Biden’s Afghanistan decisions focused on key advisors only

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In a recent CNN This Morning appearance, former Biden White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield addressed concerns raised by a Wall Street Journal report about President Biden’s leadership style and accessibility, particularly during critical moments like the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Bedingfield dismissed suggestions about limited access to the President, emphasizing that such complaints are commonplace in Washington. She pointed out that congressional representatives have historically expressed frustration about insufficient presidential access when they believe their expertise should be considered.

CNN commentator Kate Bedingfield claims Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter is totally defensible. pic.twitter.com/hLlEd57ksf

— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) December 3, 2024

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Drawing from her firsthand experience during the Afghanistan withdrawal, Bedingfield described spending extensive time in the Situation Room observing President Biden’s engagement with his national security team. According to her account, the President actively sought input from various sources, though not everyone who wanted to contribute may have had the opportunity.

“First of all, complaints about not getting enough access to the president are as old as the republic. Members of Congress are constantly complaining about not getting access to the president. That is a time-honored complaint that people have when they feel like they have expertise, they have political perspectives that should be shared. So, I think we should maintain that perspective,” Bedingfield stated.

Democrats need to "turn their fire on Donald Trump" – CNN contributor Kate Bedingfield before quickly backtracking.

Just imagine the outrage if it was a Fox host saying that about a Democrat days after an attempted ass*ss*nat*on on them.pic.twitter.com/bD5y2o8L8B

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 16, 2024

She defended the administration’s approach to information gathering and decision-making, suggesting that consulting every Washington insider with an opinion could potentially complicate and impair the decision-making process. Bedingfield emphasized that during the withdrawal, she witnessed Biden thoroughly questioning his national security team and military leaders, consistently engaging with crucial information and making difficult decisions.

“Hearing from every single person in Washington who has a perspective can actually be muddying and damaging and confusing,” she explained, reinforcing her view that the President maintained active engagement throughout the process while focusing on input from key advisors.