The Unusual Phone Call That Led to a Change in Biden’s Number
A recent incident involving former President Joe Biden has sparked interest, revealing how his team handled a reporter’s attempt to reach him. According to a book titled How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, written by Josh Dawsey of The Wall Street Journal, Tyler Pager of The New York Times, and Isaac Arnsdorf of The Washington Post, there was an unusual phone call that led to significant changes in Biden’s personal communication.
In late March, Tyler Pager managed to get hold of Biden’s personal phone number and made a call. According to the authors, Biden agreed to speak for the book the next day. The following morning, he answered the call and shared his thoughts on his predecessor and successor, former President Donald Trump. “I don’t see anything he’s done that’s been productive,” Biden said during the conversation.
When asked about his decision to end his 2024 re-election campaign, Biden responded, “No, not now. I don’t spend a lot of time on regrets.” After the call, he hung up as he was boarding an Amtrak train.
A Strong Reaction from Biden’s Team
What followed was a series of intense actions from Biden’s aides. The authors noted that after the first call, furious Biden aides repeatedly called and texted Pager. They even blocked his number and removed Biden’s number from use within two days. When Pager tried calling again, a Verizon recording played, stating, “The number you dialed has been changed, disconnected, or is no longer in service.”
This incident highlights the tight control Biden’s inner circle maintained during his presidency and the 2024 campaign. The authors pointed out that unlike Biden, former President Trump had a more relaxed approach and often took calls from reporters.
Challenges Faced by the Reporter
Pager, who had requested an interview with Biden multiple times, faced resistance from the former president’s team. According to his account, one aide reportedly screamed at him, while others sent frantic texts trying to figure out how he had obtained Biden’s phone number. His follow-up calls were met with a voicemail that simply said “Joe” before the number was taken offline.
This situation illustrates the challenges journalists face when trying to reach high-profile political figures. It also raises questions about the extent to which a president’s team manages their public interactions and the methods used to protect their privacy.
The Broader Implications
The incident underscores the importance of communication strategies in modern politics. With the rise of digital media and social platforms, maintaining control over a candidate’s image and messaging has become increasingly complex. Biden’s team appears to have taken decisive action to prevent further contact with the reporter, suggesting a strong emphasis on managing public perception.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, such incidents serve as reminders of the delicate balance between transparency and privacy. For journalists, it also highlights the need for persistence and adaptability when pursuing stories involving influential figures.
Ultimately, this story offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of political communication and the lengths to which teams will go to safeguard their clients’ interests.
