Although the Trump Administration has yet to aid in the traditional presidential transition of power, the Biden-Harris Administration has begun to form. In recent weeks, there have been some new additions to the incoming administrative team, and I’m here to introduce you to some of them. In contrast to the Trump Administration, the Biden Administration is already showing some diversity in race and gender so that the government may actually somewhat represent the electorate!
To start, Biden has named Ron Klain, who served in the Obama administration, as his Chief of Staff. Klain has years of experience, and witnessed the Obama administration’s response to the 2014 Ebola health crisis, which may help in fighting Covid-19 (Moore). As his Deputy Chief of Staff, Biden selected Jen O’Malley Dillon, who played a major role in campaigning for Joe Biden, and is credited with helping him win. She has worked with the Obama administration, and also with the DNC. Biden named Steve Ricchetti as the Counselor to the President, and Ricchetti has served in the Obama and Clinton administrations (Moore). Furthermore, Biden chose Cedric Richmond as the Director of the Office of Public Engagement. Richmond worked within the Biden campaign and “is a five-term Louisiana congressman and former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus,” proving that he is well prepared (Moore). Lastly, Julie Chávez Rodriguez was named as the Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. She has worked with both the Biden and Harris presidential campaigns, as well as the Obama administration (Moore).
As more cabinet members are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, notable contenders include Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders, and more. Many are claiming a fracture within the Democratic Party, but I believe that President-elect Biden, who is known for his uniting abilities, will help define the party’s role moving forward.
Moore, Elena, and Audrey Carlsen. “Biden Administration: Here’s Who Has Been Named So Far.” NPR, NPR, 17 Nov. 2020, www.npr.org/2020/11/17/933848488/biden-administration-heres-who-has-been-nominated.