So let's set some ground rules: if you've taken Chinese money and worked for an administration: you're out. That takes out most of Obama Biden and significant amounts of Bush. Let's also say: if you didn't see the current state of affairs a mile away: you're out. Same result 1/n
Other than holding positions, the policy decisions of people like Samantha Powers, Susan Rice, and Richard Haass are simply awful. When you are that tragically wrong as a decision, you shouldn't be allowed to fail upwards so repeatedly. This actually means we are left with 2/n
A relatively limited pool of individuals. I'm going to throw in to other things: you have to known China was a problem before last week and I'm looking for a bipartisan foreign policy team. Let's face it Biden straight up compromised on China so if you want to convince 3/n
Me it's not a reset 2.0, yea you were there, then demonstrate policy consistency. So: keep Pottinger. You want a hawk at State? I've long said (and you can go back and check) I'd be happy letting Warren loose on the world. I think she believes, she's prepared, no nonsense 4/n
New blood is needed at Defense after the Obama SCS debacle. FONOPs are way up and Taiwan (which Biden still won't directly defend in statements) needs someone to get behind new problems. I'm gonna go young blood wild card here and say Ely Ratner but he's gonna need big checks 5/n
Finally, Treasury person needs to distance themselves from Wall Street. Obama was comically week on anything enforcement and Treasury has been the main obstacle to more China movement. Can't be someone from Goldman/JP Morgan. I would be very happy with more of a budget/public 6/n
Finance person with an international background willing to make the hard decisions on things like China non-compliance on stock market listings. That's not engagement that's refusal to comply with US laws. I'd be happy with a number of the Democratic senators on the Budget com.
I should emphasize this would be my recommendations for a Biden administration. I should emphasize that yes, I am deeply worried about a Biden approach to China. They never took China seriously in office. This is Obama 2.0. No indication they really get it now. People lining 6/n
For their old jobs which they obviously appeased and missed everything of consequence about China before. Not a good combo. You want to make a break with the party politics, do some bipartisan, demonstrate policy consistency where needed, polish what you think needs it.
