Biden's Transition Team has begun its vetting of cabinet officials according to Politico. He's going to reach across the aisle and give some to Republicans which is a decent move from a very decent man. It will drive Trump supporters crazy of course...but what doesn't?
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From the link:
Nevertheless, one person close to the Biden transition said it remains “a priority to have options” from different parts of the ideological spectrum for the former vice president to consider.
That person and another official familiar with the transition deliberations confirmed to POLITICO that Biden staffers are analyzing some Republicans’ backgrounds and resumes as they compile shortlists of candidates for high-profile Cabinet positions. The goal is to have some GOP options among the finalists that Biden would choose from after the election.
Among the names being floated for possible Biden Cabinet posts are Meg Whitman, the CEO of Quibi and former CEO of eBay, and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, both of whom spoke at August’s Democratic National Convention. Massachusetts GOP Gov. Charlie Baker and former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) have also been mentioned, as has former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), who resigned from Congress in 2018 and became a lobbyist.
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Biden transition said only that the team is not making any personnel decisions before the Nov. 3 election, but stressed that “diversity of ideology and background is a core value of the transition.”
Nominating a Republican to the Cabinet would be the latest in a series of steps Biden has taken to extend an olive branch across the aisle. His campaign regularly holds calls with a group of officials who have endorsed him, including Republicans. After giving multiple GOP supporters prime speaking slots at his August convention, he tapped others for roles on his transition team, including Cindy McCain, the wife of the late Republican Sen. John McCain.
“This plays to Joe Biden’s comfort zone,” said one former Republican member of Congress who is close to the Biden transition. “If you’re Joe Biden, of course you’re going to want to expand your base a little bit, show some outreach to the other side.”
Probably too early to start doing this but I really think the litmus test for DEMs on the cabinet is the following:
Are you interested in serving all possible 8 years as a cabinet secretary/undersecretary? If so, you need not apply. This is an on-the-job-training program. You get 4 years, max.
Are you over 55? If so...you need not apply. We're training the next 30 years of party leaders.
Do you have any political aspirations above cabinet secretary? If no...you need not apply. Self-evident.
What office do you think you'll want to have 3-5 years from now? If the answer isn't Governor or a Federal Office Holder...you need not apply. Again...serious inquiries only.
Joe needs to build the Party with some young officials; give them some experience running departments and let them get accustomed to the rigorous Washington schedule...and yes even the trappings of the office which are nice of course.
Governing is fine but start a farm team. Start planning for 2022, 2024 and beyond.
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Biden eyes GOP candidates for Cabinet slots
Progressives fret as Joe Biden's transition team vets a handful of Republicans for his potential administration.
www.politico.com
Nevertheless, one person close to the Biden transition said it remains “a priority to have options” from different parts of the ideological spectrum for the former vice president to consider.
That person and another official familiar with the transition deliberations confirmed to POLITICO that Biden staffers are analyzing some Republicans’ backgrounds and resumes as they compile shortlists of candidates for high-profile Cabinet positions. The goal is to have some GOP options among the finalists that Biden would choose from after the election.
Among the names being floated for possible Biden Cabinet posts are Meg Whitman, the CEO of Quibi and former CEO of eBay, and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, both of whom spoke at August’s Democratic National Convention. Massachusetts GOP Gov. Charlie Baker and former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) have also been mentioned, as has former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), who resigned from Congress in 2018 and became a lobbyist.
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Biden transition said only that the team is not making any personnel decisions before the Nov. 3 election, but stressed that “diversity of ideology and background is a core value of the transition.”
Nominating a Republican to the Cabinet would be the latest in a series of steps Biden has taken to extend an olive branch across the aisle. His campaign regularly holds calls with a group of officials who have endorsed him, including Republicans. After giving multiple GOP supporters prime speaking slots at his August convention, he tapped others for roles on his transition team, including Cindy McCain, the wife of the late Republican Sen. John McCain.
“This plays to Joe Biden’s comfort zone,” said one former Republican member of Congress who is close to the Biden transition. “If you’re Joe Biden, of course you’re going to want to expand your base a little bit, show some outreach to the other side.”
Probably too early to start doing this but I really think the litmus test for DEMs on the cabinet is the following:
Are you interested in serving all possible 8 years as a cabinet secretary/undersecretary? If so, you need not apply. This is an on-the-job-training program. You get 4 years, max.
Are you over 55? If so...you need not apply. We're training the next 30 years of party leaders.
Do you have any political aspirations above cabinet secretary? If no...you need not apply. Self-evident.
What office do you think you'll want to have 3-5 years from now? If the answer isn't Governor or a Federal Office Holder...you need not apply. Again...serious inquiries only.
Joe needs to build the Party with some young officials; give them some experience running departments and let them get accustomed to the rigorous Washington schedule...and yes even the trappings of the office which are nice of course.
Governing is fine but start a farm team. Start planning for 2022, 2024 and beyond.
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