Joe Biden Shakes Up Campaign Leadership, Elevating Anita Dunn

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Anita Dunn, a veteran Democratic operative and top adviser to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., is taking on an expanded role in his campaign as he seeks a reset after a disastrous fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.

“She will be working closely with us on campaign strategy and overall coordination on budget and personnel as we build a bigger campaign for the next phase,” according to a campaign email obtained by The New York Times.

The email was sent on Thursday by Greg Schultz, Mr. Biden’s campaign manager, and a longtime Biden adviser, Steve Ricchetti, who have had differences with each other, reflecting internal generational tensions that have divided the Biden campaign, according to some Democrats close to it.

Ms. Dunn’s new role was greeted enthusiastically by some on Mr. Biden’s staff who have been frustrated by the bickering and view her as a unifying and respected figure across generational lines.

The move follows days of speculation inside Mr. Biden’s Philadelphia headquarters about potential staff shake-ups following a disappointing Iowa result that has complicated Mr. Biden’s path forward. Before her elevation, Ms. Dunn had been focused chiefly on communications strategy.

Her new leadership role, which came with Mr. Biden’s blessing, signals that the campaign recognizes a need to make changes. But it’s not clear that promoting Ms. Dunn will alter Mr. Biden’s trajectory in the race — or be the last change Mr. Biden makes.

Ms. Dunn is a longtime Democratic strategist who has worked on a number of presidential campaigns and grew close to Mr. Biden when she worked in the Obama White House. She has been dividing her time between Washington, the Philadelphia headquarters and on the campaign trail with Mr. Biden.

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