Biden-Harris transition moves forward smartly

Although the election was held on November 3 and Joe Biden was declared president-elect shortly thereafter, it took until November 24 for the Trump administration’s General Services Administration to recognize that fact and begin the official transition from the Trump to the Biden administration. Despite the fact that President Donald Trump and his supporters continue to contest the election days after the Electoral College confirmed Joe Biden’s election, the president-elect turned quickly to fill his administration. In response to the deepening COVID-19 crisis, Biden announced his Coronavirus Task Force on November 9, which includes many who served in prior Democratic administrations.

With the surprisingly strong showing of down-ballot Republicans, President-elect Biden has to balance his cabinet choices between those who can be confirmed by a probably Republican Senate and those desired by the Democrats’ progressive wing. Both progressive Democrats and minority groups, especially African Americans, are demanding greater recognition of their role in his election. In response, Biden’s choices so far have reflected a combination of veteran Democratic insiders while being conscious of diversity.