(Axios) Scoop: Biden weighs retired General Lloyd Austin for Pentagon chief

[sabra]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by JudyM (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: Axios

Joe Biden is considering retired four-star General Lloyd Austin as his nominee for defense secretary, adding him to a shortlist that includes Jeh Johnson, Tammy Duckworth and Michele Flournoy, two sources with direct knowledge of the decision-making tell Axios.

Why it matters: A nominee for Pentagon chief was noticeably absent when the president-elect rolled out his national security team Tuesday. Flournoy had been widely seen as the likely pick, but Axios is told other factors — race, experience, Biden's comfort level — have come into play.

Between the lines: Biden's top advisers feel pressure to announce an African American to a prominent Cabinet role. Earlier this week, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), a top ally, said he was disappointed more African Americans had not been included in Biden's early selections.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/biden-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-1af4a702-aaf2-4e9e-9f5f-3ece6a9ff362.html?utm_campaign=organic&utm_medium=socialshare&utm_source=twitter

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I hear what Rep. Clyburn is saying.

And maybe this is racial bias on my part, or maybe it isn't.

This is what I believe:

Color should not be part of the criteria for any job.

[Gore1FL]

2. So I guess we are just giving up on less than 7 years former military not being defense secretaries?

When Trump broke things, I was hoping we'd not dance on the pieces of the traditions and rules he'd shattered.

[Sewa]

3. I would support Gen Wes Clark for the position

If it was for a short term to regain international confidence and respect.

[grobertj]

4. He's not black.

[Sewa]

6. I'm aware of his race

Is there a racial requirement now?

[TimeToGo]

5. I prefer no general

As head of DOD.

[lastlib]

8. Agreed!

SecDef should be a civilian.

[Fiendish Thingy]

7. My vote would be Jeh Johnson. Nt

[LittleGirl]

9. Can we stop selecting retired people?

What about younger (actually working) candidates for posts like this?

We need younger blood. It's almost as if the older retired candidates won't share their knowledge with the younger generation.
I'm old so I can say this with sincerity.

The youth are our future. Let's give them a chance to shine.

[JudyM]

10. Locking

Anticipatory, so please post in GD instead. Discussion of who Biden is considering is not yet important headline news, it’s behind the scenes talk and analysis.