Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) reportedly has an "interest" in becoming Joe Biden's Labor secretary, were the Democrat to be elected president, Politico reports. Though Sanders shook off the suggestion when asked about it on Wednesday, "one person close to the Vermont senator" reportedly told Politico that "I can confirm he's trying to figure out how to land that role or something like it. He, personally, does have an interest in it."
On Thursday, Sanders said he was planning to announce his own 100 day agenda, claiming that the rival proposal will "speak to the need to begin the process of moving toward Medicare For All," as well as raising the minimum wage, instituting a "massive infrastructure program," and making it easier for workers to join unions. Sanders then asked rhetorically if he would additionally back future primary challenges against elected Democrats who don't move toward more progressive policies, answering his own question by saying, "you're d--n right I am."
Biden's team has reportedly been considering Republicans for some cabinet positions. Nevertheless, former Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir told Politico, "It would be great to have a unity government that takes into account that progressives are a pretty healthy portion of the electorate." Jeva Lange
Hardcore_EHS on October 23rd, 2020 at 02:11 UTC »
As a former Bernie or Buster, I don't want him in this role. Most cabinet spots wouldn't be a good fit for him IMO, and as labor secretary, he will end up like Robert Reich, an intelligent, means-well person relegated to making Youtube videos drawing on white boards that only hardcore Democrats care about.
If he gets any spot, I want him as senior advisor. I want him to be Biden's Steve Bannon, the slick political leech always in the president's ear. Bernie has so many different ideas, pigeonholing him in one department would be a waste. Having him as a major consultant to Biden issue by issue would be more effective.
FeelingMarch on October 22nd, 2020 at 22:44 UTC »
Not happening, Vermont has a Republican governor who'd appoint his replacement.
hodkan on October 22nd, 2020 at 22:44 UTC »
The Governor of Vermont is a Republican and polls show he is very likely to be reelected this year.
If Sanders were to resign, the Governor doesn't have to call a special election for 6 months. During those 6 months he can appoint a Republican to be the Senator.
And there is a real possibility that a Republican would win the Senate special election, given the Governor is a Republican and likely to be reelected.