Knows me well, not only do i do National Security and Foreign Policy, but having served and worked on the hill, and i have a very much, in my d. N. A. , the essence of bipartisanship. For me, looking at this biden transition and where were going with that transition, its very much anchored in the clarity of what i call roles and responsibilities. And those roles and responsibilities are on behalf of all of us. As americans. And were all standing together, because as you said so well, were faced with challenges here in america. But theyre global challenges. So americas leadership will be executed with the degree of humility and transparency and we look forward to engaging with our colleagues on capitol hill, with the American People, and with our friends in the global landscape. Leagues on capitol hill, with the American People, and with our friends in the global landscape. So with that may i turn over and ask our colleagues, i would like to get into this transition period we in the Nations Capital but less so try to get a little bit better job educating this transition is a little tricky. Its different than what has happened in the past, but it is being rolled out as we see and has been for some time finally. So let me ask Speaker Boehner if you would just from your vantage point, give us the landscape, its crew comport to the wall of this transition because it is anchored in the incoming cabinet members. I would like each of you after Speaker Boehner offer your framework to also pick up on that, so both rodney and former congressman crowley if you could also address the issue as well. Speaker boehner come over to you. Well, toni, thank you and its good to be with all of you. I hope everyone finds this very interesting. Divided government has served america pretty well over the last 200 years, and it looks like we may be headed towards active i discovered once again. Of course there are two senate races in georgia that are yet to be decided, but this conversation, my assumption is we are going to end up having divided government. As you look at the new administration, they are going to find i think some opportunities to work with the congress. Its not going to be easy. It never is. It was never intended to be easy. But when it comes to the makeup of the new cabinet, i think youll see republicans on the hill by and large be supported of the president elects pics. The would be a couple, i would guess, that are not going to quite pass the test but theres going to be i think quite a bit of respect for the people that president elect biden chooses for his cabinet. I would really agree with john, Speaker Boehner. I think the American People expect that the senate will cooperate and give to president elect biden when hes in total scope that is a workable cabinet. I would necessary, bipartisanship as it is expectation the record people place on the senate in the role to confirm. And so i think that we may very well see, i would just say we will see some republicans in that mix. Some will have an easier time than others. I know that from the outset my good friend neera tanden has been kind of singled out so far. I think shes wonderful. In this world of hyper partisanship come to criticize her for having been partisan and supporting joe biden when some of the verbiage that we had to do with over the last four years, she really pales in comparison to that. In terms of the use of that. Shes a person of substance and i hope that the person people talking and say heres a problem, so to speak. But who knows, we will see what happens. Thank you. Rodney . You are muted. Thank you. Is that good . Thats good, thank you. Thanks, toni. And thanks to meridian for affording us this opportunity. Its a Great Organization and we look forward to the discussion. I would like to echo the sentiments of Speaker Boehner and congressman crowley. I do think that clearly this issue a divided government that is before us, and notwithstanding whatever happens in the georgia elections, its still going to be a split, almost down the middle, congress and you have a change in the white house but, but this is a country that is pretty much split down the middle. And its going to take a unique i think president in the white house to attempt to bring that together. The good thing the the president elect has said is hes going to be a president not only for those who voted for him but for those who voted against him as well picky believes that thats the responsibility of the president. Frankly, the only office in our country that is voted on all of the people of the u. S. He has a wonderful running mate and now Vice President elect in senator harris, and to make a wonderful team. One other thing i would like to say about the cabinet is that the president elect has said hes going to have a cabinet that looks like america, is like america. You see that come into focus. I think hes made some tremendous selections thus far. Toni blinken is secretary of state, we all know him very, very well. He will clearly be a secretary of state more in the traditional sense, and we can get into that a little later in the discussion but clearly reaching out to our allies and trying to reestablish relations with foes very, very important. And then i will just close echoing joes comments about neera tanden. Shes a great person. I think that the president it lacks cabinet is going to get that president elects cabinet, theyre all people of substance and capability to hes making that a priority, and is looking at then as a team as much as individual members. Because with the challenges we face they are going to have to work as a team, clearly led by his vision and his encouragement in their service to the American People. But its a very exciting time. Thank you. I think that you all have laid this out quite well. I want to pick up though on and get a little of, lets get into some granularity because each of you mentioned the georgia elections. Lets get into what is the Tipping Point on the georgia elections that references an impasse on the cabinet selection and the degree to which that republicans, so i think it might be, continue to be divided, but even if the georgia elections turned towards two more democratic democratic seats in the senate, it still going to be close. Taking into account Vice President elect biden has a deep and rich background of coming from the senate, and respect from his colleagues, lets talk a little bit about two components. One, what happens after the georgia elections. Is there a paradigm shift we can look at more of a consensus . Two, what can the republicans in the senate do that can help foster this moral