In the extreme political climate, top officials of the reigning president and his forerunner seem to be living a daily survival strategy. Their suggestions appeared to fall on deaf ears, and they were rarely consulted. The situation was beyond their control, prompting them to devise with strategies to get through each day. This scenario paints a picture of resilience anchored in necessity rather than choice.
These individuals represent the highest tier of aides serving the incumbent president and his predecessor- who is poised to step into the role once again. The narrative encapsulates their feelings of being overwhelmed by two veteran candidates with no inclination to listen to them. Despite their integral role in managing the multi-billion dollar campaigns, their expert advice was often overlooked.
The seeming sidelining of these individuals- some of the sharpest strategists in their field- seemed a reflection of the campaign’s broader picture. The scenario left even the most well-informed political pundits crestfallen. There’s a striking simile between these two self-assured individuals, reflecting onto each other in numerous ways.
Their professed confidence in their judgment and dismissive attitude towards contrarian views were instrumental in how they governed the nation. These attitudes led to several monumental errors. They also share deep-seated insecurities that they attempt to hide behind prompt action.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign manager also served as the deputy chief of staff in the West Wing. Regardless of the pressures of the position, everyone forged ahead. Despite intense pressure, there was never an attempt to find an alternative pathway.
Biden demonstrated increased resolve during his campaign visit to North Carolina. Off the record, strategists like O’Malley Dillon tirelessly sought to reassure donors and activists. New TV ads were devised to halt the spiraling panic. At no point did anyone credibly consider pivoting away from Biden.
Meanwhile, Trump’s camp listened attentively to every development. Irrespective of the animosity they possessed, the Trump team also expressed their struggles in managing a septuagenarian committed to his ways. Surefootedness seemed like a prerequisite to leadership, demonstrating a confidence so strong that doubt was an issue for others to concern themselves with.
Assuming the mantle of leadership takes a cocksure attitude, one must believe that they are the most suitable individual to guide millions of Americans. Typically, most presidents have a circle of trusted assistants capable of tempering their confidence with grounded insights.
Multiple sources allege that they sought affirmation over advice. Predecessors, including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, might have seemed arrogant to their critics. However, they all maintained a circle of close confidants who would keep their inflated egos in check.
All three former presidents enlisted top-tier consultants and advisors to handle the practical daily responsibilities. These consultants often succeeded in convincing their bosses to heed rational advice backed by empirical data. However, their worst days were characterized by failure to heed caution against excessive pride.
Biden’s political career is now winding down. In merely six weeks, he will finally enjoy a peaceful retirement, his decisions no longer having the capacity to disrupt the global economy. On the contrary, Trump is gearing up for a return to Washington; powered by extensive ambitions, a more comprehensive awareness of governance compared to when he assumed office in 2017, and an abundance of grievances.
As he assembles his senior team and Cabinet, it becomes quite evident that he’s appointing yes-men in key positions. Both gentlemen’s shared trait of independence guided them to their electoral outcomes working essentially as solo acts.
If Biden’s stubbornness to run another round serves as any lesson to Trump, it’s that important resolutions such as these shouldn’t revolve around a single individual’s whims. It seems that, rather ironically, they both need a diverse array of advisors who understand reality better than their inflated self-perceptions permit them to see.