden’s campaign, arguing that shielding him from scrutiny ultimately harmed the party’s credibility. Others contend that Biden’s closest advisors were acting in the best interest of the administration, attempting to maintain stability amid growing concerns about his leadership.
Additionally, reports suggest that Biden’s team took measures to control his public image, including limiting unscripted interactions and carefully managing his appearances. Some sources claim that Biden’s advisors were aware of his declining health but chose to downplay concerns to maintain political momentum. This has led to debates about whether voters were misled about Biden’s ability to serve another term.
One particularly controversial revelation involves Biden’s 2020 campaign and a virtual town hall meeting that was reportedly conducted in Delaware. According to sources, Biden was placed in a room surrounded by multiple screens, with individuals asking him questions. However, campaign advisors allegedly received the unedited video and were shocked by the results. Some insiders described the footage as unusable, comparing it to the moment when a family realizes an elderly relative can no longer drive safely.
Critics have pointed to these financial discrepancies and strategic decisions as evidence of broader dysfunction within Biden’s campaign structure. Some insiders claim that the decision to allocate such a large sum to Donilon contributed to internal tensions and dissatisfaction among other members of Biden’s team. Others argue that financial decisions within political campaigns are often complex and influenced by various strategic considerations.
As discussions about Biden’s inner circle continue, questions remain about the long-term impact of these controversies. Some analysts believe that the handling of Biden’s campaign finances and public image could affect Democratic Party dynamics moving forward. Others suggest that these issues highlight broader concerns about transparency and leadership within the administration.
Potential Misuse of the Autopen
Former President Donald Trump has recently raised concerns about the potential misuse of the autopen in issuing pardons, particularly regarding preemptive pardons. Reports indicate that Trump has questioned whether certain pardons were signed using an autopen rather than personally approved by the president. This controversy has sparked debate over the legitimacy of pardons granted during the final days of the Biden administration, with Trump suggesting that such actions may have been conducted without proper oversight. Some critics argue that the use of an autopen for pardons could undermine the integrity of the process, while others contend that it is a standard practice used for efficiency.
Additionally, Trump has reportedly been working with Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, to investigate whether personal profiting occurred in connection with these pardons.
Undoubtedly, more to come!
Staff Writer David R