Michael LaRosa, who was the press secretary for Jill Biden during Joe Biden's presidency, has recently disclosed some unsettling tactics used by the White House.
The National Pulse reported that in a discussion at American University, LaRosa admitted that the team managing President Biden sought to obscure reports about his cognitive decline and curate his public appearances.
LaRosa's revelations came during a talk at the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics at American University. He discussed a book by journalist Jake Tapper, which vividly chronicles the former president's tenure and the challenges he faced.
Specifically, LaRosa addressed the concerted effort by Biden’s inner circle to control the narrative concerning his physical and mental fitness.
This protective stance was evident, with LaRosa shedding light on how the campaign team was always alert to the repercussions of Biden's age and were determined to maintain a strong public facade.
LaRosa mentioned that key figures, such as Annie Tomasini, Anthony Bernal, and Ashley Williams—who were closely linked with Jill Biden—played significant roles in shaping the protective environment around the President.
Their strategies included isolating him from spontaneous events and even regular interactions with his Cabinet Secretaries.
This circle's main goal was to present a controlled narrative to the public, minimizing any potential mishaps that could arise from unguarded moments. The tactic was steeped in the fear of unpredictable situations, which could expose Biden's vulnerabilities.
“The President’s team was scared to death of impromptu, unscripted, unrehearsed, unpracticed, unchoreographed anything," stated LaRosa during his talk.
During the event, LaRosa also discussed the future, specifically Biden's potential run for re-election in 2024. When asked about this, he responded with a succinct “Yes,” acknowledging his concern over the idea given the President's advancing age.
His apprehension reflects a broader concern within segments of the Democratic Party and the public about the suitability of leadership amid ongoing debates over age and capability.
This aspect of LaRosa's talk highlights an internal conflict about supporting a seasoned politician while recognizing the physical and cognitive challenges that come with age.
Perhaps one of the more striking admissions by LaRosa involves the use of the term "gaslighting" by the campaign to describe their handling of unfavorable polling data and public perceptions regarding Biden's cognitive state.
“There are some true things, the gaslighting. There was a lot of denial of the polling. And I will use the term gaslight because that is what they were doing—the campaign, former colleagues,” LaRosa explained.
This candid admission provides a rare glimpse into the manipulative strategies used in politics to shape public opinion, especially concerning sensitive issues like the health of a leader.
LaRosa detailed how she orchestrated most of Biden's public appearances, avoiding any chance that Biden might veer off a prearranged script. This was a step taken to shield the President from potential gaffes and preserve his image as a competent leader.
The strategy was grounded in caution but sparked debate about the transparency and authenticity expected of public officials.
He supported his points by mentioning that covering up age-related declines is common in politics, yet it poses ethical questions regarding the honesty of political campaigns towards the electorate.
As LaRosa's revelations stir discussions on political ethics and leadership standards, they invite the public and political analysts alike to ponder the fine line between strategic management and outright deception in politics.