Play Nice 46th President of the United States: Joe Biden (1) O Brave New World

[FredLeDeux]

No, not this time. 2024 if she’s lucky. Too progressive, baby steps, and the GOP would scream socialism if she were nominated.

Wouldn’t say no to Labour Secretary, or Environment Secretary (new pos). But they’ll make her wait, saying she has to learn to get along first.

Biden has been in the pockets of the banks, Wall Street, the lobbyists and the foreign policy service hawks for 40 years.

It's how he and his family made their fortunes.

A tame leopard don't change his spots.

Especially one who has publicly promised his owners that nothing's going to change.

 

[Hank Scorpion]

Interested if anyone here ever listened to the "It Could Happen Here" podcast? It got shared around a bit for its prescience at the time of the violence in Portland and Kenosha.

It went into detail about how even small far-right militias could significantly disrupt the country.

I don't like how things are tracking... I think the crazies are being kept in check for now by the promise of legal challenges, but I'm fearing that things could really deteriorate once Biden's sworn in? A very large cohort who think the result was illegitimate, who have been dripfed 4 years of QAnon bullshit, and have been frightened off by even the slightest taste of reality they were getting through Fox/Twitter and are fleeing to OAN/Parler.

Wouldn't take much to incense some of them to violent action.

 

[Deaneus!]

President Joe Biden
Vice President Kamala Harris

Secretaries of:
Agriculture - Amy Klobuchar
Commerce - Zach Goldman
Defense - Tammy Duckworth
Education - Dr Jill B
Energy - John Delaney
Health and Human Services - Pramila Jayapal
Homeland Security - Alejandro Mayorkas
Housing and Urban Development - Keisha Lance Bottoms
Interior - Trent Reznor
Labor - Bernie Sanders
State - Anthony Blinken
Transportation - Eric Garcetti
Treasury - Janet Yellen
Veterans Affairs - Pete Buttigieg

Attorney General - Sally Yates
White House Chief of Staff - Ron Klein
Climate Czar - John Kerry
Surgeon General - Vivek Murthy
National Security Advisor - Jake Sullivan
Director of National Intelligence - Avril Haines
UN Ambassador - Linda Thomas-Greenfield

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Or a Rudy Guliani belt buckle, guaranteed to make it difficult to tuck your shirt in!

I'll pass on the Rudy Giuliani monogrammed hanky thanks.

 

[Deaneus!]

and Emily Murphy has given the go-ahead

 

[LuvtheKangas]

and Emily Murphy has given the go-ahead

Is it just me, or was her letter unprofessionally whiny?

 

[Deaneus!]

Is it just me, or was her letter unprofessionally whiny?

Yes it was. I made all the whiny bits purple:




As the administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, I have the ability under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. as amended, to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition. See 3 U.S.C. § 102 note (the "Act"). I take this role seriously and, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, am transmitting this letter to make those resources and services available to you.

I have dedicated much of my adult life to public service, and I have always strived to do what is right. Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard to the substance or timing of my decision. To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination. I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law.

Contrary to media reports and insinuations, my decision was not made out of fear or favoritism. Instead, I strongly believe that the statute requires that the GSA Administrator ascertain, not impose, the apparent president-elect. Unfortunately, the statute provides no procedures or standards for this process, so I looked to precedent from prior elections involving legal challenges and incomplete counts. GSA does not dictate the outcome of legal disputes and recounts, nor does it determine whether such proceedings are reasonable or justified. These are issues that the Constitution, federal laws, and state laws leave to the election certification process and decisions by courts of competent jurisdiction. I do not think that an agency charged with improving federal procurement and property management should place itself above the constitutionally based election process. I strongly urge Congress to consider amendments to the act.

As you know, the GSA administrator does not pick or certify the winner of a presidential election. Instead, the GSA Administrator's role under the Act is extremely narrow; to make resources and services available in connection with a presidential transition. As stated, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, I have determined that you may access the post-election resources and services described in Section 3 of the Act upon request. The actual winner of the presidential election will be determined by the electoral process, detailed in the Constitution.

