Members of Joe Biden’s family privately trashed his top campaign advisers at Camp David this weekend, blaming them for the president’s flop in Thursday’s debate and urging Biden to fire or demote people in his political high command.
There is no immediate expectation that Biden will follow through on that advice, according to three people briefed on the family conversations but not directly involved. The three people were granted anonymity to discuss the matter.
Among the family’s complaints about the debate practice: that Biden was not prepared to pivot more to go on the attack; that he was bogged down too much on defending his record rather than outlining a vision for a second term; and that he was over-worked and not well-rested.
The blame was cast widely on staffers, including: Anita Dunn, the senior adviser who frequently has the president’s ear; her husband, Bob Bauer, the president’s attorney who played Trump in rehearsals at Camp David; and Ron Klain, the former chief of staff who ran point on the debate prep and previous cycles’ sessions.
Everyone keeps trying to sugarcoat this. We all saw what we saw. Biden did fairly well overall, but there were moments that showed that he’s lost it at times. Being President ages you 4 years each year. He and Trump are both practically 100 at this point.
He needs to restore confidence by having a strong successor.
Who?
I have yet to hear a name that enough people would accept at this late an hour.
Michelle Obama is the only one I can think of.
I’m not even convinced that would work. I would love to see some polling though.
I also doubt she’d be willing to do it. She’s already spent eight years in D.C. working behind the scenes.