Some progressive groups have protested Ms. Raimondo’s selection, arguing that the Biden administration should look to a populist Democrat instead. In a Jan. 6 announcement, the Revolving Door Project and Demand Progress criticized Ms. Raimondo as a “corporate insider” who locked in liability protection for businesses but stripped funding from low-income areas of Rhode Island during the pandemic. Some critics have asked whether Ms. Raimondo has the technical background to devise and carry out a strategy to deal with technology challenges from China. Historically, the choice of a commerce secretary has sometimes had more to do with patronage than strategy, with some past administrations appointing a wealthy donor to the post. One is to trip the other guy, and the other is to run faster,” Mr. Reinsch said.

Source: International New York Times January 07, 2021 18:30 UTC