tOfficial Biden Transition Thread

by **Floyd Robertson** 2020-11-11, 17:42

I thought it would be a good idea to separate the election thread from the transition, where we can speculate on Cabinet positions and so on.

Multiple media outlets are reporting Klain is the leading COS candidate.

Biden poised to announce his chief of staff as early as Thursday, with Ron Klain the leading finalist

Should Biden make a break and appoint a woman or POC COS? Why not Susan Rice?

What position will Yang have? Does Bident take a chance and pick Elizabeth Warren for a cabinet spot, risking losing her experience in the senate?

by **Rocinante** 2020-11-11, 17:54

He shouldn’t announce his cabinet until after the runoff IMO.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-11-11, 19:58

Klain apparently had a big role in the Ebola response, so I think that is a good pick in terms of the signal that sends.

Rice will be a candidate for SecState, unless they think the Beghazi stuff will follow her (depending how the GA runoffs go).

I think he may go with a woman as SecDef. I've read some buzz about Michele Flournoy, but also that she might not be a popular choice among the left.

Sue Gordon is thought to be a leading candidate for DNI. She was Deputy DNI and quit after Trump screwed her by not giving her the head job when Coats (?) quit last year. Top reputation from both sides of the aisle.

In general, I want people with real experience in these departments, not politicians. Most of the best people would be ones whose names most Americans don't know, especially in the various international relations/national security positions.

by **kingstonlake** 2020-11-11, 20:46

I donated seven times to the Biden campaign. I fully anticipate being named ambassador to Bora Bora. I'm telling ya'll right now, soon as the residence gets about 3/4 of a million in upgrades I'm throwing a hella Swill jam. Everyone invited. Flying you guys first class. Word.

by MattyFresh 2020-11-11, 21:46

Rocinante wrote:He shouldn’t announce his cabinet until after the runoff IMO.

Isn't chief of staff pretty key when it comes to the assembly of said cabinet? I am not disagreeing with you, just wondering. I am also thinking when it comes to cabinet he should stay away from "purple" state senators especially ones that are well-liked in their states. Baldin (WI), Klobuchar (MN), Casey (PA)?

Kingston, since I donated four times I am pretty much a shoe-in for Ambassador to Saint Kitts and Nevis, so perhaps I'll put the Swill up for a stay there too tOfficial Biden Transition Thread 969504605

tOfficial Biden Transition Thread 969504605

by **Watch Out Pylon!** 2020-11-11, 22:28

I like where this thread is headed

by **DWags** 2020-11-11, 22:34

Dr Jill Biden education secretary. Shock the world.

by MattyFresh 2020-11-11, 23:03

Watch Out Pylon! wrote:I like where this thread is headed

Saint Kitts and Nevis and then Bora Bora? tOfficial Biden Transition Thread 969504605

by **WhiteBoyHatcher** 2020-11-11, 23:14

DWags for Education Secretary!

by **Heat Miser** 2020-11-11, 23:17

DWags wrote:Dr Jill Biden education secretary. Shock the world.

tWingnuts have certainly lost all high ground to call nepotism, though they probably would anyway.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-11-11, 23:23

WhiteBoyHatcher wrote:DWags for Education Secretary!

I was thinking Secretary of Headwear and Footwear for dwags.

by **Rocinante** 2020-11-12, 00:20

MattyFresh wrote:
Rocinante wrote:He shouldn’t announce his cabinet until after the runoff IMO.
Isn't chief of staff pretty key when it comes to the assembly of said cabinet? I am not disagreeing with you, just wondering. I am also thinking when it comes to cabinet he should stay away from "purple" state senators especially ones that are well-liked in their states. Baldin (WI), Klobuchar (MN), Casey (PA)?

Kingston, since I donated four times I am pretty much a shoe-in for Ambassador to Saint Kitts and Nevis, so perhaps I'll put the Swill up for a stay there too

Chief of staff isn’t really a cabinet position. Doesn’t require confirmation.

by MattyFresh 2020-11-12, 00:38

Rocinante wrote:
MattyFresh wrote: Isn't chief of staff pretty key when it comes to the assembly of said cabinet? I am not disagreeing with you, just wondering. I am also thinking when it comes to cabinet he should stay away from "purple" state senators especially ones that are well-liked in their states. Baldin (WI), Klobuchar (MN), Casey (PA)?

