As the Dow Jones hits a new record high, surpassing 30,000, and the President offers his thought, President-Elect Biden names key members of his national security team, “it’s a team that reflects the fact that America is back.” Notably present some old folks. Notably absent, a defence secretary.
Old Yellen, Janet Yellen is Biden’s pick for Treasury Secretary.
Another oldie, John Kerry, takes the stage alongside climate change, the new star of national security with President-Elect Biden announcing, “for the first time ever there will be a principal on the national security council who can make sure climate change is on the agenda in the Situation Room.” Kerry is named Special Envoy on Climate Change. Kerry says, the Paris Accord will not be enough, “to end this crisis the whole world must come together.”
And Gumbo will be on the menu somewhere, with Linda Thomas-Greenfield chosen to be US Ambassador to the UN, “America is back. Multilateralism is back. Diplomacy is back” Mr President-Elect I heard you say all politics is personal…”
“In my 35 years in foreign service across 4 continents, I put a cajun spin on it. I called it Gumbo Diplomacy. Wherever I was posted around the world I’d invite people of different backgrounds and beliefs to help me make a roux and chop onions for the holy trinity and make homemade gumbo. It was my way of breaking down barriers, connecting with people, and starting to see each other on a human level. A bit of lagniappe (Lanny-yap) is what we say in Louisiana.” Lagniappe is a small gift to a customer, given after a purchase.
National Security Advisor pick is Jake Sullivan, “I will work relentlessly…to keep our country and our people safe.” We will be vigilant in the face of enduring threats…but you have also tasked us with reimagining our national security” in a multitude of threats. With a Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Avril Haines will lead the intelligence community.
Alejandro MayorÃas has secretary of Department of Homeland Security.
Sunday Biden announced his choice for Secretary of State, centrist, Tony Blinken, his long time foreign policy advisor from Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Obama White House. His current role as a strategic consultant draws on his powerful contact book to assist corporations. He co-started West-Ex, then went to Pine Island.