Jeff Zients discovers the thanklessness of the White House chief of staff gig

[brooklynite]

Politico

The grumbling has already begun over Joe Biden’s new chief of staff.

Less than two months into his role as top White House aide, Jeff Zients faces frustration among progressives who see his influence behind Biden’s recent tack toward the center.

House Democrats are still stewing over Biden’s about-face on a D.C. crime bill that blindsided them, and left vulnerable lawmakers to deal with the political fallout. And within a wider circle of White House allies, Zients’ arrival has sparked complaints that they are cut out of the loop after enjoying direct West Wing access through his predecessor, Ron Klain.

“There’s a transition going on in the administration,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “We were looking forward to developing a good relationship with Jeff Zients, but at this point, we’re not in that place yet. So we’re still working on it.”

[hlthe2b]

1. Actually, the grumbling/criticism began BEFORE he replaced Ron Klain.

Granted, the latter is a hard act to follow, but there certainly appears to be a directional change in Biden's policies lately. Whether that has much to do with Zients, is hard to say. The latter is experienced--including time in the Obama admin, but critics are going to zero into his substantial time in the business world as an overriding influence.

[brooklynite]

2. I assume he's taking Biden's directives to move to the center, not pushing him there.

[OBrien]

3. POLITICO 🙄

[Phoenix61]

4. I don't see anyone telling Biden what to do

and thinking his chief of staff is going to push him in any direction is silly. It’s likely he’s positioning for the 2024 election. As much as progressive want to think they are they majority they aren’t.