President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have been working to manage the fallout from a poorly received CNN debate through a series of strategic public appearances.
According to Daily Mail, Jill Biden's 'work husband,' Anthony Bernal, plays a crucial yet controversial role in managing the first couple's public image amid rising allegations of misconduct.
In the wake of a problematic CNN debate, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have embarked on a series of public engagements to soften the impact. These appearances included a debate viewing party and a visit to an Atlanta Waffle House to showcase a more relatable and approachable image.
During these events, Jill Biden's senior adviser, Anthony Bernal, was constantly present, underscoring his integral role in the Biden administration.
Anthony Bernal has been a loyal aide to the Bidens since 2008, earning the trust and confidence of the President and the First Lady. Jill Biden has often referred to Bernal as her "work husband," highlighting his significant influence in the East Wing. Bernal's responsibilities extend beyond the First Lady's office, impacting the overall public image of both Jill and Joe Biden.
However, Bernal's position has come under scrutiny due to allegations of bullying and verbal sexual harassment from current and former White House staffers. These accusations include claims of inappropriate remarks about colleagues' sexuality and physical attributes. Bernal has vehemently denied these allegations, attributing them to prejudice.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the White House has stood firmly behind Bernal. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients has expressed full confidence in his character, dismissing the claims as unfounded attacks from unnamed sources. Bernal, for his part, has maintained that the allegations are "false and baseless and nothing more than gay hate and racism."
Following the CNN debate, Jill Biden updated her Vogue magazine cover interview to address the backlash. She emphasized that the debate’s 90 minutes should not overshadow the four years of Joe Biden's presidency. This narrative was reinforced during their public outings, such as the visit to the Atlanta Waffle House, where Jill Biden notably announced "Order for Biden" in an effort to connect with everyday Americans.
Bernal's involvement in the Bidens' personal and professional lives is deep. He often participates in key moments and decisions. He recently met with Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa after Hunter's guilty verdict in his gun trial, showcasing his integral role within the Biden family circle.
Amid this backdrop, there are growing concerns about President Joe Biden's competency, with increasing calls for his resignation.
Jill Biden, along with a close circle of advisers, including Bernal, is reportedly counseling the President against stepping down. This internal support highlights the tight-knit and loyal team surrounding the Bidens despite the external pressures and controversies.
Katie Rogers, commenting on Bernal's role, noted:
He has dominion over everything that happens in [the East Wing], from trips and scheduling to speeches and messaging… he's on senior calls every day.
The Bidens are managing public opinion and loyalty amid a challenging debate fallout and serious allegations against adviser Anthony Bernal. Despite the misconduct claims, they continue to support Bernal due to his strategic importance. Their public appearances and updates aim to maintain a positive image as their response to these issues is closely monitored.
