Anthony Bernal, dubbed as Jill Biden’s “work husband,” played a crucial yet covert role in shielding the public from Joe Biden’s cognitive issues. Insiders have likened Bernal to the Wizard of Oz, a figure of “enormous power” operating behind the scenes. According to reports, Bernal has been by Jill’s side since the 2008 Obama-Biden campaign, known for his relentless loyalty and intimidating presence.
In a video released by Project Veritas, former Democratic National Committee chair David Hogg described Bernal as having “enormous power,” while others compared him to a hidden puppet master. Former Biden staffer Deterrian Jones remarked, “That was like an open secret. I would avoid him, he was scary.” The mysterious figure of Bernal was said to be so influential that many within the White House feared him.
According to Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s book, *Original Sin*, Bernal was pivotal in the secretive “Politburo” that managed the Biden presidency. He was close to the Biden family during crucial times, including the peculiar “basement campaign” in 2020. When things began to unravel last summer, Bernal was one of the few non-family members to remain by their side.
Jill Biden and Bernal worked hand in glove, identifying “heretics” and monitoring who was loyal or opposed to them, the book details. Bernal’s unwavering dedication to the Bidens, combined with his ruthless demeanor toward perceived adversaries, made him an unpopular figure within the White House. “He would not be welcome at my funeral,” one aide candidly mentioned in Tapper and Thompson’s book.
Despite Jill’s insistence on being addressed as “Dr. Biden” by others, she allowed Bernal the privilege of first-name familiarity. His open identity as a gay man afforded him a unique level of intimacy with the former First Lady. Bernal offered candid opinions on Jill’s appearance as they crafted her public image, frequently highlighted by outlets like *Vogue*.
Even after Joe Biden’s presidency faced criticism during a key debate, Jill maintained her glamorous persona with Bernal’s help. Following the debate, Jill told *Vogue*, “We will continue to fight,” emphasizing that they wouldn’t let those 90 minutes define the presidency’s four years. This defiant stance came despite growing scrutiny over the administration’s performance.
Now, with the Bidens no longer in the White House, Jill faces increasing pressure to disclose what she knew about her husband’s health. The revelation of Joe Biden’s advanced prostate cancer diagnosis has only intensified calls for transparency. “Frankly, the former first lady should certainly speak up about what she saw in regards to her husband and when she saw it, and what she knew,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a May 29 briefing.
Hellbound and Down 