collegiality, beginning to break down some of the silos so that we can quietly begin this process of, and everything doesnt need to be on the front page of our respective newspapers or media, begin more quietly engaging to have what i call constant Building Measures on this critically important rollout of the confirmation process . Lets start with you since you are the last. Sure, toni. Im really looking forward hearing from the comments of my colleagues as well, but as i think about it, its quite significant for this race involving two really senate positions in georgia. And its in georgia. As a native of the south, i am excited about that. I remember during the Clinton Campaign back as far as 1992 when georgia was a target for then governor bill clinton come beating within governor miller and laying out a strategy to speak to the south and to try to bring the south into the fold. And again george kent into the democratic column during the time and we havent won again until this time. President elect biden did tremendously well in georgia. The numbers actually continue to rise over time. And now weve got these two senate seats. I think its good again that we have two rather than one, because it just puts everything on the table. There is the presumption that democrats may not come out in a runoff election. I dont think thats going to be the case. I think its going to be very close. Everyone knows President Trump is going to go to georgia this weekend, which will be very interesting. President elect biden and Vice President elect harris have said they will probably be going at some point. This is a very, very important election and i am excited about it. Now clearly, raw feel warnock and john allsop archimedes candidates for the democrats. I think they say a lot about what the new south represents. I think its going to be a very competitive race but im happy its in the south, that it would force of the nation estate that was very important the president ial election and it will mean a lot when it comes to the building of the president to get some things done. But again you touch on his relationships with senators across the political divide. I think thats going to come into play here as well. He will be able to manage whatever the outcome clearly if he has the majority or split, 5050 with the Vice President breaking the tie. Thats a big difference when it comes to your strategy and your movement as far as leadership. Thank you for that granularity. I think its a great snapshot. Speaker boehner, lets put you in the middle here because a lot, theres a great deal of curiosity by your former colleagues in the republican controlled senate. They are only now beginning to quietly speak up about supporting this transition process. Whats your take . How do you evaluate the landscape right now in the senate . What is your evaluation . Well, i think republicans in the senate are looking forward to the transition period they all know that its coming. It is, in fact, happening, but all the action is about georgia. You have members who are going to be chairman of the committee, or they can be a Ranking Member. Its a really big deal and so all eyes are on georgia, all hands on deck in georgia. And so it till georgia gets decided, only things are going to get done are things that have to get done, funding the government somehow by the end of next week, probably some small covid related field that might be attached to such a bill, doing something about the National National Defense Authorization act, there will be a few other cats and dogs in there but other than what has to get done, its all about georgia. Congressman crowley . I would add to what john has just said as well. I agree with both in terms of the imports of georgia. But john boehner just had its the difference as to who is the chair or the Ranking Member in the senate. And why that is so critical is that if democrats are able to capture the senate, even with a 5050 split, the use of reconciliation as a tool to pass a much broader agenda for democrats, that opportunity exists. Without it, it doesnt. I think thats one thing way think you see more of what the president campaigned on, have an opportunity to see the light of day in the city. Lets keep in mind one thing. The results of this election are becoming more and more clear. And that is although the American People rejected soundly donald trump, they did not reject republicanism writ large. When to look down the ticket, over all republicans gain position in the house of representatives. They were expected listen. And they didnt lose the senate so far. To go even deeper, it may take control of the state legislative bodies that they had already. They will have an oversized influence on reapportionment. When you look in terms of whether republicans stand right now, this is pretty split decision. As john mentioned earlier. But there so that everything comes down to the georgia, these two georgia seats. I think rodney is right that democrats have a better than normal chance in georgia for a lot of reasons, not the least of which they had the highest turnout and a long time, almost 5 million votes. They dont expect that many now, and the president continues to attack the system overall. That is leaving some republicans to lose faith in the entire system. We well see what happens in tes of that runoff. Congressman crowley, thank you very much. For a audience i would like to point out, what you just experienced is an extraordinary lesson in our democratic process here in america. As much as i anticipate in that process, i really respect each of you for your very thoughtful and grandeur comments. Its quite extraordinary. I wish you guys, i hope you al will think about going on the road and educating in terms of young people. Because i think one of the things that we are experiencing here just as we discussed with the cabinet selection is that we want the cabinet selection as president elect biden has said to look like america. When you do listen to america just like we need to listen to our international colleagues. But i think what i just listened to is all too often we forget how messy the democratic experience is, how credible it is. So i want to thank each of you for that. Lets broaden our lands all of it as well going to begin the transition into looking at discussing some of the policies. I would like to hear your evaluation on the cabinet choices thus far. Each of you i think has touch on what i call responsibility of these cabinet appointments. They are not all rolled out yet. They are being thoughtfully rolled up. Lets start with the top one which is the National Security rollout, tony