Kingston, since I donated four times I am pretty much a shoe-in for Ambassador to Saint Kitts and Nevis, so perhaps I'll put the Swill up for a stay there too

Chief of staff isn’t really a cabinet position. Doesn’t require confirmation.

No, i know its not a cabinet position but historically I was wondering if it was an important thing for assembling your said cabinet.

by **kingstonlake** 2020-11-12, 05:30

Blanch. seqretary uf Edukashun

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-11-12, 06:25

kingstonlake wrote:Blanch. seqretary uf Edukashun

To be fair, it would be an improvement.

by **kingstonlake** 2020-11-12, 08:52

MiamiSpartan wrote:
kingstonlake wrote:Blanch. seqretary uf Edukashun

To be fair, it would be an improvement.

Hard to argue that point.

by **Floyd Robertson** 2020-11-14, 17:31

[tw]1327654923484487682[/tw]

Thread also mentions Sen. Coons is lobbying for the job, and Delaware's governor replacing him with Lisa Blunt-Rochester.

by **Floyd Robertson** 2020-11-16, 12:32

MSU economist Lisa Cook named to Biden transition team

Michigan State University economist Lisa Cook was selected to serve on President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris's transition team. Cook is a professor in the Department of Economics in the College of Social Science at MSU, as well as a professor of international relations in James Madison College.

The selected team members will aid the administration in its review of certain federal agencies' policies, procedures and priorities going into 2021.
The decision was announced by Biden's team on Nov. 10, and according to the transition website, "Agency review teams are responsible for understanding the operations of each agency, ensuring a smooth transfer of power and preparing for President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and their cabinet to hit the ground running on day one."

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-11-23, 08:15

Blinken reportedly getting the SecState.

Does this mean Wynken is on for Defense and Nod for Homeland Security?

by **Floyd Robertson** 2020-11-23, 13:12

John Kerry as Climate Envoy.

[tw]1330925522579312640[/tw]

by **Rocinante** 2020-11-23, 13:34

Lotsa white dudes so far.

by **Floyd Robertson** 2020-11-23, 13:38

Rocinante wrote:Lotsa white dudes so far.

Here's a little more, with some not white men.

[tw]1330925678758334468[/tw]

by **Jake from State Farm** 2020-11-23, 13:52

Floyd Robertson wrote:
Rocinante wrote:Lotsa white dudes so far.

Here's a little more, with some not white men.

[tw]1330925678758334468[/tw]

Looks like he's trying to do a good job of reversing four years of Trump and his cronies.

by **Cameron** 2020-11-23, 14:20

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-11-23, 14:41

Floyd Robertson wrote:
Rocinante wrote:Lotsa white dudes so far.

Here's a little more, with some not white men.

[tw]1330925678758334468[/tw]

Actual career professionals in these fields, a few of whom held the 2nd in command positions for the agencies that they'll now lead. No handing out of Thank You positions to fellow politicians (Kerry being the only politician, but that's an envoy role, and he obviously has top level diplomatic experience himself). This is what I want from the national security positions. If the SecDef nomination and the CIA Director (and other intel agency heads) follow this line, that's all I want. Give the Thank Yous to more domestic-oriented cabinet positions, if some are needed. Maybe Duckworth as SecDef, but that's cause she's a certified bad ass.

by **Floyd Robertson** 2020-11-23, 16:03

Yellen to be Treasury Secretary.

by **Floyd Robertson** 2020-11-24, 17:54

Happened to see Fox News about an hour ago. Luckily I couldn't hear a word of it, but they couldn't help themselves. Some kind of round table talking about Biden's cabinet and advisors under the the banner "Return of the Swamp" an subtitled "The End of America First".

tOfficial Biden Transition Thread 502811600

tOfficial Biden Transition Thread 502811600

They'll never admit the swamp was just a different family-run swamp and America First didn't get a wall built.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-11-24, 19:45

Floyd Robertson wrote:Happened to see Fox News about an hour ago. Luckily I couldn't hear a word of it, but they couldn't help themselves. Some kind of round table talking about Biden's cabinet and advisors under the the banner "Return of the Swamp" an subtitled "The End of America First".

