Biden’s econ team faces critical moment

WILMINGTON, DEL. » Presidentelect Joe Biden is unveiling his economic team Tuesday amid growing concerns about the pace of the nation’s economic recovery as governments reimpose restrictions to curtail the surging coronavirus pandemic.

Biden appeared at a theater in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, moving gingerly in a black walking boot he’s worn since breaking his right foot while playing with one of his dogs over the weekend. The president-elect fractured two small bones in the middle of his right foot, according to Biden’s doctor,

Kevin O’Connor.

The injury, while not serious, again intensifies scrutiny on Biden’s age, given that he recently turned 78 and will be the oldest president ever to enter office when he is inaugurated. When asked about his foot when arriving at the theater, Biden declared only, “Good, thanks for asking.”

His team wants to keep the focus on reviving the nation’s postpandemic economy.

Biden has assembled a team of liberal advisers who have long prioritized the nation’s workers and government efforts to address economic inequality, as unemployment remains high and as the COVID-19 outbreak widens the gulf between average Americans and the nation’s most well off. The virus, which has killed more than 268,000 Americans, is resurgent across the country amid holiday travel and colder weather sending people indoors.

Janet Yellen, announced Monday as Biden’s nominee for treasury secretary, served as chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014