Tanden’s choice to run the OMB has always been seen as risky for Biden, given his simplistic approach to dealing with Republicans and, particularly, his Twitter account. But after Democrats took control of the Senate, Biden’s allies believed the president would confirm it.
Manchin, a moderate Democrat, probably screwed up those plans on Friday afternoon.
“I believe that his openly partisan statements will have a toxic and damaging impact on the important working relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Office of Management and Budget,” he said in a statement. “For this reason, I cannot support your appointment.
The White House said it had no intention of withdrawing Tanden’s nomination, with the president telling reporters after a trip to Michigan that: “I think we will find the votes to confirm it.” Democrats believe it is critical that the Biden government does not quickly give in to Tanden after Manchin’s opposition, if only to demonstrate that they will not immediately cower from any opposition, including from within the party.
But with no sign from Republicans that they would support Tanden, activists and allies are already fighting for potential openness.
Sperling, whose potential bid was mentioned on a Friday night article in The American Prospect, has boosted the party due to his service in the Clinton and Obama administrations and the relationships he has built with Biden’s top economic advisers and within progressive intellectual circles.
Biden’s orbit believes he would be easily confirmed if appointed. But there are concerns about Sperling’s potential rise because of the president’s stated commitment to building a diverse cabinet. Tanden is an American Indian, one of only two women of Asian descent appointed to the cabinet, except for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It is difficult for them not to put a woman in office because of the president’s commitments to a balanced cabinet,” said a former Obama official.
Sought to comment, Sperling praised Tanden’s nomination for OMB.
“I have worked with Neera for more than 20 years and I have never stopped being impressed by the breadth of his policy experience, work ethic and commitment to helping Americans in need,” said Sperling. “She is extremely qualified to be the director of OMB. I have been and remain 100% in favor of your confirmation. ”
O’Leary is a longtime Democratic policy maker, with close ties to Biden’s top advisers – in particular, the White House chief of staff, Ron Klain – due to his years of experience in the Clinton world. She worked at the Clinton White House and then joined Hillary Clinton’s Senate office as legislative director. She later served as the top policy advisor in Clinton’s 2016 campaign, along with Jake Sullivan, now Biden’s national security adviser.
His political work was widely praised by Democrats, but his chances of getting a seat could be hindered by his passage through the Newsom government.
O’Leary served for two years as Newsom’s chief of staff, and it was well known in Democratic circles that she was looking for a job in the Biden administration. But she left the Newsom team before getting a job. His departure came at a time when the governor began to face a recall effort because of criticism of how he handled the Covid-19 pandemic. People at Newsom’s camp felt that O’Leary was not the right person to lead the governor during the turmoil of a recall.
“Does the White House want to have Senate hearings to examine the Gavin Newsom administration in California? That’s the baggage, ”said Obama’s former student. “There is a lot of concern.”
O’Leary and the White House declined to comment.
Given the concerns surrounding Sperling and O’Leary, the White House may decide to elevate Shalanda Young, who was appointed to serve as deputy director of the OMB. Young, a black woman, is widely respected by both parties on Hill, where she served as director of staff for House Democrats on the Appropriations Committee.
Still, the White House insists it will continue to push for Tanden’s confirmation, publicizing its more than 35 meetings with senators from both parties, its outreach to Asian American and Pacific Island organizations and the business community and bipartisan support that she won out of Beltway, including former Republican OMB director Mitch Daniels.
“Neera Tanden is an accomplished policy expert who would be an excellent budget director and we look forward to the committee’s votes next week and to continue working towards its confirmation through engagement with both parties,” said Jen Psaki, secretary White House press conference. in a statement Friday night.
While most Democrats argue that it is too early to abandon Tanden altogether, they are also concerned about waiting too long to fill the top OMB post, especially as the government is expected to produce a budget in the coming weeks or months.
“I would not like to spend another month without an OMB director,” said the former Obama official. “It is an extremely important moment. We will confirm Neera or you will have to act quickly. “
Kevin Yamamura contributed to this report.