| | | | |  | | By Lauren Egan, Eli Stokols and Ben Johansen | Presented by the League of United Latin American Citizens | Welcome to POLITICO’s West Wing Playbook, your guide to the people and power centers in the Biden administration. Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Eli | Email Lauren ATLANTA, Georgia — As President JOE BIDEN delivered his commencement address at Morehouse College, ticking through his biography, threats to democracy and the accomplishments he’d made for Black voters, the response from the audience was muted. But that didn’t mean students weren’t reacting. A GroupMe chat involving the senior class of 2024 was humming throughout. And the reviews were rough. Few said they were impressed by the president’s remarks, according to three students in the chat who described it to West Wing Playbook. Some expressed boredom. Others chimed in that they wished Rev. REGINALD WAYNE SHARPE JR., who delivered a moving and inspirational baccalaureate speech to the class the day before, had been given the commencement slot instead. “[Biden’s] speech didn’t move me at all. It was very much so a campaign speech. Like, ‘Oh I did this for the Black community,’” said JEREMY MENSAH, a 2024 Morehouse graduate who voted for Biden in 2020 but was unsure how he would vote this November. “I didn’t feel connected to it.” Not everyone in the crowd was sour on Biden. KERRY DEMOND SINGLETON, another ’24 grad, said he was “extremely impressed by his direct approach to the issues and concerns of the Morehouse graduates.” But the larger, unenthused response underscored a painful reality for the White House as it aims to shore up its standing before the November election. The problem the president faces on college campuses isn’t just protests — it’s apathy. Biden’s 30-minute long address at the historically Black college featured no major disruption or protest over the Israel-Hamas war, which many Democrats had feared. And for that, the White House was relieved. But Biden’s team doesn’t need to just sidestep public demonstrations, it needs to turn out new or on-the-fence voters. And there was little evidence on Sunday that Biden had been able to do that — at least on a large scale. “He went on for a little bit, kind of a rant. I didn’t know what he was talking about for a while,” said ISAIAH WHITE, a 2024 graduate. “No one really clapped when Biden was talking. I think honestly it said a lot. Like, ‘You’re our president, cool. We’re here for Morehouse but we don’t really support what you’re doing.’” Biden’s Morehouse speech was highly anticipated given that it was the first time he addressed a large group of college students since pro-Palestinian protests broke out at schools across the country earlier this spring. He used the opportunity to not just list the achievements his administration has made for Black Americans and historically Black colleges, like Morehouse, but to express empathy with the plight of the Gazans. He noted that he had a family member who was also distraught at the humanitarian crisis there. Beyond the scattered applause — and a good laugh when he said his vice president, KAMALA HARRIS, would be the first HBCU grad to serve as president, before any of them — there was little reaction. Part of it may have been the tension that had built up over the weeks before, with the college’s president threatening to shut down the ceremony if public protest ensued. But the students also read it another way: that Biden doesn’t have the formula or the capacity to excite them. “That was a disappointment. Classic politician. It felt rehearsed,” said HASANI COMER, class of 2023. Some Democratic operatives close to the White House viewed the speech as a natural opportunity for Biden to reengage with young Black voters, particularly at a time when polls show former President DONALD TRUMP cutting into Biden’s lead among this demographic. Some Democrats, along with students, advised the White House to keep the speech focused on the students’ achievements and to not make it too much of a campaign pitch or get bogged down in responding to campus debates about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Others suggested that Biden talk about his economic vision and his plans to invest in the Black community. And despite general apathy among students whom West Wing Playbook spoke with, a few walked away grateful to have seen the president. “The president had a difficult job,” said HERBERT JONES, a 2024 graduate. “I’m satisfied with it.” But as they made their way across the damp lawn at the conclusion of the ceremony, several students expressed envy about the commencement ceremony taking place later that afternoon at the neighboring sister school, Spelman College. Actress ANGELA BASSETT was this year’s commencement speaker and Supreme Court Justice KETANJI BROWN JACKSON was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. “Biden receiving the honorary award was in poor taste,” said DALTON FAVORS, class of 2024. “It was the wrong choice to make. A Morehouse man is one that cares about peace internationally.” MESSAGE US — Are you ANGELA BASSETT? We want to hear from you. And we’ll keep you anonymous! Email us at westwingtips@politico.com. Did someone forward this email to you? 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| | | | A message from the League of United Latin American Citizens: The Dept. of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to terminate a longstanding partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico could threaten travelers, including Latino families, with higher fares and fewer choices. Get the facts. | | | | | Which first lady turned to astrology in the White House to protect her husband? (Answer at bottom.)
