Harris Team Considers Retaining Biden Cabinet Officials Amid Potential Senate Challenges

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2024 — Vice President Kamala Harris’ team is contemplating a strategic move to retain some of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet officials if she wins the upcoming presidential election and the Democrats lose control of the Senate. This consideration arises from the potential difficulty in confirming new appointees in a Republican-controlled Senate, according to sources familiar with Harris’ transition planning1.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her transition team are at the center of this strategic planning. The team is considering retaining current Biden administration officials who have already been confirmed by the Senate.

The primary focus is on whether to keep some of Biden’s Cabinet members in their positions to avoid the challenges of Senate confirmation for new appointees. This move is seen as a way to ensure a smooth transition and maintain stability in the administration.

The planning is taking place in anticipation of the November 2024 presidential election results. The decision will hinge on the outcome of the election and the subsequent control of the Senate.

The discussions are happening within Harris’ transition team, based in Washington, D.C.

The rationale behind this consideration is the potential difficulty Harris might face in getting her new Cabinet picks confirmed by a Republican-controlled Senate. By retaining some of Biden’s officials, Harris aims to avoid a prolonged confirmation process and ensure her administration can hit the ground running.

Harris’ team is exploring various options, including keeping some officials in their current roles temporarily or indefinitely. This approach would provide Harris with more time to make staffing decisions and avoid immediate confirmation battles.

As Harris prepares for a possible presidency, her team is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly if the Senate falls into Republican hands. The electoral map is tough for Senate Democrats, and losing control of the Senate would complicate the confirmation process for new Cabinet members1.

Strategic Considerations

Harris’ aides are identifying Cabinet members and ambassadors who might be willing to remain in their jobs after Biden’s term ends. No formal inquiries have been made yet, but the team is laying the groundwork for this potential scenario1. This strategy is not without its risks. Retaining Biden’s officials could undermine Harris’ message of bringing a fresh approach to governance. A recent NBC News poll found that 40% of registered voters were concerned that a Harris presidency would be a continuation of the Biden years1.

Despite these concerns, Harris is determined to leave her distinct imprint on the Cabinet. She aims to make significant changes, including potentially naming the first woman to run the Pentagon as part of a broader shake-up of the national security team1.

Political Implications

The decision to retain Biden’s officials is also influenced by political considerations. Some Democratic senators and party officials have reached out to Harris’ transition team, urging her not to call for the resignation of all Biden appointees if she wins. This advice is based on the possibility that Republicans could capture the Senate and gain control of the confirmation process1.

Harris’ team is aware that entering office with Biden holdovers could carry political risks. However, the immediate need for stability and continuity in the administration may outweigh these concerns. Harris’ allies believe that retaining some officials temporarily would provide her with the necessary time to make thoughtful staffing decisions without the pressure of immediate Senate confirmations1.

Potential Cabinet Changes

While Harris is considering retaining some Biden officials, she also plans to make significant changes to her Cabinet. Allies suggest that she wants to bring in new voices and perspectives, particularly in key national security roles. Harris is keen on naming the first woman to head the Pentagon, a move that would signal a significant shift in the administration’s approach to national security1.

Harris’ transition team is also looking at the option of putting some Senate-confirmed officials into different jobs on an acting basis. Federal law permits such moves, allowing Harris to navigate the confirmation process more strategically1.

As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for a potential presidency, her team is carefully considering the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The decision to retain some of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet officials reflects a pragmatic approach to navigating a potentially hostile Senate. By balancing continuity with the need for fresh perspectives, Harris aims to build an administration that can effectively address the nation’s challenges while avoiding prolonged confirmation battles.

This strategic planning underscores the complexities of transitioning to a new administration and highlights the importance of careful, thoughtful decision-making in the face of political uncertainty. Harris’ ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in shaping the future of her potential presidency and ensuring a smooth and effective transition of power.