A forthcoming book alleges that a tight-knit group of advisors, likened to a “politburo,” held significant sway within former President Joe Biden’s White House, particularly as concerns about his health and cognitive abilities reportedly grew.
According to “Original Sin,” authored by Alex Thompson and CNN anchor Jake Tapper, this inner circle consisted of seasoned political veterans such as Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti, and Bruce Reed, as well as family members including First Lady Jill Biden and the president’s son, Hunter Biden.
In a recent interview on PBS’ “Washington Week,” co-author Alex Thompson stated that this core group of long-serving aides was referred to internally by some within the administration as the “Politburo,” a term the authors adopted in their book. Former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and former Senior Advisor to the President Annie Tomasini were also reportedly part of this group at times. Additionally, Anthony Bernal, the First Lady’s former top advisor, was named as a member.
While the book suggests the significant influence of this “politburo,” co-author Jake Tapper emphasized that former President Biden was also involved in decision-making processes. “Joe Biden himself also is part of this. Joe Biden is not like — it’s not ‘Weekend at Bernie’s,’ right?” Tapper said, referencing the movie about a deceased man being manipulated. “He has some purchase here. He has some agency. And he’s aware of some of what’s going on.”
Tapper added that Biden was purportedly aware that this inner circle was limiting his direct interactions with cabinet members and some White House staff.
The term “politburo” traditionally refers to the highest policy-making committee of a communist party. The book highlights that many members of this alleged inner circle had a long history working with Joe Biden. Regardless of their official titles within his 2020 campaign and administration, the “politburo” reportedly held substantial control and often secured Biden’s agreement on key matters.
According to the authors, one source familiar with the White House’s inner workings claimed, “Five people were running the country, and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board.” An unnamed cabinet secretary reportedly expressed frustration, stating, “I’ve never seen a situation like this before, with so few people having so much power. They would make huge economic decisions without calling [Treasury] Secretary Yellen.”
The book further alleges that this “politburo” actively downplayed concerns about the former president’s age and mental acuity, viewing them as primarily a “political vulnerability, not a serious limitation.” The advisors reportedly believed that Biden’s policy achievements warranted, and entitled, him and them to a second term.
According to the book, former President Barack Obama had previously expressed reservations about certain individuals in Joe Biden’s orbit, particularly during his 2020 campaign, reportedly stating a desire to prevent Biden from being “humiliated.”
Alumni of the Obama administration also reportedly observed differences in the operational style of Joe Biden’s presidency. “Obama would hash it out with deputies and mid-level aides. Biden, by contrast, mostly met with the Politburo and his top national security aides,” the book states. The authors also claim that “many of Biden’s own aides were also kept at arm’s length from the president.”
“Original Sin” suggests that, irrespective of official titles, Bruce Reed effectively served as the primary domestic policy advisor, Mike Donilon acted as the de facto political director, Steve Ricchetti controlled Legislative Affairs, and Ron Klain exerted influence across various areas.
The book details the backgrounds of these key figures. Mike Donilon, a senior advisor to Biden until January 2024, had a long-standing relationship with the former president. He reportedly earned a significant salary during the 2024 campaign. Some observers, including former Obama strategist David Axelrod, reportedly believed Donilon’s close emotional ties to Biden might have clouded his judgment. The authors wrote that “aides would later joke that if he wanted, he could get Biden to start a war,” highlighting Donilon’s perceived influence.
Steve Ricchetti, who served as Counselor to the President throughout Biden’s term, also held key roles during Biden’s vice presidency and campaign. He reportedly played a significant role in legislative efforts and occasionally weighed in on political matters. The book recounts an instance where Ricchetti allegedly contacted a reporter to dispute claims about Biden’s health and expressed anger over an op-ed suggesting Biden should withdraw from the presidential race.
Bruce Reed previously served as Biden’s Chief of Staff during the initial part of his vice presidency and is described as a “policy wonk.” He was reportedly involved in preparing Biden for debates.
Ron Klain, Biden’s first White House Chief of Staff, is depicted as highly influential on key decisions and messaging strategies, even after his departure from the White House in February 2023. The book claims Biden held Klain’s intellect in high regard.
The book also notes the roles of First Lady Jill Biden in reportedly shielding her husband from public missteps and Hunter Biden in allegedly trying to persuade his father to remain in the 2024 race. The authors suggest that Hunter Biden’s struggles weighed heavily on his father and may have contributed to his decline.
Finally, “Original Sin” mentions that several members of this alleged “politburo” facilitated the appointments of their family members to key positions within the Biden administration.
While top Biden allies have reportedly rejected many of the book’s characterizations, co-author Alex Thompson stated that he had grown skeptical of these denials after consistently encountering evidence that contradicted the White House’s narrative. “Original Sin” was released last Tuesday.
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