‘Lady Mac-Biden’: All the criticism Jill Biden is facing as she plays role of Joe Biden’s defender-in-chief

Jill Biden: Criticism FLOTUS faces as she emerges as Joe Biden's closest advisor

The age and fitness of President Joe Biden for a second term have been subjects of considerable debate ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Despite repeated assertions of his intent to run again, his performance in the June 27 debate ignited fresh concerns. Many pundits suggested that his family, particularly his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, would have to persuade him to step aside. However, Jill Biden does not appear to have any plans for her husband to drop out, fiercely defending and touting his capabilities and intentions. Her role as the First Lady has now become more significant, drawing considerable criticism in the process. Let's take a look at the various facets of Jill Biden's influence and the scrutiny she faces in her role as Joe Biden’s staunchest advocate.

1. ‘My name is Joe Biden and I’m Jill’s husband’

At political rallies, Joe Biden often starts his speeches with the line, "My name is Joe Biden and I’m Jill’s husband," a statement that once served as a humorous nod to his wife's accomplishments. However, in recent times, this line has taken on a different connotation, suggesting a shift in the dynamic of their public personas. Dr Jill Biden, as she prefers to be called, has increasingly taken charge of her husband's campaign, especially evident after the June 27 debate. An insider revealed to the Spectator, “The only person who has ultimate influence with him is the First Lady.” Despite calls from within the Democratic Party for Biden to step aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, Jill remains resolute. She believes, in her professional opinion, that Joe Biden is still the best person for the job.

2. Jill Biden blasted for treating Joe Biden like a ‘toddler’

The aftermath of the June 27 debate saw Jill Biden facing harsh criticism for her perceived patronizing behavior toward her husband. At a 'Let’s Go Joe' watch party in Atlanta, she praised Joe with comments that many found condescending. “You did such a great job answering every question. You knew all the facts,” she said. Social media erupted with criticism, with one viewer remarking, “Why is everyone okay with our president being talked to like a 3-year-old that just went potty all by himself? This is criminal." Another wrote, "Wow ..... It's like Jill Biden was praising a toddler to get cheers for reinforcement so they feel better. This man should not have a title of president." Someone else quipped, "Joe was such a good boy, he'll get two scoops of ice cream tonight."

3. Lady Mac-Biden

In a scathing op-ed for the Daily Caller, columnist Mary Rooke compared Jill Biden to Lady Macbeth, accusing her of clinging to power at the expense of her husband's dignity. The Vogue magazine cover featuring Jill Biden with the tagline 'We Will Determine Our Future' last week exemplified her growing influence. "Jill has power—real, unbridled power—and she is not willing to give it up, even if it humiliates her husband," Rooke wrote. Rooke argues that, unlike former Presidents who transitioned into lucrative post-office careers, Joe Biden lacks such prospects. "Unlike former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, Biden will not have high-dollar speaking engagements, elite party invitations, and the other money-making perks they had when he leaves office. He’s not one of them and never has been. They know this, which is why she and Hunter are pushing him to stay in the race. Like Lady Macbeth, Jill and Hunter’s grip on power rests on Joe being president." She concluded, “Nothing will come between them and the American throne, even if this ruins him or exposes their dark souls.”

4. Jill Biden slammed by ex-husband for letting Joe Biden run for President

Adding to the chorus of criticism, Jill Biden’s ex-husband, Bill Stevenson, voiced his disapproval of her encouragement of Joe Biden's presidential bid. Stevenson, who was married to Jill from 1970 to 1975, told the New York Post, “The Dr Jill Biden I've seen on TV in the last five years is not the same person I married or even recognize.” He expressed disbelief at her insistence on keeping Joe in the race despite his apparent struggles, remarking, “I just don’t understand why she is so adamant about defending him and keeping him in the race since it appears that he’s struggling.” Stevenson added, “I’ve been proud of her at certain moments. I have no hard feelings … I’m just surprised to see her front and center in the middle of this battle after flying under the radar for so many years. She’s always been very driven. People say she’s the one who wants to be president now."

5. Is Jill Biden running a shadow presidency?

Megyn Kelly, in an interview with Piers Morgan, lambasted Jill Biden as a “power-hungry aspirant” running a “shadow presidency.” Kelly criticized Jill’s appearance on the cover of Vogue and her behavior during and after the debate, comparing her to a mother guiding a toddler. Her harshest critique was, “She tweeted out a photo of herself sitting in the president’s chair… She’s not the damn president. Get out of the chair. No one wants you at the G7. No one elected you to lead us politically.” The veteran newscaster added, "She’s power-hungry. She wants it. What did we see from her on debate night? We saw her take the stage and guide the president of the United States down the stairs like a mama would a toddler. Like you and I both did when our kids were babies. And then after the debate, that clip that was everywhere with her saying: ‘You did it. You answered all the questions.’ Again, speaking to [him] the way I speak to my dog when he sits on command. This is the leader of the free world. She knows how infirm he is. She wants a shadow presidency."

6. Role of Joe Biden’s closest advisor

Despite mounting criticism, Jill Biden remains one of President Biden’s most trusted advisors. Her influence is crucial in his decision-making processes, and she has stood by him throughout his long political career. Veteran Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkopf told the BBC, “It’s fair to call her Biden’s closest adviser. Family matters to him significantly and that makes Jill Biden’s role even more important.” Her steadfast support has been a source of strength for Joe Biden, and her counsel could play a pivotal role in whether he decides to continue his pursuit of a second term. "When he gets knocked down, Joe gets back up, and that’s what we’re doing today," the FLOTUS declared following his disastrous debate performance on June 27.