Biden would consider Republicans for Cabinet

Joe Biden says he would consider enlisting Republicans for his Cabinet, though not for his running mate.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said during a virtual fundraiser Wednesday that a Republican would be considered for a post if they were “the best qualified person” to do the job. But he made clear the potential bipartisanship would not extend to his choice of vice president.

The former vice president said he might even announce some Cabinet picks before election day, an idea he’s floated before.

“There are people who are of such consequence that I already know that I would like to have major Cabinet positions that I think about maybe announcing not the whole Cabinet but some before we start it, even before God willing, we’re able to win,” he said.

Biden is often asked at fundraisers who he’s considering for the vice presidency and other top administration posts and whether he’d consider announcing some picks earlier than nominees traditionally have. Biden was asked Wednesday whether he’d consider appointing a “bipartisan Cabinet.”

The candidate said he is planning an announcement “very soon” on the formation of a committee to advise him on his vice-presidential pick, adding that he hopes the vetting process will be completed by July.

He said he’s also looking ahead to the transition, which he said he hopes would be “as smooth as it was” when Obama took over from George W. Bush. “I doubt it, but I hope so,” he said.