Michael LaRosa, first lady Jill Biden’s former communications director, has worked for the biggest hitters in Biden’s inner circle for nearly three years, first on the campaign and then in the White House. Now, he’s a managing director at the influential Penta Group, the messaging shop once known as Hamilton Place Strategies, founded by current Goldman honcho Tony Fratto. LaRosa can be frequently seen on cable news, offering his cutting insights and analysis. 

Long before that, however, we met in our 20s when he was a producer for Chris Matthews’ Hardball, before he went on to become a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi during her speakership. On Tuesday, we met for breakfast at the Regency, which is where everyone has breakfast in Midtown. He’s also working with Facts First USA, which seems to be the most hawkish super PAC defending Hunter Biden from congressional investigations. Our conversation has been condensed and edited. 

Tara Palmeri: Let’s start with the most gossiped-about topic in D.C. besides the fading DeSantasy. Should Dianne Feinstein resign?