They'll never admit the swamp was just a different family-run swamp and America First didn't get a wall built.

Or that they were anything but isolationist America's first types 5+ years ago.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-12-08, 09:04

Biden reportedly nominating General Lloyd Austin as SecDef. Biden's first big mistake, and obviously bowing to the pressure to make his cabinet more "diverse". Never mind that it is incredibly diverse already. It is shaping up to "look like America" as Biden promised, but that isn't good enough for some.

The problem with Austin is that he's a military guy. The Defense department is supposed to be the civilian balance to the military leaders in the Pentagon. That's why there is a requirement that for a military guy to be SecDef he must be out of the military for 7 years. Austin has not. So he will need a waiver, which Trump did with Mattis, but which should NOT become common. There are qualified civilian women that would have been a much more powerful statement, but apparently not a lot of qualified black civilians (which is a separate problem).

This is not to disparage General Austin. He has a very accomplished military career and may be good at the job. But we already have that in the Pentagon. That's why it is supposed to be a civilian position.

Cue the whataboutism.

by AvgMSUJoe 2020-12-08, 09:09

Cue the whataboutism

Right...

Biden's Son in law isn't available?

GO REPUBLICANS!!!

by **Heat Miser** 2020-12-08, 10:01

MiamiSpartan wrote:Biden reportedly nominating General Lloyd Austin as SecDef. Biden's first big mistake, and obviously bowing to the pressure to make his cabinet more "diverse". Never mind that it is incredibly diverse already. It is shaping up to "look like America" as Biden promised, but that isn't good enough for some.

The problem with Austin is that he's a military guy. The Defense department is supposed to be the civilian balance to the military leaders in the Pentagon. That's why there is a requirement that for a military guy to be SecDef he must be out of the military for 7 years. Austin has not. So he will need a waiver, which Trump did with Mattis, but which should NOT become common. There are qualified civilian women that would have been a much more powerful statement, but apparently not a lot of qualified black civilians (which is a separate problem).

This is not to disparage General Austin. He has a very accomplished military career and may be good at the job. But we already have that in the Pentagon. That's why it is supposed to be a civilian position.

Cue the whataboutism.

"Big" mistake? I'd call a "big" mistake nominating someone who isn't qualified, has a conflict of interest, or has some embarrassing baggage that should have been discovered in the vetting process. We've seen plenty of those over the last 4 years.

Also, what makes you think Moscow Mitch will let the waiver pass (assuming at least 1 GA senate seat stays red)? He's clearly demonstrated that he's just fine with hypocrisy.

by **steveschneider** 2020-12-08, 10:29

Cameron wrote:

Stay off Youtube.

by **Rocinante** 2020-12-08, 11:22

Yeah not loving career military folks as Secretary of defense but assuming Biden believes in civilian control of the military, and he’s had the talk with this guy, There are definitely cases where someone who is aware of what war is is a good person to have in that position because they are not cavalier about using force. See Donald Rumsfeld.

by **Cameron** 2020-12-08, 11:31

Politico: Biden’s reliance on retired military brass sets off alarm bells

Not great.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-12-08, 12:39

Heat Miser wrote:
MiamiSpartan wrote:Biden reportedly nominating General Lloyd Austin as SecDef. Biden's first big mistake, and obviously bowing to the pressure to make his cabinet more "diverse". Never mind that it is incredibly diverse already. It is shaping up to "look like America" as Biden promised, but that isn't good enough for some.

The problem with Austin is that he's a military guy. The Defense department is supposed to be the civilian balance to the military leaders in the Pentagon. That's why there is a requirement that for a military guy to be SecDef he must be out of the military for 7 years. Austin has not. So he will need a waiver, which Trump did with Mattis, but which should NOT become common. There are qualified civilian women that would have been a much more powerful statement, but apparently not a lot of qualified black civilians (which is a separate problem).

