Biden Would Consider Republicans for Cabinet: Campaign Update

(Bloomberg) -- Joe Biden says he would consider enlisting Republicans for his Cabinet though not for his running mate.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said during a virtual fundraiser Wednesday that a Republican would be considered for a post if they were “the best qualified person” to do the job. But he made clear the potential bipartisanship would not extend to his choice of vice president.

The former vice president said he might even announce some Cabinet picks before Election Day, an idea he’s floated before. “There are people who are of such consequence that I already know that I would like to have major Cabinet positions that I think about maybe announcing not the whole Cabinet but some before we start it, even before God willing, we’re able to win,” he said.

Biden is often asked at fundraisers who he’s considering for the vice presidency and other top administration posts, and whether he’d consider announcing some picks earlier than nominees traditionally have. Biden was asked Wednesday whether he’d consider appointing a “bipartisan Cabinet,” an idea pushed by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. Former President Barack Obama appointed Republican Chuck Hagel as defense secretary.

The candidate said he is planning an announcement “very soon” on the formation of a committee to advise him on his vice-presidential pick, adding that he hopes the vetting process will be completed by July. He said he’s also looking ahead to the transition, which he said he hopes would be “as smooth as it was” when Obama took over from George W. Bush. “I doubt it, but I hope so,” he added.

Biden to Make Policy Speeches Beyond the Virus (3:45 p.m.)

Joe Biden is planning a series of policy speeches that look beyond the coronavirus crisis, he said Wednesday.

“We’re putting together the equivalent of a university series of major speeches on subjects that we’re going to focus on from foreign policy to domestic policy that go beyond the Covid problem to try to make sure we don’t lose the essence of what got us in the race in the first place,” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told donors during a virtual fundraiser.

Biden did not offer the timing of the speeches or specific subjects. All of Biden’s recent virtual campaign events and TV appearances have focused on the public health, economic and other effects of the pandemic. He also told donors that his campaign’s digital videos have drawn at least 63 million views in the past month. -- Jennifer Epstein

Coming up:

Guam will hold caucuses and Kansas will hold a mail-in Democratic primary on May 2.

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