Dunn Takes New Position
It looks like there’s a significant shake-up happening within President Biden’s team. Anita Dunn, a senior adviser with deep roots in Democratic politics and a long history with both Biden and former President Barack Obama, is leaving the White House. Her next stop? A top Democratic super PAC, Future Forward, where she’ll be working to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.
Dunn’s departure is raising some eyebrows, especially given her influential role in Biden’s 2020 campaign and her time in the White House during his first term. She’s been a key player in Democratic circles for years, having served as a chief strategist for Obama’s 2008 campaign and briefly as his White House communications director. Her experience and strategic acumen have made her a vital part of Biden’s team, helping steer his campaign through critical moments, particularly after the rocky starts in Iowa and New Hampshire.
But Dunn’s exit isn’t without its share of drama. Sources have revealed that her relationship with Biden’s inner circle had become strained, particularly after Biden’s less-than-stellar debate performance against former President Trump in June. Dunn was heavily involved in prepping Biden for that debate, and the fallout seemed to have pushed her to the fringes of Biden’s team. Reports suggest that a longstanding rift between Dunn and Hunter Biden, the president’s son, also played a role in her being sidelined.
In fact, it’s been noted that after the debate, Hunter Biden’s influence grew, and he reportedly advocated for keeping his own legal troubles at arm’s length from the White House—a stance Dunn and her husband, Bob Bauer, had supported. This internal tension may have contributed to Dunn’s gradual exclusion from key decision-making circles.
Interestingly, Dunn’s departure is being met with some quiet celebration among certain Biden-Harris administration staffers. Rumors have circulated that Dunn might have been behind several leaks, including one that pushed for the ouster of White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Although Jean-Pierre ultimately stayed, the speculation about Dunn’s involvement in the leaks has caused some friction within the team.
Despite these internal challenges, Dunn remains a respected figure in Democratic politics. Her move to Future Forward suggests that she’s not stepping away from the political arena but rather shifting her focus to help secure Harris’s position as the presumptive Democratic nominee. While it’s unclear exactly what her role at the super PAC will entail, her extensive experience and connections will undoubtedly be a significant asset as the campaign season heats up.