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Selecting Tanden to lead the OMB has always been viewed as risky for Biden, given his low-key approach to Republicans and in particular his incendiary Twitter account. But after Democrats took control of the Senate, Biden’s allies believed the president would have it confirmed.
Manchin, a moderate Democrat, likely blew up those plans on Friday afternoon.
“I believe 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 Bureau of Management and Budget,” he said in a statement. “For this reason, I cannot support his nomination.
The White House has said it has no plans to withdraw Tanden’s nomination, with the president telling reporters after a trip to Michigan that: “I think we’ll find the votes to confirm it. Democrats believe it is essential that the Biden administration does not back down quickly on Tanden after Manchin’s opposition, if only to demonstrate that they will not immediately curl up in the face of opposition, including from the party interior.
But without Republicans announcing they will back Tanden, activists and allies are already scrambling for the potential opening.
Sperling, whose potential offer was mentioned on a Friday evening article in The American Prospect, has boosters across the party because of his service in the Clinton and Obama administrations and the connections he has forged both with Biden’s top economic advisers and within progressive intellectual circles.
Biden’s orbit believes he would be easily confirmed if named. But Sperling’s potential rise raises concerns because of the president’s stated commitment to building a diverse cabinet. Tanden is a Native American woman, one of only two women of Asian descent appointed to the cabinet other than Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It is difficult for them not to put a woman to work because of the commitments made by the president to have a balanced cabinet,” said a former Obama official.
Reached for comment, Sperling praised Tanden’s nomination to OMB.
“I have worked with Neera for over 20 years and have never ceased to be impressed with the breadth of his political expertise, his work ethic and his commitment to helping Americans in need,” said Sperling. “She is extremely qualified to be the director of OMB. I have been and continue to support 100% its confirmation. ”
O’Leary is a longtime Democratic policymaker who has close ties to key Biden aides – in particular, White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain – due to his years of experience at Clintonworld. She worked at the Clinton White House, then joined Hillary Clinton’s Senate office as legislative director. She then served as a high-level political advisor for Clinton’s 2016 campaign, alongside Jake Sullivan, now Biden’s national security adviser.
His political work has been widely praised by Democrats, but his slot chances may be blocked by his latest stint in the Newsom administration.
O’Leary served for two years as Newsom’s chief of staff, and it was well known in Democratic circles that she sought a job in the Biden administration. But she quit the Newsom staff before landing a job. His departure came as the governor began to face a recall effort for criticizing the way he had handled the Covid-19 pandemic. The people at Newsom’s camp felt that O’Leary was not the right person to lead the governor through the turbulence of a recall.
“Does the White House want to hold Senate hearings that will examine the administration of Gavin Newsom in California?” That’s the baggage, ”said the former Obama. “There is a lot of worry.”
O’Leary and the White House declined to comment, but after this story was published, O’Leary tweeted his support for Tanden’s appointment.
“For years I have worked alongside my dear friend @neeratanden to fight for more inclusive and equitable economic policies,” she wrote. “Yeah, that’s a hard cookie, but that’s because she fights so hard for the most vulnerable. @POTUS is going to get her confirmed and I’m going to applaud her!”
Given the concerns surrounding Sperling and O’Leary, the White House may decide to elevate Shalanda Young, who has been appointed to the post of deputy director of the OMB. Young, a black woman, is widely respected by both parties on the Hill, where she worked as the House Democrats’ personnel director on the supply committee.
Still, the White House insists it will continue to push for confirmation of Tanden, touting its more than 35 meetings with senators from both sides, its outreach to Asian-American and Pacific island organizations, and the business and the bipartisan support she gained outside the Beltway including from former OMB Director Mitch Daniels, a Republican.
“Neera Tanden is an accomplished political expert who would be an excellent budget manager and we look forward to the committee votes next week and continuing to work for its confirmation through engagement with both parties,” said Jen Psaki, White House press secretary. in a statement Friday night.
While most Democrats say it’s too early to desert Tanden altogether, they also fear waiting too long for the top OMB post, especially since the administration is expected to produce a budget. in the weeks or months to come.
“I wouldn’t want to go another month without an OMB director,” the former Obama official said. “This is an extremely important moment. Either confirm Neera, or you will have to act quickly.
Kevin Yamamura contributed to this report.
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