Former President Joseph R. Biden and his wife Jill Biden can’t seem to distance themselves from T.J. Ducklo, despite reports that the spokesman has a history of bullying and sexually harassing a reporter.
Mr. Ducklo is back with the Bidens, this time as chief spokesman.
That’s surprising even to many on the left, who say his history should have made him persona non grata for the Bidens.
“President Biden and Dr. Biden shouldn’t be surprised that so much of the national media — and even many Democrats — no longer take them seriously or show them the respect deserving of a former first family. They continue to surround themselves with toxic spokespeople and advisers whose own credibility problems overshadow the case they’re trying to make,” a Democratic strategist told “Seen, Heard & Whispered.”
Mr. Ducklo was booted from the Biden White House press shop in 2021 for his remarks threatening to “destroy” a reporter who was working on a story about him. The spokesman reportedly made misogynistic comments suggesting the female reporter was jealous of a sexual relationship of a female colleague.
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He was brought back to the reelection campaign in 2023.
Now he’s back, helping Mrs. Biden roll out her memoir, “View From the East Wing: A Memoir,” which was released June 2.
The Democratic strategist, who says Mr. Ducklo has been let go three times, said the hiring undermines Mr. Biden’s past criticism of bullies.
“You can’t rehabilitate your public image with people who have public relations and credibility problems of their own,” the strategist said. “The Bidens either have terrible judgment or incredibly low standards. Either way, they demonstrate once again why they can’t seem to read a room.”
Mr. Ducklo and the Bidens’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
