Hunter Biden’s attorney played a significant role in President Biden’s decision to publicly acknowledge his seventh grandchild, Navy Joan Roberts, according to sources. A recent report from NBC shed light on the process that led to this acknowledgment, which was released to People magazine. The statement aimed to protect the privacy of the 4-year-old and preempt potential criticism from Republicans.
Timing of the Announcement and Hunter Biden’s Green Light
President Biden’s acknowledgment, referred to as a “Friday night news dump,” garnered criticism from conservatives due to its timing. The announcement was made after hours, but according to NBC sources, the President had sought approval from his son Hunter earlier in the week. Hunter advised his father that acknowledging Navy Joan Roberts would help counter potential attacks from Republicans.
The Impact of Maureen Dowd’s Column
Maureen Dowd, a columnist for the New York Times, played a role in President Biden’s decision to acknowledge his grandchild. Dowd’s article titled “It’s Seven Grandkids, Mr. President” criticized the President for not acknowledging Navy Joan Roberts, suggesting that his actions were callous towards the child. This column seemingly influenced the President’s decision to publicly acknowledge the seventh grandchild.
Considerations of Family Dynamics and Public Perception
The Biden family dynamics are expected to be a factor in the upcoming 2024 election. The White House believes that Americans can relate to the complexities of family relationships, and campaign aides predict that the focus will primarily be on the President’s record and the choices voters face in the general election, rather than his son’s offspring.
Public Acknowledgment on the Jay Shatty Podcast
President Biden chose to publicly acknowledge his seventh grandchild during an interview on the Jay Shatty Podcast. He highlighted the importance of regular communication with his grandchildren, emphasizing the significance of family in his life. He expressed his commitment to the well-being of all his grandchildren, including Navy Joan Roberts.
Privacy and Family Matters
President Biden made it clear in his statement to People magazine that his acknowledgment of his grandchild is not a political issue but a private matter. He emphasized the importance of privacy and reiterated his and First Lady Jill Biden’s dedication to the well-being of all their grandchildren, including Navy Joan Roberts.
White House Banking on Public Sympathy
As the 2024 election approaches, the White House hopes that the American public will understand and empathize with the complexities of family dynamics, which are common to many households. Campaign aides believe that the election’s outcome will depend on President Biden’s record and the choices voters face in the general election, rather than focusing on his family matters.