Joe Biden is considering Samantha Power as head of the United States Agency for International Development, which puts Axios at the forefront of foreign aid and corona virus relief efforts, those familiar with the matter tell Axios.
Why this is important: Establishing the Power of the former US Ambassador to the United Nations and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book on genocide – Identifying the plans of the Biden administration to revive foreign aid and use it as a tool of soft power and to achieve humanitarian goals.
Power was a key member of President Obama’s cabinet He recently wrote a foreign affairs article about the president-elect: “Can-do power: America’s good and Biden’s opportunity.”
- Biden has not made a final decision on the position, and there may be other candidates – including those who have qualified for cabinet positions – in the mix.
Power appeared in the documentary “The Final Year” about Obama’s foreign policy committee, having previously worked as a journalist covering the Balkan conflict.
- One of the most important issues he faces is rejoining the World Health Organization and managing the United States’ global response to COVID-19.
- “The Trump administration’s response to the world’s most pressing issue today – the corona virus epidemic – is worse than any other country,” Power wrote in a statement.
Large image: Power, who is currently a professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School, has been a leading advocate for the use of military force, when justified, to achieve humanitarian goals.
- USAID is an independent government agency, but operates in conjunction with the State Department. The executive ‘job requires Senate confirmation, but it is not part of the cabinet.
- The company has been in the news recently due to the actions of Trump appointees.
- Some Democrats, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have argued that this should be raised to cabinet level.
- According to foreign policy, the UN. Other potential contenders include Ertharin Cousin, the former managing director of the World Food Program.
- A Biden change official declined to comment.
Flashback: In the spring of 2011, Power argued that Libya should not be flown over, to prevent Mummar Gaddafi from his goal of killing some of his own people.
- Vice President Biden later opposed the no-fly zone, but Obama eventually backed one, which led to worsening US-Russia relations.
Between the lines: Power’s husband, Cos Sunstein, who ran the most influential office for information and regulation during Obama’s first term, could also return to government.
Editor’s note: Power adds details about the journalism industry and avoids reference to the Cameron incident.