A new book by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and journalist Alex Thompson paints a vivid picture of the Biden White House, with claims that a select few were the real power players behind the scenes.
Dubbed the “politburo,” this tight-knit group allegedly ran the show, especially as concerns about Biden’s health circulated. The book, “Original Sin,” suggests these insiders managed policy, communications, and even kept Biden shielded from his own staff and the public.
At the heart of this inner circle were familiar names like Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti, Bruce Reed, and Ron Klain, along with Biden’s wife, Jill, and son, Hunter. According to Thompson, “In terms of who was running the White House, it’s a small group of people that have been around.” The term “politburo” was coined within the administration to describe this centralized decision-making process.
Jake Tapper clarified that while Biden was involved, he heavily depended on this small group. “Joe Biden is not like—it’s not Weekend at Bernie’s, right? He has some purchase here. He has some agency,” Tapper emphasized. Still, Tapper noted, “He’s aware of the fact that they are keeping the cabinet away from him, they are keeping some White House staffers away from him.”
Among this influential group, Mike Donilon stood out as a key adviser. It’s reported that his advice held so much weight that aides joked he could even persuade Biden to start a war. Steve Ricchetti, another prominent figure, played a vital role in legislative negotiations and countering media narratives about Biden’s health.
Bruce Reed, the deputy chief of staff for policy, was portrayed as the real head of domestic policy. Despite his official titles, he had a significant influence on key decisions. Ron Klain, although officially out of the White House by February 2023, was said to retain considerable sway over operations.
The book also sheds light on the roles of Jill and Hunter Biden. Jill, initially a reluctant political spouse, became more involved, often stepping in to prevent public missteps. Hunter, amid his personal challenges, reportedly encouraged his father to stay in the 2024 race.
Former President Barack Obama is mentioned in the book, cautioning against some of Biden’s close associates. He reportedly advised campaign staff, “I don’t want him to be humiliated.” Some former Obama officials noted Biden’s different governing style, relying on a close-knit group rather than broader consultations.
An anonymous cabinet secretary expressed surprise at this concentration of power, 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.”
Family connections also reportedly played a role in the administration’s hiring practices, with relatives of Donilon, Reed, and Ricchetti holding various federal positions.
Despite disputes from the White House and Biden’s allies, Thompson claimed that he “had stopped believing their denials for a while” due to repeated contradictions. The book “Original Sin” was released last Tuesday, stirring discussions about the dynamics within the Biden administration.
As the revelations unfold, many are left questioning the balance of power during Biden’s presidency. The portrayal of a small circle managing the country’s affairs echoes concerns about transparency and accountability in leadership.
The narrative presented in “Original Sin” offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the White House, prompting debate about the true nature of political control.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.