Despite the noteworthy challenges, Xavier Becerra decided to accept what is known as one of the most daunting roles in the capital, taking on the mantle of Joe Biden’s Health and Human Services Secretary. Unfortunately, this decision was made amidst the height of COVID in early 2021, synonymous with redirecting a sinking ship. ‘In the event of Biden’s inauguration, there was a comparative loss of American citizens equivalent to the passengers of 10 jumbo jets,’ he recalled, an attempt to dramatize the scenario.
Within six months, Becerra left his role in Biden’s administration. Now, he stands a spectator to his work being undone at the Department of Health and Human Services by a successor that some deem questionable; Robert F. Kennedy Jr. What’s his reaction? Becerra seems to be seeking to dive back into the political whirlpool, eyeing the role of California’s governor.
Prior to his tenure at HHS, Becerra carried out his duties as California Attorney General and provided over two decades of representation for Downtown Los Angeles in the House of Representatives. Elemants of his past duties, he would like to think, give him an edge in the gubernatorial race. Nevertheless, the Sacramento native argues that his legislative record and the expertise he gathered while handling an entity as large as HHS naturally sets him apart from his competitors, or so he hopes.
However, Becerra’s political pursuit appears to be anything but a walk in the park. Speculations are rife about unrest within the Biden administration, and former Vice President Kamala Harris’s prospective run for the same seat. Not to mention the allegations hovering like dark clouds around Biden’s cabinet members, accused of brushing Biden’s deteriorated health condition under the carpet while he held office.
As Becerra noted, ‘The ordeal has added years to everyone. The decline in the public’s trust in our elected leaders deeply troubles me.’ Moving on, he appeared astonished at the administration’s lackluster position on vaccinations. ‘To witness an administration downplay the vitality of vaccination, going as far as to imply that pregnant women and children need not get vaccinated?’
Critically speaking, he lambasted the recent stand on vaccinations: ‘These are not the kinds of recommendations I am familiar with.’ It seems a fair question to ask, however, why Becerra materialized his objections only after leaving his post as secretary?
Becerra had cut his teeth playing an active role in mounting legal resistance against the Trump administration during his term as California’s Attorney General. Should he become governor, he seeks to maintain this stance of resistance even if it means going against the current administration’s activities.
While the Trump administration instituted firm immigration regulations, Becerra as governor anticipates a softer approach towards this contentious issue. ‘It’s clear that I am the offspring of immigrants, so defending immigrants comes easily. I am committed to safeguard everyone. Having citizenship is not a must to be entitled to constitutional due process rights.’
Surely Becerra has learned a thing or two from Biden’s administration’s handling of their responsibilities, or perhaps a closer view at what not to do in governance. While he watches the Biden administration struggle to impress, Becerra now focuses on a new quest – the governorship of California.
However, it seems he will have to navigate a sea of controversies, speculations, and stiff competition. Among other things, the rumors of the potential attempt by Kamala Harris for the same position could also pose a threat to his political ambitions.
Moreover, the lingering allegations of the intentional concealment of President Joe Biden’s worsening health conditions by the administration officials cast a further shadow over Becerra’s image, given his previous involvement with the administration.
The potential governor is holding his cards close to his chest by not directly addressing the alleged mishandling of vaccination policies by the administration, choosing instead to voice his dissent only after leaving the post. Is this an innocent oversight, or is this demonstrative of a larger issue?
During his tenure as Attorney General for California, Becerra was known for his spirited legal opposition to the Trump administration. Does he intend to apply the same aggressive approach if he holds office as Governor, even if it contrasts with the administration’s decisions? One can only wait and see.
Becerra might plan to prioritize immigrant rights should he be elected as governor. He argued that the right to due process should be more widely available, regardless of one’s immigration status. But would his approach be feasible, or would it lead to another set of problems?
All in all, Xavier Becerra’s quest for California’s governorship is fraught with unanswered questions and looming controversies. It remains to be seen whether his experiences under the Biden administration, both positive and negative, will benefit or backfire on his political aspirations.
The post Biden’s Health Secretary Becerra Flees Sinking Ship appeared first on Real News Now.
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