Editorial: Biden Picks Insiders, Not Progressives
During the presidential race, Republicans had argued that, if elected, Joe Biden would serve as a figurehead for the Democratic Party's progressive activists. They said he would usher in socialism, albeit in a more genteel manner than Bernie Sanders.
Inauguration Day isn't until January 20, but the president-elect's initial Cabinet and transition-team choices suggest a return to the Washington, D.C.-style establishmentarianism that reined during the Obama and Bush administrations. There's a lot to dislike, but this is no socialistic takeover.
Progressives have seemed more discouraged by Biden's selections than conservatives. "(T)he bad news for progressives is that there has not yet been a single person announced that the left can be enthusiastic about," argued Nathan Robinson, in the Guardian. "Some of the choices are deeply concerning." That's fine by us.
Instead of putting Elizabeth Warren in charge of fiscal policy, Biden has selected economist Janet Yellen as treasury secretary. She led the Federal Reserve from 2014-2018. Conservatives told the Washington Examiner that they are "relieved" by the pick "because she is predictable, well respected, and likely to be centrist in her approach to governance."
Biden has selected Ron Klain, his longtime adviser with a deep governmental resume, as his chief of staff. He's received praise from some progressives, but also has been lauded by conservatives. Radio host Hugh Hewitt called him a "terrific choice." Biden's obvious focus here is on promoting stability, competence, experience and pragmatism.
For secretary of state, Biden has selected Antony Blinken, who had served as President Barack Obama's deputy secretary of state. He has vowed to support international alliances and rebuild American diplomatic efforts. Blinken's selection signals an expected shift from the Trump administration's erratic foreign policy, but he is a moderate. Many Republicans support this choice.
We'll be looking at Biden's other appointments as the new administration takes shape. We expect to disagree early and often with its policy approaches, but there's no reason to believe the new president is taking America in a particularly progressive or socialistic direction.
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