A former Democratic National Committee (DNC) official has confirmed what many Americans have long suspected—President Joe Biden’s administration is heavily influenced by former President Barack Obama. Lindy Li, a former DNC fundraiser, made this revelation during an appearance on the “Shawn Ryan Show,” reigniting debates about the extent of Obama’s role behind the scenes in Biden’s presidency.
A ‘Third Term’ for Obama?
During the interview, Li emphasized that Obama’s influence in the Biden administration is far greater than the public realizes. She described Biden’s presidency as essentially a “third term” for Obama, with key Obama-era figures still making major decisions.
“There are so many holdovers from the Obama years still running things behind the scenes,” Li stated. “It’s not surprising that many of the policies we see today closely resemble those from 2008-2016.”
This statement aligns with widespread conservative speculation that Biden’s administration is not operating independently but rather as an extension of Obama’s governance.
The Key Figures Bridging Obama and Biden
Biden’s top advisors and officials largely consist of former Obama administration members, reinforcing the idea that his presidency continues Obama’s policies. Key figures include:
- Susan Rice – Former Obama National Security Advisor and Biden’s Domestic Policy Advisor until 2023.
- Ron Klain – Chief of Staff for both Biden and previously Obama.
- Antony Blinken – Secretary of State, previously Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor.
- Jen Psaki – Former White House Press Secretary, who also worked in the Obama administration.
- Jake Sullivan – Biden’s National Security Advisor, with previous key roles under Obama.
With these and other Obama-era officials in influential positions, Biden’s administration appears to operate within the same framework as its predecessor.
Obama’s Own Words Fuel the Debate
Obama himself hinted at this possibility in a 2020 interview with CBS’s Stephen Colbert. When asked if he would consider a third term if legally allowed, Obama responded:
“I used to say, if I could make an arrangement where I had a stand-in, a frontman or frontwoman, and they had an earpiece in, and I was just in my basement in my sweats looking through the stuff, and then I could deliver the lines, but somebody else was doing all the talking and ceremony, I’d be fine with that.”
Critics argue that Biden’s presidency mirrors this hypothetical scenario, raising questions about who truly leads the White House.
Policy Continuity Between Obama and Biden
Beyond personnel choices, Biden’s policies strongly resemble Obama’s in several key areas:
- Foreign Policy – Biden’s approach to Iran, China, and Ukraine aligns closely with Obama’s strategies.
- Healthcare – The expansion of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) continues under Biden.
- Economic Policies – Biden’s tax policies and economic strategies resemble those of the Obama administration.
- Social and Environmental Policies – Climate change, racial equity, and progressive social policies remain central themes under both administrations.
Why This Matters
The question of Obama’s influence in the Biden administration is not just a partisan issue—it has real implications for governance and transparency. If Biden is significantly guided by Obama-era figures, concerns arise about the autonomy of his leadership.
Some analysts argue that Biden, due to his age and alleged cognitive decline, is not the primary decision-maker, making his advisors’ roles even more critical. If those advisors are mostly former Obama officials, it suggests continuity rather than a distinct Biden presidency.
Conservative Reactions and Criticism
Many conservatives have long argued that Biden is a figurehead, with real power residing among former Obama officials. Lindy Li’s comments lend credibility to these claims.
Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson has stated, “This is Obama’s third term. The policies, the people—it’s all the same. Biden is just the face they put in front of the cameras.”
Republicans also point to similarities in crisis management between the two administrations, particularly on border security, inflation, and foreign policy conflicts.
The White House’s Response
Despite speculation, the Biden administration denies that Obama plays a major role in shaping current policies. White House officials insist that Biden is fully in charge.
However, the continued presence of key Obama-era figures in Biden’s team, combined with Li’s revelations, suggests that Obama’s influence remains a powerful force in American politics.
Conclusion
Lindy Li’s statements confirm what many Americans have suspected: the Biden administration is, in many ways, a continuation of Obama’s presidency. Whether viewed as a positive continuation of Obama’s leadership or a sign of Biden’s lack of autonomy depends on political perspective.
As the 2024 election nears, the Obama-Biden connection will likely remain a hot topic, with conservatives continuing to question who truly runs the White House.
