Thread by @AlexThomp

Scoop: A look at the template that the WH sends to staffers organizing events for POTUS.

"I staffed a simple fundraiser at a private residence, but they treated it like it was a NATO summit with his movements," a person who staffed a Biden event said.
axios.com/2024/07/07/bid…

Since the debate, some Dems who've attended and helped set up Biden events have wondered whether his team's focus on minute details were to obscure POTUS's limitations — rather than just a reflection of a meticulous staff.

Reality check: Organizing POTUS events is intensive and detail-focused for every president.

VP Harris' spokesperson Kirsten Allen told Axios: "These documents are standard logistical briefing materials and photos for any principal, including the VP."

Responding to the template document which also focused on the stage entrance, the staffer who worked Biden's event told Axios: "It surprised me that a seasoned political pro like the president would need detailed verbal and visual instructions on how to enter and exit a room."

Many of Biden's seemingly ordinary practices are receiving fresh scrutiny after his debate.

That even includes teleprompters--a normal POTUS practice--but Biden relies on them in distinct ways like using them at some short fundraiser addresses.
washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/…

Peter Selfridge, the WH Director of Advance under Obama and VP director of advance for Biden, told Axios: “This looks pretty normal to me. We did stuff like this too by my recollection. Camera tech has certainly improved!”

Thanks to @Boris_Sanchez for good questions about the nuances of this story and having me on.