| | ANXIOUSLY WATCHING IRAN: The Biden administration is closely monitoring how Iran reacts to the sudden death of its president, EBRAHIM RAISI. Senior U.S. officials expect the status quo to hold but are still wary the country could escalate tensions by blaming the U.S. or Israel for the helicopter crash, our ALEXANDER WARD, JONATHAN LEMIRE, LARA SELIGMAN and NAHAL TOOSI report. The officials spent Sunday anxiously awaiting updates from the search for the missing helicopter. “For a little while, it was not a crazy question to ask ‘Is this how World War III begins?’” one said. Additionally, officials anticipate few — if any — changes in Iranian policies before the Islamist-led country elects a new president. The top spokesperson for the State Department MATTHEW MILLER offered the administration’s “official condolences,” adding that the U.S. “reaffirms our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms.” SHUTTING IT DOWN: President Biden denounced the “outrageous” announcement from the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor on Monday requesting arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU and Hamas leader YAHYA SINWAR in connection with the Oct. 7 attacks and the war in Gaza. “Let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas,” Biden said in the statement. “We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.” THE HATCH ACT, BUT WITH TEETH: Soon, the Hatch Act may be more than just a crutch press secretaries use to avoid answering select questions in the briefing room. HAMPTON DELLINGER, new head of the Office of Special Counsel, which oversees enforcement of the Hatch Act, writes for POLITICO Magazine that he intends to close the "escape hatch” that currently exempts White House officials. Dellinger said those officials can still be disciplined after leaving the federal government for violations that occurred prior to their departure. WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE WANTS YOU TO READ: This piece by ABC Detroit's BRETT KAST, who spoke with several attendees of the NAACP’s annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, where President Biden received a standing ovation. “I'm definitely backing him, because I see what my alternative is and I can't support something like that,” said JAMES DUELL, one of the attendees. "Everybody needs to get out and vote in this election, our freedoms are at stake.” Another guest, FELICIA WISEMAN, said it was important for the attendees to hear Biden speak directly about his legislative accomplishments. Campaign spokesperson DANIEL WESSEL shared the piece on X. WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE DOESN’T WANT YOU TO READ: This piece by The Atlantic’s ANNIE LOWREY, who writes that Biden is “losing his reelection campaign” despite “presiding over the strongest economy the United States has ever experienced.” There are two central components to voters’ dissatisfaction, Lowrey argues. First, Americans are unhappier with the state of the economy than the headline numbers suggest. And two, they’re thinking less about the economy on the whole. “A strong economy did not save Trump from becoming a one-term president. It might not save Biden either,” Lowrey writes. WHEN YOU MAKE THE MISTAKE OF ASSUMING PEOPLE HAVE READ YOUR BOOK: It’s a Washington truism that the people who go to your book party, even those who praise your book on X or cable news, likely aren’t reading the book. So it was a risk for former press secretary JEN PSAKI to work a joke into her commencement address at George Washington University about not knowing who CHANCE THE RAPPER is, since one would only get it if they’d read her book, “Say More.” (Lauren did!) The book included an anecdote about Psaki asking Chance what he did when they were seated together at a state dinner. Needless to say, it didn't quite land.
| | | | THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists.
Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY. | | | | | | | | FIRST IN WEST WING PLAYBOOK: On Tuesday, climate advocates from across the country will gather in front of a Biden campaign office in Nevada, demanding that the president declare a climate emergency and use executive action to protect communities most affected by climate change. Among the organizations applying pressure on Biden are the Center for Popular Democracy Action and Make the Road Nevada. “President Biden has the power and moral obligation to take a stand on this critical issue,” a Make the Road Nevada spokesperson said. These protests have become somewhat customary in the climate activism space and, it should be noted, are not always looked fondly upon by others there, who note that Biden has made historic strides on climate policy. ALL IN FOR JOE: The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ rights group in the United States, is launching a $15 million commitment to mobilize voters in six battleground states to help Biden’s reelection campaign, NBC’s SAHIL KAPUR reports. The spending blitz — which will target voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada — includes paid ads, staff hires, field campaigns and events in all of those states. HRC estimates that this year, there will be 75 million “equality voters” — who vote based on support for LGBTQ rights — up from 62 million in 2020 and 52 million in 2016. But the group says one-third of them aren’t a lock for Biden, another example of the work the president still needs to do to shore up traditional constituencies. STRIKE ANOTHER POSE: Organized by the Biden Victory Fund, fashion media executive ANNA WINTOUR and designer TOM FORD are hosting a campaign reception with Maryland Gov. WES MOORE on Tuesday night. Tickets to the event, which will take place in New York City, cost $5,000 each.
