President-elect Joe Biden is apparently bringing back daily press briefings, a presidential tradition that diminished under President Trump’s contentious relationship with the media.
Biden is considering two women for press secretary, including Kate Bedingfield and Symone Sanders, who both have a close working relationship with the former vice president that strengthened throughout the course of his campaign, according to Politico.
Bedingfield is reportedly being considered for White House communications director in addition to being press secretary, and both candidates have expressed interest in the role, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Biden transition team for comment.
Bedingfield served as deputy campaign manager in charge of campaign communications, and she has served as a longtime aide to Biden. Sanders was a senior adviser to the campaign, even when Biden was struggling in the crowded Democratic primary.
Biden aides said that Sanders might be offered a different position “at the podium” if she does not receive the role of press secretary, and confidants noted that Bedingfield might be the first choice for the role because of her long history with the former vice president.
“Kate is eminently qualified to do either one of those jobs,” said Bill Burton, who served as deputy press secretary under President Barack Obama and has worked with Bedingfield in the past.
Bedingfield worked as the rapid response director in the Obama White House from 2009, and then, she transitioned to associate communications director in 2011.
She and Sanders have both made frequent appearances on TV and media on behalf of the Biden campaign this year.
If Sanders were picked, she would make history as the first black woman to serve as press secretary, which might be appealing to Biden, campaign officials said.
“She’s lightning-fast smart, one of those people who, whether you’re in just conversation or sparring, you really got to keep up,” said Ed Gillespie, a former White House aide to President George W. Bush who knew Sanders when they were both fellows at Harvard University. “She is always a half-step ahead, if not a full step ahead.”