A former Democratic National Committee (DNC) official has publicly confirmed what many Americans have speculated for years—that President Joe Biden’s administration is essentially a continuation of former President Barack Obama’s policies and influence. Lindy Li, a former DNC fundraiser, made these revelations during a recent appearance on the “Shawn Ryan Show,” adding fuel to the ongoing debate about Obama’s behind-the-scenes role in Biden’s presidency.
A ‘Third Term’ for Obama?
During the interview, Li openly stated that Obama’s presence within the Biden administration is far more significant than the public has been led to believe. According to her, Biden’s presidency is, in many ways, a “third term” for Obama, with key figures from the Obama administration continuing to wield considerable influence in decision-making processes.
“There are so many holdovers from the Obama years still running things behind the scenes,” Li remarked. “It’s not surprising that many of the policies we see today closely resemble those from 2008-2016.”
This claim aligns with long-standing speculation among conservatives and political analysts who have pointed to the Biden administration’s policy choices, personnel appointments, and overall governance style as evidence that Obama’s influence remains strong.
The Key Figures Linking Obama and Biden
Many of Biden’s top advisors and officials previously served in the Obama administration, reinforcing the idea that his presidency is an extension of Obama’s leadership. Some of the most notable figures include:
- Susan Rice – Served as National Security Advisor under Obama and later as Biden’s Domestic Policy Advisor before stepping down in 2023.
- Ron Klain – Former Chief of Staff to both Biden and Obama.
- Antony Blinken – Secretary of State, who was 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, who held key positions under Obama.
These individuals, among others, have helped shape the Biden administration’s policies, many of which closely mirror those of the Obama era.
Obama’s Own Words Support the Theory
The idea that Biden’s administration serves as a continuation of Obama’s presidency is not new. In fact, Obama himself hinted at the possibility during an interview in 2020 with CBS’s Stephen Colbert. When asked if he would be interested in running for a third term if it were legally possible, 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.”
For many critics, Obama’s words seemed eerily prophetic, aligning with what they see happening under Biden’s leadership today.
Policy Continuity Between Obama and Biden
Beyond personnel, many of Biden’s policies strongly resemble those from the Obama years:
- Foreign Policy: The Biden administration’s approach to international affairs, particularly in handling relations with Iran, China, and Ukraine, has followed Obama-era strategies.
- Healthcare: Biden continues to expand upon the Affordable Care Act (commonly known as Obamacare), which was one of Obama’s signature legislative achievements.
- Economic Policies: Biden’s tax policies and economic recovery strategies mirror those of the Obama administration.
- Social and Environmental Policies: Issues such as climate change, racial equity, and progressive social policies have remained central themes under both presidents.
Why This Matters
The question of Obama’s role in the Biden administration is not just a partisan talking point—it has real implications for the country’s leadership and decision-making. If Biden is indeed heavily influenced by Obama’s network, it raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and who is truly setting the agenda in the White House.
Some political analysts argue that Biden, due to his age and reported cognitive decline, is not the primary decision-maker, making the role of his advisors even more critical. If those advisors are largely Obama-era officials, it suggests that Biden’s presidency is operating under a framework established by his predecessor rather than forging a distinct path forward.
Conservative Reactions and Criticism
Many conservative voices have long argued that Obama’s influence extends far beyond his two terms in office. They see Biden as a figurehead president, with real power residing among a cadre of former Obama officials and Democratic power players. Lindy Li’s comments add credibility to these claims, further fueling skepticism about Biden’s autonomy as commander-in-chief.
Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson previously 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 have also pointed to the striking similarities in crisis management between the two administrations, particularly in handling border security, inflation, and foreign policy conflicts.
The White House Response
Despite these claims, the Biden administration has consistently denied that Obama plays a significant role in shaping current policies. White House officials have stated that Biden is fully in charge and that his leadership is independent of Obama’s influence.
However, the continued presence of key Obama-era figures in Biden’s inner circle, along with Li’s confirmation of behind-the-scenes involvement, suggests that Obama’s legacy is far more than just a historical footnote—it is an active force in American politics today.
Conclusion
Lindy Li’s revelations on the “Shawn Ryan Show” confirm what many Americans have suspected: that the Biden administration is, in many ways, a continuation of Obama’s presidency. Whether this is seen as a positive continuation of Obama’s leadership or a sign of Biden’s lack of autonomy depends largely on political perspective.
Regardless of one’s stance, it is clear that the Obama-Biden connection remains strong, shaping policies, personnel choices, and the direction of the current administration. As the 2024 election approaches, this dynamic is likely to become a focal point in political debates, with conservatives continuing to question who is truly in charge at the White House.