This is not to disparage General Austin. He has a very accomplished military career and may be good at the job. But we already have that in the Pentagon. That's why it is supposed to be a civilian position.

Cue the whataboutism.

"Big" mistake? I'd call a "big" mistake nominating someone who isn't qualified, has a conflict of interest, or has some embarrassing baggage that should have been discovered in the vetting process. We've seen plenty of those over the last 4 years.

Also, what makes you think Moscow Mitch will let the waiver pass (assuming at least 1 GA senate seat stays red)? He's clearly demonstrated that he's just fine with hypocrisy.

Like I said, cue the whataboutism. I'm sure you were ok with Goose and Pantry saying "But Obama" about everything 4 years ago.

But conflict of interest, you say? Such as like if a board member of a major defense contractor were to be nominated? Because Austin is on the board of Raytheon. So you agree it's a big mistake then.

I also didn't say that McConnell will give him a waiver. I only said that he will need a waiver. But McConnell doesn't necessarily have that say either. Both houses need to grant it. Hopefully they don't. The progressives should be the ones most up in arms about this.

But, hey, if someone wants to tell me why Austin deserves this over, say, Michelle Flornouy, have at it. That would be a much bigger statement, and someone who is immensely qualified having served in high DoD positions under both Clinton and Obama, and is a civilian.

by **Heat Miser** 2020-12-08, 15:49

MiamiSpartan wrote:
Heat Miser wrote:
MiamiSpartan wrote:Biden reportedly nominating General Lloyd Austin as SecDef. Biden's first big mistake, and obviously bowing to the pressure to make his cabinet more "diverse". Never mind that it is incredibly diverse already. It is shaping up to "look like America" as Biden promised, but that isn't good enough for some.

The problem with Austin is that he's a military guy. The Defense department is supposed to be the civilian balance to the military leaders in the Pentagon. That's why there is a requirement that for a military guy to be SecDef he must be out of the military for 7 years. Austin has not. So he will need a waiver, which Trump did with Mattis, but which should NOT become common. There are qualified civilian women that would have been a much more powerful statement, but apparently not a lot of qualified black civilians (which is a separate problem).

This is not to disparage General Austin. He has a very accomplished military career and may be good at the job. But we already have that in the Pentagon. That's why it is supposed to be a civilian position.

Cue the whataboutism.

"Big" mistake? I'd call a "big" mistake nominating someone who isn't qualified, has a conflict of interest, or has some embarrassing baggage that should have been discovered in the vetting process. We've seen plenty of those over the last 4 years.

Also, what makes you think Moscow Mitch will let the waiver pass (assuming at least 1 GA senate seat stays red)? He's clearly demonstrated that he's just fine with hypocrisy.

Like I said, cue the whataboutism. I'm sure you were ok with Goose and Pantry saying "But Obama" about everything 4 years ago.

But conflict of interest, you say? Such as like if a board member of a major defense contractor were to be nominated? Because Austin is on the board of Raytheon. So you agree it's a big mistake then.

I also didn't say that McConnell will give him a waiver. I only said that he will need a waiver. But McConnell doesn't necessarily have that say either. Both houses need to grant it. Hopefully they don't. The progressives should be the ones most up in arms about this.

But, hey, if someone wants to tell me why Austin deserves this over, say, Michelle Flornouy, have at it. That would be a much bigger statement, and someone who is immensely qualified having served in high DoD positions under both Clinton and Obama, and is a civilian.

I'm fine with either one. Not gonna lose a wink of sleep over it.

by **steveschneider** 2020-12-09, 09:58

MiamiSpartan wrote:Biden reportedly nominating General Lloyd Austin as SecDef. Biden's first big mistake, and obviously bowing to the pressure to make his cabinet more "diverse". Never mind that it is incredibly diverse already. It is shaping up to "look like America" as Biden promised, but that isn't good enough for some.

