Who Are the Figures 'Buzzed About' in the Biden Administration?..."Increased Diversity of Women, Black, and Republicans"

Government Formation Expected to Accelerate Before Inauguration on January 20 Next Year... "Only 4,000 Appointees"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] As Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate of the United States, secured victory after a nail-biting race on the 7th (local time), it is expected that the formation of the new administration will accelerate. With pressing issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession piling up, there is a high possibility that key appointments will be finalized as quickly as possible to ensure continuity and understanding of tasks immediately after the inauguration on January 20 next year.

Since a major overhaul of policies implemented during Donald Trump's four years in office is necessary, it is anticipated that many officials with experience overcoming the financial crisis in the Barack Obama administration, as well as women and African American figures, will be appointed. Also, given the extreme division during this election process, there is speculation that Biden may make decisions for unity by appointing not only Democrats but also Republicans.

Ron Klain for Chief of Staff, Bernstein for Economic Advisor among Prospects

Biden has about two and a half months to make appointments before the cabinet is formed. According to AP News and others, although the appointment process began last summer, there are about 4,000 people to be appointed, and approximately 1,200 positions at the deputy secretary level or higher require Senate confirmation, so it may take some time. The political media outlet Politico reported that Biden "must assemble a team to help him address the historic pandemic situation and rebuild the economy during the remaining two and a half months."

Former Chief of Staff Ron Klain, mentioned as a candidate for White House Chief of Staff

According to foreign media, considering current issues, Biden is likely to announce appointments for White House Chief of Staff and National Economic Council Chair first. Ron Klain, who served as Chief of Staff during Biden’s vice presidency, is a strong candidate for Chief of Staff. The Washington Post explained that Klain’s experience managing the Ebola virus outbreak during his tenure would be helpful in handling the COVID-19 crisis.

Congressman Cedric Richmond, co-chair of the current Biden campaign, is also a possible candidate for Chief of Staff, but if not, he is expected to take another position within the White House. Other names mentioned include Bruce Reed, another former vice presidential Chief of Staff, and Steve Ricchetti, who served as Chief of Staff during the Bill Clinton administration.

For White House economic advisor, Heather Boushey, currently advising the Biden campaign from outside, and Jared Bernstein, who served as chief economic advisor during the Obama administration, are expected to be appointed. Jeff Zients and Brian Deese, who held senior positions in the Obama administration’s National Economic Council, are also among the prospects.

Rice and Blinken Considered for Secretary of State... Attention on First Female Secretary of Defense

For the foreign and security line, Susan Rice, who served as a National Security Council (NSC) advisor during the Obama administration, is highly likely to be appointed, according to foreign media. Rice, who was also considered as a vice presidential candidate, is mentioned as the first Secretary of State in the Biden administration. However, there are concerns that conservatives may oppose her due to controversy over her explanation of the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, when she described it as a spontaneous event caused by protests triggered by an anti-Islamic video rather than terrorism.

Susan Rice, former White House National Security Council (NSC) Advisor, mentioned as a candidate for U.S. Secretary of State

Another candidate for Secretary of State is Tony Blinken, former Deputy Secretary of State. He is a senior foreign policy advisor to the campaign and first connected with Biden when Biden was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2002. Although moderate, he is known for a tough stance on China. Blinken is also considered a possible National Security Council (NSC) advisor. Additionally, Chris Coons, a longtime close aide and friend of Biden and a senator from Delaware, is mentioned by AP News. He is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee.

Michelle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, who is being mentioned as a potential candidate for the next Minister of National Defense

Michelle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, is a strong candidate for Secretary of Defense. She served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy during the Obama administration and analyzed major defense policies at the Center for a New American Security, a national security think tank, according to Politico. The Washington Post explained that if she is appointed, she will become the first female Secretary of Defense in U.S. history. Other candidates for Secretary of Defense include Jay Johnson, a Black former Secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama administration, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Senator Jack Reed.

Lael Brainard, Fed Governor, Considered for Treasury Secretary to Address Economic Recession

Lael Brainard, current Federal Reserve (Fed) governor, is a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary, a position that will attract market attention. A Harvard Ph.D. in economics, Brainard was appointed Fed governor in 2014 and previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the Treasury Department during the Obama administration. If appointed, she will become the first female Treasury Secretary in the 231-year history of the U.S. Treasury. Other candidates include Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and former Fed governor Sarah Bloom Raskin, all Democrats.

Lael Brainard, Fed Governor, mentioned as the first Treasury Secretary of the Biden administration
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Roger Ferguson, a prominent African American economist and chairman of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA), may also join Biden’s economic team. He served as Fed Vice Chairman from 1999 to 2006 and played a role in stabilizing financial markets by substituting for Chairman Alan Greenspan during the 9/11 attacks while Greenspan was on an overseas trip. African American women such as Melody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and Raphael Bostic, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, are also among the prospects.

"Biden Administration Expected to Have the Most Diverse Cabinet in History"

Foreign media expect that if Biden wins and forms an administration, it will be the most diverse in U.S. history in terms of race and gender. The political media outlet Axios reported, "Most of Biden’s longtime staff, mostly white men, are expected to enter the White House," but citing a Biden aide, it added, "He intends to appoint women and people of color to key positions such as State, Defense, Treasury, and Justice."

Additionally, concerned about the severe division during this election, Biden has continuously sent messages emphasizing the need for unity, so there is also a possibility that he will appoint Republicans with whom he has built relationships through long political and public service careers. Politico reported, "Since Biden seeks a broad coalition, he is expected to appoint progressives, moderates, and even some Republicans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.