Kamala Harris initiates typical preparations for a potential presidential transition
Previously, ex-President Donald Trump declared the formation of his personal transition team last week.
To direct this endeavor, CNN has learned that Harris has selected the same individual who oversaw the procedure for President Joe Biden four years prior: Yohannes Abraham, the current US ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations based in Indonesia.
Abraham and Harris previously collaborated extensively throughout the transition period and subsequently when Abraham served as the first chief of staff for the National Security Council under Biden.
Abraham will not initiate transition tasks until his departure from the State Department. He is slated to vacate his ambassadorial position soon and return to Washington.
A lack of response from Abraham, upon contact by CNN, did not deter praises for his departure.
As Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated during a visit to Laos toward the end of July, "Yohannes is one of our finest." "[His] voice carries weight in Washington, mainly due to his past experience representing Washington from the other side of the line."
Covington & Burling LLP – the law firm of former Attorney General Eric Holder, which oversaw the vetting process for the running mate for the Democratic nominee – will offer guidance on structuring the transition effort effectively.
The purpose of a transition committee is to facilitate the handover of power from one administration to the next by simplifying the management of the vast federal government, preparing top advisors for unfamiliar roles, and ensuring a smoother transition for the one sworn in at noon on January 20, 2025.
However, this is a delicate balancing act for Harris, who is running on the dual platform of an extension of Biden's administration and a fresh start. An insider familiar with Harris' planning told CNN that the transition machinery will not be responsible for hiring personnel prior to the election. Similarly, it will not interfere with Harris' policymaking, which remains the exclusive domain of her office and campaign. Harris was required to file transition paperwork by next week's deadline.
The insider also added that, as with the transitions overseen by Biden and Barack Obama in 2008, "this transition apparatus will focus on operational considerations in the pre-election period, such as ensuring sufficient vetting capacity post-election."
Ultimately, the transition committee for the triumphant candidate will serve as the focal point for roles such as selecting Cabinet secretaries, hiring for lower-level positions, and managing critical information and decisions that the incoming president will face.
The formation of ex-President Donald Trump's transition team stirs up political discussions, emphasizing the importance of proper transition processes in politics. Harris' decision to replicate Biden's transition strategy with Yohannes Abraham indicates a focus on experienced leadership in politics.
