MSNBC Host Raises Concerns Over Biden's Inner Circle of 'White Men in Their 60s'

During an interview with a Biden campaign spokesperson, MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell questioned whether the president's advisors, all white men in their 60s, are creating an echo chamber that could hinder his re-election efforts.

MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell sparked controversy on Monday by questioning the composition of President Biden's inner circle, which she noted is exclusively comprised of "White men in their 60s" ahead of Thursday's CNN Presidential Debate.

During an interview with Adrienne Elrod, a senior spokesperson for Biden's re-election campaign, Mitchell raised concerns about the lack of diversity within the president's closest advisors. "There’s a profile of the three closest advisers, longest-serving advisers, informal and formal advisers to the president, and they’re all White men in their 60s or higher — former Sen. Ted Kaufman is 85 years old. Is that too insular?" she asked.

MSNBC Host Raises Concerns Over Biden's Inner Circle of 'White Men in Their 60s'

Elrod defended the president's advisors, highlighting their experience and loyalty. "I know them very well. These are loyal, dedicated public servants who have a lot of experience and who were part of the team that really help get some of these major economic policies in place under President Biden’s first term in the White House," she told Mitchell.

Elrod emphasized that there are "plenty of other women" around the president, including former White House deputy chief of staff Jen O’Malley Dillon and longtime advisor Anita Dunn. However, she did not address Mitchell's concerns about age or lack of diversity.

MSNBC Host Raises Concerns Over Biden's Inner Circle of 'White Men in Their 60s'

The issue of Biden's inner circle has been raised before. A recent New York Times article titled "The Insiders: 3 Men at the Core of Biden’s Brain Trust," highlighted the influence of former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, longtime Biden adviser Mike Donilon, and former Sen. Ted Kaufman. The article claimed that Biden consults with these advisors multiple times a day and seeks their input on major decisions.

While Biden's campaign has assembled a diverse group of operatives, policy experts, and cabinet secretaries, the Times article suggested that he reserves his full trust for a small circle of insiders who are "the definition of old school."

MSNBC Host Raises Concerns Over Biden's Inner Circle of 'White Men in Their 60s'

Democratic strategists and advisors have expressed concerns about the direction of the campaign under Biden's current team. According to Axios, some individuals feel pressure not to speak up in meetings, particularly when Biden's most trusted advisors are present. "There is a hesitance to raise skepticism or doubt about the current path, for fear of being viewed as disloyal," an anonymous official told Axios.

Despite these concerns, Elrod insisted that Biden is surrounded by a strong and capable team that will prepare him for the upcoming debate.

MSNBC Host Raises Concerns Over Biden's Inner Circle of 'White Men in Their 60s'

The issue of diversity and inclusion within Biden's inner circle is likely to continue to be debated as the presidential election draws near.