White House adviser complains Biden remains ‘absent’ in final weeks before Trump takes office
Some White House officials have criticized President Joe Biden for his lack of leadership and being “conspicuously absent” in the final weeks before President-elect Don Trump takes office on January 20, Politico reports.
“There’s no leadership from the White House,” another Democrat close to senior lawmakers told Politico. “There’s a complete vacuum.”
Since Vice President Kamala Harris lost the election, Biden has taken a back seat and largely avoided lengthy press conferences and interviews. The strategy has frustrated some in the White House and its party.
According to the report, Biden’s allies have even acknowledged that Biden is “conspicuously absent” from the broader discussion as Democrats struggle to shed power when Republicans take control of the White House and both houses of Congress next month.
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When President-elect Trump defeated Vice President Harris in the election, President Biden further reduced his already minimal press activity. (Left: Pete Marovich/Getty Images; Right: Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
“He was so arrogant and selfish about how he conducted himself in his final weeks in office,” a former White House official told Politico.
“There’s no point in doing this if his rhetoric doesn’t accomplish any real strategic goal,” said Gina Raimondo, a former Democratic campaign adviser to the Commerce Secretary.
Other lawmakers and Democratic strategists have spoken out to Politico saying Biden’s actions were a natural consequence of Vice President Kamala Harris losing the election to Trump.
“Elections have consequences – there’s a new sheriff in town,” Senator Peter Welch, Democrat of Vermont, explain.
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Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said other Democrats are seeking attention within the party as power shifts to Trump. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Seneta)
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said other Democrats are seeking leadership roles in the party.
“I still think he has a lot to learn from him,” Coons said of Biden. “But, you know, there are a lot of other standard-bearers calling for attention.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have been selected as the Democratic 2028 presidential candidates.
Other Democrats also believe Biden’s reduction in media exposure is part of his political strategy.
“That’s just his strategy, whether people agree or disagree, he’s going to keep a low profile,” said Democratic campaign strategist Mike Ceraso. “I think both he and President Obama view the transition as not an attempt to make noise. Or try to undermine the incoming government.”
“They didn’t even mention the president in the conversation I was having. It’s kind of sad,” said one Democrat close to senior lawmakers. “It feels like Trump is already president.”
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