In the weeks since the mainstream media declared Democratic nominee Joe Biden the winner of the recent presidential race, much attention has been paid to his likely nominees for key positions within his prospective administration.
Among the speculation have been rumors that Biden would name former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to a prominent Cabinet post, but a petition from progressive critics are urging him to exclude him from any position whatsoever, as reported by the Washington Times.
“Rahm Emanuel should not play any role”
The far-left activist group People’s Action is circulating the petition and explained its position in a press release.
“No one with a record like that of former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel should have any place on Biden‘s team,” the group proclaimed.
As the activists added, Biden appears to present “an opportunity to turn the page on ugly neoliberal worldview that puts profits before people,” but only if the former vice president surrounds himself with what they consider a sufficiently progressive team of advisers.
“Tell President-elect Biden: Rahm Emanuel should not play any role in the next administration,” People’s Action concluded.
Their petition strikes a similar tone, declaring: “Public officials who cover up police murders of Black children should not be considered for positions in the Biden administration.”
“I would encourage people to wait”
Among their primary concerns is the manner by which the mayor addressed the 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald, a Black teen whose case they claim he attempted to cover up.
People’s Action further took issue with Emanuel’s decision to close dozens of Chicago-area schools and the role he allegedly played in escalating “mass incarceration” and an “attack on public benefits for people in poverty.”
Their opposition to Emanuel is not unprecedented among the far left, with similar criticism having been expressed by the likes of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and fellow progressive lawmakers.
Among the positions that Biden’s transition team has reportedly considered for Emanuel was head of the Transportation secretary and, amid growing pushback, a “less visible” role as U.S. trade representative, according to Fox News. As for Biden transition official Jen Psaki, the controversy drew a coy response: “I would encourage people to wait until we’ve made even one announcement about a Cabinet member and certainly more than just a dozen White House names, before they pass judgment.”
According to Politico, Los Angles Mayor Eric Garcetti is said to be another top contender for the job of Treasury secretary.
The post Progressives demand Biden take Rahm Emanuel out of contention for any post in his administration first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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