Former Biden Campaign Manager Mike Donilon's Compensation and Advice

Campaign Role and Compensation

• 🎯 Mike Donilon, former advisor to President Biden, testified about his compensation as campaign manager.
• 💰 He stated he was paid just under $4 million for his role in the 2024 campaign.
• 🗓️ These payments were made in monthly installments throughout the campaign.

Advice to Stay in the Race

• 💡 Donilon recalled believing that President Biden should stay in the race even after a debate.
• ✅ He also recollected that President Biden himself wanted to stay in the race.
• 🧠 Donilon had a strong substantive view that Biden would be the best president due to his legislative experience and proposals.

Financial Incentives and Judgment

• ❓ The council questioned if Donilon's financial stake influenced his advice to the president.
• 🤝 Donilon stated that his advice was not a factor, as he had a long-standing belief in Biden.
• 🔒 He recalled the agreement for his compensation as a guarantee negotiated upfront.
• 📈 A bonus of $4 million was possible if Joe Biden was reelected President of the United States.
• 🤔 Donilon acknowledged that a significant payday, like $4 million, could impact someone's judgment in general circumstances.
• ⚠️ He noted that the incentive was to keep the president in the race, yet he ultimately advised withdrawal.

Decision to Withdraw

• 📉 Donilon came to the judgment that President Biden should withdraw from the race on the weekend the decision was made.
• 🗣️ Up until that point, he continued to advocate for Biden to stay in the race.