| | FIRST IN WEST WING PLAYBOOK: PATRICK DILLON on Monday started as senior adviser at the Commerce Department, where he will work on external affairs for CHIPS and AI, our DANIEL LIPPMAN has learned. He most recently was a partner at Hilltop Public Solutions and is a BARACK OBAMA White House alum. Our biggest question: Will he tone down his posts on X or continue to let it rip? — Three former Biden Transportation Department appointees are heading to advisory firm EpicWorks Advisors, Lippman has also learned. EDWARD McGLONE, a former deputy assistant secretary for congressional affairs, will be VP; BRYSON HUGHES, who was deputy director of operations and advisor to the deputy secretary, will be chief of staff; and EMILY SCHWENINGER, who was a senior policy adviser for transportation health and safety, will be senior adviser. — JACK MILLER has been promoted to communications director at the Office of Personnel Management. Miller is a Rep. AMI BERA (D-Calif.), Rep. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (D-D.C.) and USAID alum.
| | | | A message from the League of United Latin American Citizens:   | | | | | THE END OF GRU: FDIC Chair MARTIN GRUENBERG said on Monday that he was prepared to resign “once a successor is confirmed” for his post. Shortly thereafter the White House released a statement saying Biden “will soon put forward a new nominee for FDIC chair.” And so it goes. The dual announcements came after Sen. SHERROD BROWN (D-Ohio), chair of the Senate Banking Committee, called on President Biden to replace Gruenberg, our VICTORIA GUIDA reports. A report into the FDIC workplace found widespread sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying at the bank regulator. In reaction, Brown said he was left with one conclusion. “There must be fundamental changes at the FDIC,” he said. “Those changes begin with new leadership, who must fix the agency’s toxic culture and put the women and men who work there — and their mission — first.” NOT ON BOARD: Treasury Secretary JANET YELLEN said the U.S. opposes a proposed global tax on billionaires, rejecting an idea floated by Brazil, France and other nations, WSJ’s ANDREW DUEHREN reports. “We believe in progressive taxation. But the notion of some common global arrangement for taxing billionaires with proceeds redistributed in some way — we’re not supportive of a process to try to achieve that. That’s something we can’t sign on to,” she said. Yellen is set to meet later this week with counterparts from the Group of Seven advanced democracies, who are expected to discuss the proposed tax. Devil is in the details, of course, but Biden has previously expressed some support for a billionaires’ tax. TOLD YA SO: The top U.S. general in Afghanistan during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal repeatedly warned Washington that security would get “very bad, very fast,” WaPo’s DAN LAMOTHE reports. Retired Gen. AUSTIN SCOTT MILLER told the House Foreign Affairs Committee in closed-door testimony last month that he was so frustrated with the Biden administration’s “lack of understanding of the risk” that he privately warned a Marine Corps commander to prepare for “really adverse conditions.” The newly-obtained interview transcript gives Biden’s critics fresh political ammunition as they seek to discredit his foreign policy ahead of November, Lamothe writes.
| | | | Biden pledged to ‘end this uncivil war.’ Nearly 4 years later, it still rages on (NBC’s Peter Nicholas and Jonathan Allen) Biden and Trump Hunt for Breakthrough Moment in Stagnant Election (WSJ’s Catherine Lucey and Aaron Zitner) Meet “the Inspector General” of the New York Times Newsroom (Vanity Fair’s Charlotte Klein) Foxtrot is plotting a D.C. comeback (Axios’ Anna Spiegel)
| | | | A message from the League of United Latin American Citizens: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced its tentative decision to terminate the partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico.
If DOT cancels the Delta / Aeroméxico partnership, 23 flight routes between the U.S. and Mexico are at risk of cancellation.
If the Department of Transportation moves forward with terminating this agreement, travelers, including Latino families, could be hit with higher fares and fewer choices.
It’s no wonder why a recent survey found that over 70% of Mexican-American voters oppose this DOT proposal. Get the facts. | | | | | In the aftermath of RONALD REAGAN’s 1981 assassination attempt, NANCY REAGAN brought in astrologer JOAN QUIGLEY to determine a questionable amount of the president’s schedule, according to former Reagan chief of staff DONALD REGAN’s memoir. “Virtually every major move and decision the Reagans made during my time as White House chief of staff was cleared in advance with a woman in San Francisco who drew up horoscopes to make certain that the planets were in favorable alignment for the enterprise,” he wrote. Quigley’s 1990 memoir confirmed this assertion, saying she was responsible for timing all press conferences, most speeches, the State of the Union addresses, the takeoffs and landings of Air Force One. She added: “I picked the time of Reagan's debate with [President Jimmy] Carter and the two debates with Walter Mondale; all extended trips abroad as well as the shorter trips and one-day excursions.” A CALL OUT! Do you think you have a harder trivia question? Send us your best one about the presidents, with a citation or sourcing, and we may feature it! Edited by Sam Stein and Rishika Dugyala.
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