Progressives frustrated with representation as Biden Cabinet takes shape

Some progressives are getting increasingly frustrated with the how President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenPro-Trump protestors, counter-protesters and police clash in DC after day of election demonstrations Castro says ‘there’s still work to do’ on Biden Cabinet diversity Robert Zoellick says human rights, European relations to play key roles in Biden foreign policy MORE’s potential Cabinet is shaping up, venting that the incoming administration does not properly reflect the role progressives played helping Biden get to the White House.

Liberal groups and lawmakers bristled at Rep. Marcia FudgeMarcia FudgeBiden forms team of insiders OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Biden taps ex-Obama chief for VA | Shutdown looms amid standoff | SCOTUS rules on rape cases in military Fudge: ‘I can do so much of the same things’ at HUD as agriculture MORE (D-Ohio) getting passed over for Agriculture secretary in favor of Tom VilsackTom VilsackUSDA: Farm-to-school programs help schools serve healthier meals OVERNIGHT MONEY: House poised to pass debt-ceiling bill MORE, who held the role in the Obama administration. And there is growing concern the Biden team will pass over Rep. Deb HaalandDebra HaalandCastro says ‘there’s still work to do’ on Biden Cabinet diversity OVERNIGHT ENERGY: McEachin signals interest in Biden administration environment role | Haaland, eyed for Interior, stresses need for Native American representation | Haaland backers ask Udall to step aside in bid for Interior post Haaland, eyed for Interior, stresses need for Native American representation MORE (D-N.M.), a progressive favorite, for Interior secretary.

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersPerdue, Ocasio-Cortez spar on Twitter over Georgia races Iowa caucus mishap fueled by DNC interference, state missteps: autopsy report Stimulus checks should take back seat to jobless aid, economists say MORE (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezPerdue, Ocasio-Cortez spar on Twitter over Georgia races Ocasio-Cortez hits back at those who call her radical: ‘Shoutout to my fellow radicals’ Hawley introduces bill for second round of stimulus checks MORE (D-N.Y.) this week took issue with some of the Cabinet picks and urged Biden to include more progressives in his remaining selections.

Biden’s Cabinet picks so far have mostly consisted of establishment figures and longtime allies such as Tony Blinken for secretary of State, Janet YellenJanet Louise YellenMatt Yglesias says Biden Cabinet picks give ‘extraordinary level of look back’ to Obama administration Joe Biden’s economic challenge Biden to pick retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to be next Defense secretary MORE for Treasury secretary, Denis McDonoughDenis Richard McDonoughProgressives frustrated with representation as Biden Cabinet takes shape Biden urges Americans to ‘have confidence’ in vaccine The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – COVID-19 vaccine moves ahead. Congress? Not so much MORE for secretary of Veterans Affairs and ex-Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonSirota: Health care industry coalition aimed at ‘demonizing’ Medicare for All, public option The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – COVID-19 vaccine moves ahead. Congress? Not so much Bette Midler blasts McConnell: ‘How did he win with an 18% approval rating?’ MORE adviser Neera TandenNeera TandenAsian lawmakers: ‘Unacceptable’ if Biden doesn’t name AAPI Cabinet ‘secretary’ Ocasio-Cortez: Biden agenda ‘a little hazy’ Biden’s top health nominee attracts early opposition from Senate GOP MORE for the Office of Management and Budget.

While the choices have largely succeeded in not upsetting the Democratic base, there is bubbling skepticism among progressive groups that Biden will commit to including picks for top Cabinet positions that will represent their views.

“I think the Biden people have been a little bit less concerned about satisfying progressives. I think they’re a little more concerned about not alienating progressives,” said one Democratic strategist close to the transition.

Sanders told Axios earlier this week that he felt Biden would not have won the White House without the backing of the progressive movement, which deserved “important seats” in the administration.

“Have I seen that at this point? I have not,” he said.

Ocasio-Cortez told reporters on Wednesday that she worried there was no cohesive vision from the Biden Cabinet thus far, noting some of the picks have been more conservative than others.

The Biden team has defended its choices, arguing that the Cabinet is the most diverse in history and will be ready to tackle a whirlwind of crises upon taking office.

“The team that we’ve put together has been a combination of experienced, crisis-tested leaders, many of whom have served in government previously, which the president-elect and vice president-elect see as invaluable at this time,” Jen PsakiJen PsakiAsian lawmakers: ‘Unacceptable’ if Biden doesn’t name AAPI Cabinet ‘secretary’ Biden…