Joe Biden cabinet speculation megathread

[Benjamin Frank]

Has anybody mentioned Janet Yellin for Treasury Secretary?  I know she's 74, but it would make up for her not being reappointed as Federal Reserve Chair due to Trump's virulent sexism.

[Benjamin Frank]

Biden reportedly considering Quibi CEL Meg Whitman, John Kasich, Charlie Baker, Charlie Dent, and Jeff Flake for positions in the administration.

This was always the fear with collecting endorsements of dissatisfied GOPers. Winning their support is one thing, allowing them to dictate executive policy is another entirely. If this is just Biden's way to say that he explored the option of appointing Republicans for the sake of unifying or whatever, that's relatively harmless. Just please do not actually end up giving Kasich control of a damn thing.

https://twitter.com/politico/status/1318499722705965059?s=19

John Kasich knows that climate change is real and knows that carbon taxes are the best way to address the issue.  He would be a solid EPA commissioner.

[Benjamin Frank]

I recommend Wonk Monk for Economic Advisor.

[Benjamin Frank]

Hot take: These won't end up even getting as far as the Judd Gregg nomination for Commerce Secretary.

There were two Republicans appointed to the cabinet though.  Robert Gates remained as Defense Secretary (to see 'the surge' through) and Ray LaHood, a friend of Obama's, as Transportation Secretary.

[Benjamin Frank]

Hot take:

Republicans aren't evil.

[Benjamin Frank]

I think, aside from Trump, there are always reports of candidates adding opposing party members to their cabinets. Didn't Obama also look at Republicans for his cabinet?

My point is, it rarely happens.

Obama had two in his initial cabinet, Robert Gates and Ray LaHood, and then added two others later: Chuck Hagel as Gates' replacement at defense and Robert MacDonald at Veteran's Affairs.

[Benjamin Frank]

I think, aside from Trump, there are always reports of candidates adding opposing party members to their cabinets. Didn't Obama also look at Republicans for his cabinet?

My point is, it rarely happens.

Obama had two in his initial cabinet, Robert Gates and Ray LaHood, and then added two others later: Chuck Hagel as Gates' replacement at defense and Robert MacDonald at Veteran's Affairs.

Well, Gates was a carry over from Bush's administration. LaHood though, you're right.

I mentioned that earlier, Gates agreed to stay on to see 'the surge' through.  However, Obama was not obligated to keep him.

[Benjamin Frank]

https://twitter.com/axios/status/1323032110244966404

I'm impressed, this is what I've long thought they should do.

1.Most likely this is a way to block off complaints from Warren and Sanders and their supporters:  "no current Senator is under consideration."

2.I think this should also be for House members as well. 

If a current member of Congress wants to be under consideration for a cabinet position, they should take a risk and resign their seat in time for the replacement to be elected in the current Presidential election cycle.

While temporary members are not appointed to the U.S House, the special elections are something of a distraction and they provide an opportunity for the opposition party to rally.

[Benjamin Frank]

https://twitter.com/axios/status/1323032110244966404

I'm impressed, this is what I've long thought they should do.

1.Most likely this is a way to block off complaints from Warren and Sanders and their supporters:  "no current Senator is under consideration."

2.I think this should also be for House members as well. 

If a current member of Congress wants to be under consideration for a cabinet position, they should take a risk and resign their seat in time for the replacement to be elected in the current Presidential election cycle.

While temporary members are not appointed to the U.S House, the special elections are something of a distraction and they provide an opportunity for the opposition party to rally.

You know this election cycle ends in 48 hours, right? Logistically speaking, what you're suggesting is literally impossible.

I was half asleep when I wrote that. I meant they should have taken a risk and resigned their seat.