Section 7 of the Act and Public Law, 116-159, dated October, 1 2020, which provides continuing appropriations until December 11, 2020 makes $6,300,000 available to you to carry out the provisions of Section 3 of the Act.
In addition, $1,000,000 is authorized, pursuant to Public Law 116-159, to provide appointee orientation sessions and a transition directory. I remind you that Section 6 of the Act imposes reporting requirements on you as a condition for receiving services and funds from the GSA.

If there is anything we can do to assist you, please contact, Ms. Mary D. Gilbert, the Federal transition coordinator.

Sincerely,

Emily W. Murphy

 

[swingdog]

Yes it was. I made all the whiny bits purple:




As the administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, I have the ability under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. as amended, to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition. See 3 U.S.C. § 102 note (the "Act"). I take this role seriously and, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, am transmitting this letter to make those resources and services available to you.

I have dedicated much of my adult life to public service, and I have always strived to do what is right. Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard to the substance or timing of my decision. To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination. I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law.

Contrary to media reports and insinuations, my decision was not made out of fear or favoritism. Instead, I strongly believe that the statute requires that the GSA Administrator ascertain, not impose, the apparent president-elect. Unfortunately, the statute provides no procedures or standards for this process, so I looked to precedent from prior elections involving legal challenges and incomplete counts. GSA does not dictate the outcome of legal disputes and recounts, nor does it determine whether such proceedings are reasonable or justified. These are issues that the Constitution, federal laws, and state laws leave to the election certification process and decisions by courts of competent jurisdiction. I do not think that an agency charged with improving federal procurement and property management should place itself above the constitutionally based election process. I strongly urge Congress to consider amendments to the act.

As you know, the GSA administrator does not pick or certify the winner of a presidential election. Instead, the GSA Administrator's role under the Act is extremely narrow; to make resources and services available in connection with a presidential transition. As stated, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, I have determined that you may access the post-election resources and services described in Section 3 of the Act upon request. The actual winner of the presidential election will be determined by the electoral process, detailed in the Constitution.

Section 7 of the Act and Public Law, 116-159, dated October, 1 2020, which provides continuing appropriations until December 11, 2020 makes $6,300,000 available to you to carry out the provisions of Section 3 of the Act.
In addition, $1,000,000 is authorized, pursuant to Public Law 116-159, to provide appointee orientation sessions and a transition directory. I remind you that Section 6 of the Act imposes reporting requirements on you as a condition for receiving services and funds from the GSA.

If there is anything we can do to assist you, please contact, Ms. Mary D. Gilbert, the Federal transition coordinator.

Sincerely,

Emily W. Murphy

Letter could have been about 3/4 shorter and she could have retained some dignity.

 

[FredLeDeux]

Yes it was. I made all the whiny bits purple:




As the administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, I have the ability under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. as amended, to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition. See 3 U.S.C. § 102 note (the "Act"). I take this role seriously and, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, am transmitting this letter to make those resources and services available to you.

I have dedicated much of my adult life to public service, and I have always strived to do what is right. Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard to the substance or timing of my decision. To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination. I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law.

Contrary to media reports and insinuations, my decision was not made out of fear or favoritism. Instead, I strongly believe that the statute requires that the GSA Administrator ascertain, not impose, the apparent president-elect. Unfortunately, the statute provides no procedures or standards for this process, so I looked to precedent from prior elections involving legal challenges and incomplete counts. GSA does not dictate the outcome of legal disputes and recounts, nor does it determine whether such proceedings are reasonable or justified. These are issues that the Constitution, federal laws, and state laws leave to the election certification process and decisions by courts of competent jurisdiction. I do not think that an agency charged with improving federal procurement and property management should place itself above the constitutionally based election process. I strongly urge Congress to consider amendments to the act.

As you know, the GSA administrator does not pick or certify the winner of a presidential election. Instead, the GSA Administrator's role under the Act is extremely narrow; to make resources and services available in connection with a presidential transition. As stated, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, I have determined that you may access the post-election resources and services described in Section 3 of the Act upon request. The actual winner of the presidential election will be determined by the electoral process, detailed in the Constitution.

