Inside Joe Biden’s Inner Circle

A small clique within former President Joe Biden’s inner circle has been said to dominate the White House, operating almost like a “political bo.” As Biden’s health and cognitive abilities have purportedly declined, this group emerged as the primary decision-makers.

This collective, nicknamed “Politburo,” consists of seasoned political figures, including Mike Donilon, Steve Richetti, and Bruce Reid.

On a recent episode of Washington Week, Alex Thompson, author of “The Original Sin,” described it: “It was a small group around who effectively ran the White House. Some in the administration referred to them as the Politburo, which is the term we adopted in the book.”

It’s worth noting that former White House Chief of Staff Ron Crane and ex-senior adviser Annie Tomasini were sometimes part of this circle. The group also included Anthony Vernal, a past top advisor to the First Lady.

The dynamic was, well, a mixed bag. Joe Biden was in the thick of it, yet also somewhat detached. Jake Tapper, a co-author and CNN anchor, likened the situation to a film where a deceased character is still involved in an elaborate scheme.

Biden reportedly had some autonomy—he was aware, to an extent, of efforts to keep certain staff away from him.

The term “Politburo” generally refers to the elite governing body in a communist system. But many long-time politicians surrounding Biden are accustomed to operating in such a manner. While the official titles within Biden’s 2020 campaign were varied, the “Politburo” label felt apt, as it often pointed to Biden’s situation.

One source familiar with the White House’s inner workings said, “There were a handful of people running the country, and Joe Biden was, at best, a senior board member.” An unnamed Cabinet Secretary expressed concerns about the concentration of power in this small group, suggesting they frequently made significant financial decisions without consulting key figures like Treasury Secretary Yellen.

The “Politburo” tended to downplay worries about Biden’s age and mental acuity, viewing these concerns as mere political weakness rather than valid issues. They believed Biden had achieved meaningful policy successes, warranting a second term.

Former President Barack Obama had specific worries about the individuals around Biden during the 2020 campaign, emphasizing his desire to avoid embarrassing him.

Alumni from the Obama administration noted significant differences in the management of Biden’s presidency compared to Obama’s. The latter often engaged with deputies and mid-level staff, whereas Biden mostly connected with his top advisers.

The book elaborates that many of Biden’s aides kept a respectful distance from the president.

The account stresses that regardless of their titles, key players like Bruce Reed, Mike Donilon, and Steve Richetti had explicit roles—Reed as a domestic policy advisor, Donilon as a political strategist, and Richetti overseeing legislative matters.

Mike Donilon, Senior Advisor

Donilon, a long-time confidant, began serving as a senior adviser to Biden at the start of his presidency and carried that role into the 2024 campaign. His close friendship with Biden dates back to the 1980s. Interestingly, during the campaign, he reportedly reduced his salary to $4 million. Some observers, including Obama strategist David Axelrod, saw him as somewhat emotionally tied to Biden’s reality.

Donilon was viewed as a loyal ally, one who held significant influence over Biden’s decisions, even leading to quips about his power over the president.

Steve Richetty, Presidential Counselor

Richetty also played a crucial role throughout Biden’s White House term, having served in a similar capacity during Biden’s vice presidency. He was instrumental in navigating major legislative challenges while also inserting himself into political discussions.

At times, Richetty went so far as to confront media reporters directly to counter negative narratives about Biden’s health.

Bruce Reed, Vice Chief of Policies

Reed, who had been Biden’s Chief of Staff during his vice presidency, is recognized for his influence on domestic policy, including preparation for significant debates.

Ron Crane, Former Chief of Staff

As Biden’s first chief of staff, Crane wielded considerable influence, and the book indicates he continued to shape critical strategies even after leaving the White House.

His ties to Biden date back to the ’80s, and he helped with strategic planning even during major events like Biden’s debate with Trump.

Hunter and Jill Biden

Jill Biden also plays an essential role, adopting a more proactive stance than she did earlier in her husband’s career, often guiding staff on how to manage Biden’s public appearances. Hunter Biden has been deeply involved in his father’s second term, which some aides believe may have impacted Biden’s overall well-being.

“Plum Work”

The inner circle often also brought in family connections, as seen with Donilon’s niece joining the National Security Council and Richetti’s children finding roles in government positions.

While Trump’s allies have dismissed many claims in the book, Thompson has noted a shift, remarking that continued evidence about White House dynamics led him to reassess previously held beliefs.

“The Original Sin” hit the shelves last Tuesday.