A former **Democratic National Committee (DNC) official**, **Lindy Li**, has publicly confirmed long-standing speculation that **President Joe Biden’s administration** is deeply influenced by **former President Barack Obama**. Speaking on the “Shawn Ryan Show”, Li suggested that Biden’s presidency functions as a **"third term" for Obama**, with key **Obama-era officials** still controlling **major policy decisions** behind the scenes.
A ‘Third Term’ for Obama?
During the interview, Li revealed that **Obama’s influence on the Biden administration** is much stronger than the public has been led to believe. She stated:
“There are so many holdovers from the Obama years still running things behind the scenes. It’s not surprising that many of the policies we see today closely resemble those from 2008-2016.”
Her statement aligns with long-standing **conservative claims** that the **Biden administration’s policies, personnel, and governance style** closely reflect Obama’s legacy.
The Key Figures Linking Obama and Biden
Many of **Biden’s top advisors** 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 – Former **National Security Advisor** under Obama and **Biden’s Domestic Policy Advisor** until 2023.
- Ron Klain – Former **Chief of Staff** to both **Obama and Biden**.
- Antony Blinken – **Secretary of State**, previously **Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor**.
- Jen Psaki – Former **White House Press Secretary**, previously **a senior communications official under Obama**.
- Jake Sullivan – **Biden’s National Security Advisor**, held **key positions under Obama**.
These individuals, among others, have **helped shape Biden’s policies**, which many say **mirror Obama’s tenure**.
Obama’s Own Words Add to Speculation
Obama himself hinted at the possibility of **influencing a future administration** during a **2020 interview** with **CBS’s Stephen Colbert**. When asked about serving a **third term**, he 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.”
Critics of Biden’s leadership argue that **this scenario is unfolding in real time**, with Obama’s allies **driving policy behind the scenes**.
Policy Continuity Between Obama and Biden
Beyond personnel, **Biden’s policies closely resemble Obama’s**, including:
- Foreign Policy: The **Biden administration’s approach to Iran, China, and Ukraine** follows **Obama-era strategies**.
- Healthcare: Biden continues **expanding the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)**.
- Economic Policies: Biden’s **tax policies and stimulus efforts** are nearly identical to **Obama’s 2009-2016 economic recovery plans**.
- Social and Environmental Policies: Climate change, racial equity, and progressive social policies **remain central themes under both presidents**.
Why This Matters
The **extent of Obama’s influence in Biden’s presidency** is a key issue for many **Americans concerned about transparency**. If **Biden is heavily reliant on Obama’s network**, it raises concerns about **who is truly setting the agenda in the White House**.
Some political analysts argue that due to **Biden’s age and reported cognitive struggles**, decision-making power has **shifted to his inner circle**, primarily made up of **former Obama officials**.
Conservative Reactions and Criticism
Conservatives have long claimed that **Obama’s influence extends beyond his two terms**. **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 highlighted the **similarities in crisis management** between the two administrations, particularly regarding **border security, inflation, and foreign policy conflicts**.
The White House Response
The **Biden administration denies that Obama plays a major role** in shaping policy. White House officials have **dismissed claims** of Obama’s influence as **conservative conspiracy theories**.
However, **Lindy Li’s confirmation**, combined with the **continued presence of key Obama-era figures**, suggests that **Obama’s impact on the Biden White House remains significant**.
Final Thoughts
Li’s revelations on the **Shawn Ryan Show** have reignited the debate over **Biden’s autonomy** and **Obama’s behind-the-scenes role**. Whether seen as **a continuation of Obama’s leadership** or **a sign of Biden’s lack of independence**, the Obama-Biden connection remains strong.
As the **2024 election approaches**, this dynamic will likely become a **major focal point** in **political debates**, with conservatives continuing to question **who is truly in charge** at the White House.
