The election is not over yet, But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky), who described himself as the “Grim Reaper” of progressive policies, is already challenging Joe Biden’s authority to select his cabinet even before the Democratic nominee wins the presidential race.
Although President Donald Trump may lose the White House, Republicans are on track to retain their Senate majority and McConnell is signaling that he plans to interfere with Biden’s ability to staff his cabinet, Axios reports.
“A source close to McConnell tells Axios a Republican Senate would work with Biden on centrist nominees but no ‘radical progressives’ or ones who are controversial with conservatives,” the website reported. “The Biden agenda would be severely restricted by GOP control, the source added.”
McConnell’s threat could force Biden to stay away from Stacey Abrams, Susan Rice and Sally Yates, according to sources who suggested centrist Lael Brainard for Treasury or Tony Blinken for State — both of whom served with the former vice president in the Obama administration.
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It could also force Biden to bypass progressive favorites Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders, although Biden has already signaled reluctance in naming any Democratic senators to join his cabinet to avoid uncertainty in filling their seats.
