Joe Biden's top Cabinet contenders come into focus

[brooklynite]

CBS News

Wilmington, Delaware — With a little more than 60 days until inauguration, President-elect Joe Biden does not appear to be in a hurry to name nominees for top Cabinet positions. But that isn't stopping speculation — or the jockeying to serve in his administration.

Close Biden loyalists are expected to be rewarded with top appointments, while former primary rivals Pete Buttigieg and Senator Bernie Sanders continue to express interest in top jobs, both publicly and through Biden aides involved in the process. Transition officials initially envisioned Buttigieg as veterans affairs secretary, but he is now under consideration for a foreign policy role.

Several people familiar with the ongoing process also say that diversity — of age, gender, race and ideology — will be an important factor in making final decisions, more so than in previous Democratic presidential transitions.

Mr. Biden's ultimate selections will also be driven by policy considerations and a potential nominee's previous public service record. Loyalty or a history of working alongside Mr. Biden will also be an advantage.

[JI7]

1. I hope PB gets United nations ambassador