Section 7 of the Act and Public Law, 116-159, dated October, 1 2020, which provides continuing appropriations until December 11, 2020 makes $6,300,000 available to you to carry out the provisions of Section 3 of the Act.
In addition, $1,000,000 is authorized, pursuant to Public Law 116-159, to provide appointee orientation sessions and a transition directory. I remind you that Section 6 of the Act imposes reporting requirements on you as a condition for receiving services and funds from the GSA.

If there is anything we can do to assist you, please contact, Ms. Mary D. Gilbert, the Federal transition coordinator.

Sincerely,

Emily W. Murphy

I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law.

Just bad luck for the pets, sacrificed to the Rule of Law, even when she admits she doesn't know what the Law actually is.

 

[jatz14]

And then Trump came out and said he told her to start the transition.

On moto g(6) plus using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[samFFC]

And then Trump came out and said he told her to start the transition.

On moto g(6) plus using BigFooty.com mobile app

Weak!

 

[spinynorman]

Just glad to have the grown ups with the true foreign policy bona fides back in charge to right the world’s problems of the last four years.

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Poor Form, Balls In, maryjames and FireKrakouer must be feeling pretty smug about the Trump landslide.

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Trump fans still trying to find a way to pretend Trump won...

 

[Mateyman]

as mentioned above, both he and warren were in pre-election discussions. with the senate not falling to the dems, there is the view that they cannot risk losing more seats.

both vermont and mass have GOP governors, and there is a strong likelihood they would replace both with GOP politicians

The Vermont governor did say he would fill Sanders' seat with a Democrat and also voted for Biden, but yeah you might not want to count on him keeping his word.

 

[Ned_Flanders]

The Vermont governor did say he would fill Sanders' seat with a Democrat and also voted for Biden, but yeah you might not want to count on him keeping his word.

Yep. If a miracle occured, and the Dems pick up one or two of the run off seats, the pressure to screw Sanders would be immense.

 

[spinynorman]

At least Biden should be able to give people who donated their money back now, yeah?

 

[Maggie5]

At least Biden should be able to give people who donated their money back now, yeah?

So looks like you will be around for the next four years.

 

[spinynorman]

So looks like you will be around for the next four years.

I’m excited too!

 

[Maggie5]

I’m excited too!

Doesn't seem to take much.

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Trump was looking particularly orange today.

 

[jatz14]

Trump was looking particularly orange today.

I've been wondering if his colour is a signal? Does the degree of orange mean something? Like a monkeys bright pink butt.

On moto g(6) plus using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[melbournemartin]

No, not this time. 2024 if she’s lucky. Too progressive, baby steps, and the GOP would scream socialism if she were nominated.

Wouldn’t say no to Labour Secretary, or Environment Secretary (new pos). But they’ll make her wait, saying she has to learn to get along first.

Interesting that there are no age requirements for the cabinet, even though it would normally put you in the line for presidential succession and AOC is too young to be president right now.

Of course you don't have to be President eligible to be in the cabinet though. Elaine Chao (McConnell's wife) is an example, as she's in the cabinet but can't be president since she was not born an American.

 

[Ned_Flanders]

Interesting that there are no age requirements for the cabinet, even though it would normally put you in the line for presidential succession and AOC is too young to be president right now.

Of course you don't have to be President eligible to be in the cabinet though. Elaine Chao (McConnell's wife) is an example, as she's in the cabinet but can't be president since she was not born an American.

These are senate confirmable positions, thats your safety. Good luck getting a Sec of State who is 30 years old through the senate. Chao would have gotten through because at 14 in the line, the odds of her having to step up and virtually zero

 

[spinynorman]

Doesn't seem to take much.

What can I say, I’m Warren Zevon.

Anyway, to bring this back to topic, I will say while I'm not a fan of Biden's choices, they could've been a lot worse. And while there's major hypocrisy for this coming from someone who voted to confirm terrible Trump appointments, it says something about America's changed mentality that a Republican would say something like this (unimaginable ten years ago), which ought not be ignored by Biden and his Administration.



Suggestions that Mike Morell is being considered for CIA Director after his defence of drone strikes and the CIA's torture program are pretty concerning and would be just about as bad a choice as I can imagine. Hopefully Biden chooses better.