Sanders confronts Tanden about previous “violent attacks”

Sanders confronts Tanden about previous “violent attacks”

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Neera TandenNeera TandenOn The Money: What’s in the Democrats’ 0.9 trillion aid package | Highlight for the proposed stimulus checks | Tanden addresses criticism of the Republican Party Tanden seeks to defuse the tensions of the Republican Party over tweets Schumer promises that Democrats will double-track the coronavirus bill with an impeachment trial MORE, President bidenJoe BidenPostal Service reports profits after increased holiday deliveries Night defense: Pentagon presses to eradicate extremism in the ranks | Chief Admiral condemns extremism after tie, hate speech discovered that Republican Party senators send a clear signal: Trump is being acquitted MOREThe nominee to head the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which once referred to Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersOn The Money: What’s in the Democrats’ 0.9 trillion aid package | Highlight for the proposed stimulus checks | Tanden addresses criticism of the GOP Tanden seeks to defuse GOP tensions over tweets Google expands electoral security aid for federal and state campaigns MORE (I-Vt.) As “crazy”, he faced him at a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

Sanders, who is now chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, confronted Tanden for his earlier criticism at the opening of the hearing, calling his previous attacks “cruel”.

“My language and expressions on social media have hurt people and I feel bad about it. And I really regret it and I recognize that it is very important for me to demonstrate that I can work with other people,” she told Sanders.

Tanden, who, if confirmed, would assume a central political role in the White House, faced criticism from both sides of the corridor on its second day of confirmation hearings.

Tanden was a Senate advisor and supporter of Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonTanden seeks to ease tensions in the Republican Party over tweets Google expands electoral security aid for federal and state campaigns What I learned in 19 weeks of working with progressive Democrats MORE before heading the think tank Center for American Progress (CAP) and has already faced scrutiny for scathing rhetoric against Republicans, particularly on Twitter. She apologized to some of these Republicans on Tuesday at her first confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.

But she had also spoken harsh words about Sanders, Clinton’s rival in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary.

Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamSenate appoints an audience for the appointment of Garland’s attorney general. Cassidy calls Trump’s lawyers “disorganized” after a surprise vote to proceed with the NIGHT ENERGY trial: Senate advances Biden EPA nomination to choose Regan | Study: Fossil fuel air pollution associated with 1 in 5 deaths worldwide | Biden has more time to decide on the Dakota Access Pipeline MORE (RS.C.), the senior committee member, said these comments made his nomination a divisive factor.

“Her contempt was not limited to Republicans,” he said, before reading one of Tanden’s tweets: “Russia has done much more to help Bernie than the random internal DNC emails to help Hillary.”

“What I am trying to emphasize here is that, in a moment of unity, we are choosing someone with these sharp elbows, and that will have a consequence, I hope that on our side,” he added.

Sen. John KennedyJohn Neely KennedyMORE (R-La.) He added his own colorful flourish to his questioning.

“You called Senator Sanders everything but an ignorant bitch,” he said.

Sanders did not hesitate to address the matter personally, noting a letter from the Republicans on the House Budget Committee compiling a litany of complaints against Tanden.

“I think most of us understand that we debate the issues and try to minimize the level of cruel personal attacks that seem to be so prevalent across the country today,” said Sanders.

“Of course, his attacks were not just against Republicans. There were cruel attacks against progressives, people I worked with, myself,” he added, before asking Tanden to “reflect” on his earlier rhetoric.

Tanden reiterated his regrets.

But Sanders’ criticism doesn’t stop there.

He also raised concerns about major corporate donations that Tanden requested as head of the CAP, including from major banks and technology companies.

“Before voting on your nomination, it is important for me and the members of this committee to know that the donations you have made in CAP will not influence your decision making at OMB,” he said.

Tanden promised that these relationships would not affect his decision making.

Graham, for his part, came to Tanden’s defense at that point.

“Miss Tanden was receiving corporate donations, which is fine with me. I don’t care if you receive corporate donations, as long as they are legal and fully disclosed, ”he said.

“I think we all get donations from different groups, that doesn’t mean you own it because someone gives you money, so I’m not going to use it against you.”

At both hearings, Tanden received personal introductions from Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharSenata Democrats call for more resources for Capitol workers after the January 6 attack in Hillicon Valley: Democratic senators reveal Section 230 reform bill | Labor council denies Amazon’s request to delay union vote Robinhood suspends GameStop restrictions, other actions Democratic senators present bill to limit Section 230 protections MORE (D-Minn.) And Sen. Cory BookerCory BookerOvernight Health Care: New COVID-19 cases nationwide drop below 100K for the first time in 2021 | CDC warns states against lifting restrictions amid threat of virus variants | Health officials warn that the eradication of COVID-19 is unlikely Black omnibus maternal health package presented by Democratic lawmakers Booker reintroduces bill to give all newborns, 000 savings accounts MORE (DN.J.), who attested to Tanden’s skills and spoke warmly of his friendship.

Tanden herself tried to soften her image by telling the story of her immigrant mother, whose dependence on welfare programs helped her build a middle-class life, a story that resonated with Sanders.

“As the son of an immigrant, I understand a little of what you are talking about,” said Sanders.

After Sanders dismissed the harsh conversation at the opening of the hearing, he moved to show the unity between the progressives and the Biden administration, asking whether Tanden supported a litany of progressive goals, such as raising the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour, reducing the Medicare’s eligibility age to 60, making public college tuition free for low-income people, providing free universal pre-K and requiring 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

Tanden answered each point in the affirmative.

Updated at 12:35 pm

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