Several members of Joe Biden’s administration have anonymously aired their grievances, comparing the White House’s current state to the infamous 80s comedy “Weekend at Bernie’s.” Just over a week after Biden’s much-maligned debate performance, the plot thickens as staffers paint a picture of a work environment steeped in dysfunction and frustration.
To set the stage, imagine the White House as a place where everyone feels like characters in a dark comedy. According to insiders, the mood is more “Misery” than “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” One particularly disillusioned official described the situation as, “Everyone is miserable, and senior advisers are a total black hole.” It seems that even the most diligent efforts can’t pierce through the layers of bureaucracy and indifference.
The crux of the complaints revolves around a so-called “protective cocoon” formed by top advisors Annie Tomasini, Anthony Bernal, and Ashley Williams. Critics argue that this trio has enveloped Biden in such a tight bubble that he’s lost touch with reality—and, apparently, his independence. An anonymous former aide elaborated, “Annie, Ashley, and Anthony create a protective bubble around POTUS. He’s staffed so closely that he’s lost all independence.” With such a setup, it’s no wonder that everything feels like a scene out of “Weekend at Bernie’s,” where the key players are propping up the president in a way that would make Bernie Lomax proud.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates, however, was quick to dismiss these concerns as mere “anonymous sniping.” According to Bates, it’s not unusual for any president to rely on a small team of trusted advisors. He defended the professionalism and character of those being criticized, maintaining that these are standard practices in any administration. “These are standard processes for any White House, regardless of president or party. The claims about these individuals—whose professionalism and character are respected across the administration—are inaccurate,” Bates stated.
Despite the internal turmoil, Biden’s camp remains steadfast in their defense of his record and capabilities. DNC Executive Director Sam Cornale insisted that a single debate performance shouldn’t overshadow the president’s three and a half years of accomplishments. “90 minutes doesn’t define a presidency. Biden has given us 3½ years of extraordinary accomplishments and he made clear to every Democratic staffer who’s working to get him re-elected that he’s all in for four more,” Cornale said.
Campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the pride felt across the campaign office. “There’s an immense sense of pride across our office,” Munoz noted, suggesting that the team remains committed despite the rumblings of discontent.
As the chorus of influential Democrats calling for Biden to step down grows louder, the administration is doing its best to project an image of unity and resolve. Whether they can maintain this facade or if it will crumble under the weight of internal dissent remains to be seen.