The problem with Austin is that he's a military guy. The Defense department is supposed to be the civilian balance to the military leaders in the Pentagon. That's why there is a requirement that for a military guy to be SecDef he must be out of the military for 7 years. Austin has not. So he will need a waiver, which Trump did with Mattis, but which should NOT become common. There are qualified civilian women that would have been a much more powerful statement, but apparently not a lot of qualified black civilians (which is a separate problem).

This is not to disparage General Austin. He has a very accomplished military career and may be good at the job. But we already have that in the Pentagon. That's why it is supposed to be a civilian position.

Cue the whataboutism.

Saw a segment on him in the Newshour last night. The part I bolded rang true in the segment and seems like he'll do a great job. One thing to note, they had an African American pundit talk about how much this means to African American including all of their contributions to military campaigns as front line soldiers. His opinion was 'it's about time'. I'm fine with the pick.

by **steveschneider** 2020-12-09, 10:22

I think it would be hilarious if Biden demolished the Melania Trump Tennis Pavilion week one of his presidency.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2020-12-09, 14:32

steveschneider wrote:
MiamiSpartan wrote:Biden reportedly nominating General Lloyd Austin as SecDef. Biden's first big mistake, and obviously bowing to the pressure to make his cabinet more "diverse". Never mind that it is incredibly diverse already. It is shaping up to "look like America" as Biden promised, but that isn't good enough for some.

The problem with Austin is that he's a military guy. The Defense department is supposed to be the civilian balance to the military leaders in the Pentagon. That's why there is a requirement that for a military guy to be SecDef he must be out of the military for 7 years. Austin has not. So he will need a waiver, which Trump did with Mattis, but which should NOT become common. There are qualified civilian women that would have been a much more powerful statement, but apparently not a lot of qualified black civilians (which is a separate problem).

This is not to disparage General Austin. He has a very accomplished military career and may be good at the job. But we already have that in the Pentagon. That's why it is supposed to be a civilian position.

Cue the whataboutism.

Saw a segment on him in the Newshour last night. The part I bolded rang true in the segment and seems like he'll do a great job. One thing to note, they had an African American pundit talk about how much this means to African American including all of their contributions to military campaigns as front line soldiers. His opinion was 'it's about time'. I'm fine with the pick.

Yeah, because it's not like a black guy has ever been Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and then Secretary of State (equivalent to, if not better than, Secretary of Defense). If anything, the fact that there aren't any qualified black civilians should highlight their lack of representation in the civilian areas of Defense, not cause us to seek out a special exception just to force someone in there that would otherwise not be allowed by law.

It isn't just a tradition to have civilians lead the defense (war) department, it was a cornerstone in the foundation of this country. And for very good reason.

Anyone is welcome to their opinion, though I would suggest people read up on the reasons this law exists. This article is as good of a discussion about it as I've seen, but here is a key quote that is especially poignant:

The Department of Defense is the biggest element in the United States government. It has immense resources of people, money, and machines, and overpowering amounts of violence at its disposal. It is a vital principle of free government that such power not be put in the hands of members of a military elite, no matter how honorable and trustworthy they may be as individuals.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/12/no-job-general/617326/

The author of that article was a witness called by Republicans during the Mattis confirmation hearing. As he explains in the article, he did support the waiver for Mattis, but only because he thought Trump was a loose cannon and someone with Mattis' exceptional resume and experience may be able to balance and somewhat check Trump's impulses. This is why the Dems that supported the waiver did so, as well. He also explains why George C Marshall was the only other exception.

Having no real reason to appoint General Austin may very well set a precedent that makes this commonplace, so consider the dangers before supporting it "Because Biden". If you still come to that conclusion, fair play, that's your opinion.

Of course, if the Senate chooses to confirm him, he will have my wholehearted support for success, and I'll just hope that he truly handles the role like a civilian should.

by **Rocinante** 2020-12-09, 14:41

A civilian with a military background, especially one who has seen combat or knows first hand the effects of combat, can be a very good Secretary of Defense. A civilian with no understanding of what using the military means in terms of loss of life and treasure, can be a very bad pick. I think the waiver system is dumb. He could find someone else, but again, we’ve seen what non-military hawks do with the position. It ain’t good.

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