As the 2024 presidential election draws near, President Joe Biden finds himself increasingly reliant on a small, tightly-knit group of advisors and family members. This move has sparked concerns among the Democrats.
In the aftermath of a tumultuous debate performance in Atlanta, Biden has notably sidelined his extensive campaign team, consisting of 500 members, in favor of more personal consultations with figures such as his son Hunter, First Lady Jill Biden, and long-time friend and advisor Mike Donilon.
This shift comes amid growing apprehensions about his mental acuity and the strategic direction of his campaign.
Despite the extensive resources at his disposal, Biden has abstained from traditional consultations with pollsters.
Instead, Mike Donilon, a longtime friend of Biden, has taken on the role of summarizing voter sentiment and campaign data through regular memos and daily communications.
Donilon is effectively gatekeeping the statistical realities of Biden’s reelection bid.
This approach is mirrored by Steve Ricchetti, a close counselor who serves as the main link between Biden and concerned Democratic lawmakers.
The internal dynamics suggest a campaign that is increasingly defensive and isolated from broader party concerns.
Recent interviews have unveiled a divide between the president’s core team, who continue to champion his candidacy as viable, and a broader segment of the Democratic Party fearful of an electoral disaster in November.
This division was further highlighted during a series of communication missteps with party members, including a contentious call with Hispanic House members, which ended abruptly after direct criticism from Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA).
Amidst these internal struggles, external events such as the attempted assassination of Donald Trump have temporarily shifted the public focus.
However, Democratic leaders are urgently pushing to confirm Biden as their nominee by the end of July, despite deep reservations echoed by influential figures like Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who privately expressed fears of significant losses across the board if Biden remains at the helm.
The president’s stance remains defiant. In a recent NBC interview with Lester Holt, Biden dismissed questions about his consultation process and mental sharpness, asserting his long-standing capability in governance and decision-making.
Even as some allies advocate for a more open and consultative approach, the president’s campaign strategy appears increasingly guarded.
This protective strategy extends to handling his public interactions, with Biden’s staff attempting to preselect questions for discussions, a claim that has been contested by White House spokesperson Andrew Bates.
As the election nears, the Democratic Party fears that Biden’s campaign course could lead to unprecedented electoral losses.