During an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, the reporter asked Biden if he had talked to his former primary rivals about Cabinet roles.
Biden responded, “We already have significant representation among progressives in our administration, but there’s nothing really off the table.”
As far as Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders for cabinet positions, he instead suggested he would like to keep them in the Senate to push forward his progressive agenda.
Biden said there would be downsides to tapping a Democratic House or Senate member. “One thing is really critical, taking someone out of the Senate, taking someone out of the House, particularly a person of consequence, is a really difficult decision that would have to be made,” he said. “I have a very ambitious, very progressive agenda, and it’s going to take really strong leaders in the House and Senate to get it done.”
Sanders has reportedly been vying for the labor secretary position. During an interview with CNN this month, Sanders said he would accept the nomination if Biden appointed him to that position. “If I had a portfolio that allowed me to stand up and fight for working families, would I do it? Yes, I would,” Sanders said.
Progressives have also pushed for Warren to be nominated as Treasury secretary. However, Biden will appoint Janet Yellen, who is supported by both moderates and progressives. Biden has announced several appointments to his administration this week. When asked whether he would nominate or select a Republican or “someone who voted for President Trump,” Biden said yes.
Biden’s comments will likely draw the ire of progressives. Throughout the campaign, Biden often highlighted Republicans who supported his campaign like Cindy McCain, widow of the late Sen. John McCain, and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who gave brief remarks at the Democratic National Convention.
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