blinken as proposed secretary of state. Admiral haynes, you have Jake Sullivan at nsc Community Economic team rolled out. I would like to get each of you to offer comments on those selections and also if you could kind of differentiate whats the significance of those that require confirmation against those that dont . For example, Jake Sullivan and our security advisor . I think would be helpful for audience to better understand why some require confirmation and what that means and what other positions dont. Congressman crowley, lets start with you, if we could complete. I think president elect biden as secretary slater has already alluded to, when he made his speech about healing america, talked about what he perceived as what we need to do to move forward. Part of that was to bring what i think is going to be the most diverse cabinet as well as white house staff that weve ever seen. Probably even more diverse than president Barack Obamas which was very diverse it so. In terms of i think both Speaker Boehner and secretary slater who has gone through the confirmation process himself, he may even have more insight into that as well. Certain positions in the white house do not require the confirmation of the senate, the constitution, but some do including the cabinet positions. I do think that with tony blinken, for instance, Vice President elect biden has chosen something that would reestablish our ties to our traditional allies. Well recognize china is still a problem regards of party affiliation. I think we engagement in the pacific would be critical for us. But going back to my first point in terms of i think youre in particular reestablishing those ties that a bit traditional allies of the postworld war ii era, i think its going to be important, reengaging in paris accord, i think trying in some way to work with our European Partners to wrangle around back into the umbrella of proliferation nuclear weapons. I do think that was a critical point. I think toni is white respect on both sides of the aisle. As is Jake Sullivan. Worked for secretary clinton. So i think, and again diversity in terms of haynes and others in terms of bringing diversity to the rights of intelligence critically important as well. Thank you, congressman crowley. Secretary slater, i know youre having some Technology Problems and youre not been able to engage. I think congressman crowley did reference and the bourne, on the failure with one serve on the cabinet, went through confirmation get it you wouldnt mind getting as your perspective. I think we would really appreciate it. Sure, sure. First of all i think its very important for an administration to look like america. The president elect has talked a lot about our power as a country, whether thats militarily or economically, but hes also talked about the power of our example. And when people around the globe can look to the u. S. And see the longest democracy in the history of the world, the most diverse democracy, and see that represented, and seeing it operate capably, thats a very strong example. So we would not give into the strongman kind of philosophy of government. That there would be a team effort and to get big things done youd have to have cooperation and collaboration. So, this is quite natural to see, you know, it play out in the difficulty of it. And the most significant thing about the recent election, i think, is that you had a historic election, as far as numbers are concerned, more than 1100 Million People voting, you know, prior to the election. Absentee, mail, by mail, and then on election day, some 50 Million People voting. That is significant. And i think it speaks volumes about the health of our democra democracy. I also think that this development, as relates to appointments, speaks to that as well. And again, we mentioned that, and id like to mention alejandro, homeland security, and the first to be appointed to that pose and first after first after first. And wed look at the obama administration, but id like to mention, president clinton and vicepresident gore in 93 they basically said as well we are going to have an administration that looks like america. And if you go back and you look at it, you see that. And the good thing about that kind of commitment is that we know that you can have that commitment and still have excellence. Thats where looking at the individual choices that are being made. This Economic Team led by janet yellen, she is one of the most capable economic minds in the world. She served as the chair of the economic advisors during the clinton years. She was chair of the fed and now shes the first woman who serve as secretary of the treasury and when you think about historically, Alexander Hamilton and all of his wonderful work and now she is there and what we can expect from her, it is an exciting time. And then the team that theyre putting together, very, very fascinating. So, im excited about the appointment that has been made and weve got some big ones yet to come. Im looking forward to that. And just a quick point about the process. I have to tell you that one thing that ive really respected here is that ive had a couple of friends and so you hear the news, and then you reach out to them to congratulate them and you realize, theyre saying, no, no, no, until it will officially announced, ill going to respect the process, im going to respect the president elect, vicepresident elect and their considerations. There are a number of names out here. Choices have to be made and lets respect that process. And so, you know, were going to see a lot of names and ron klain and the team, theyre working with a tight group of people. The good thing is that theyve got people three and four deep to be selected from, which i think also speaks well of the talent pool of the country. So i think its going to be have he exciting and i will say this, one reason we had to get the transition process officially underway is because there is a vetting process that goes on as well, and you really have to have the space, you have to have the resources to start getting into that and so that, too, is why that gsa decision was so critically important to get this process officially underway. The good inning is that with the knowledge capability of the president elect and his team, and their knowledge about washington and its dynamics, they were able to actually get things going without some of that officially, you know, acknowledgment, but the fact that its now underway, i think, were going to start to see a lot of these appointments, row four, with roll forward more expeditiously. And what was said about the significance of having a chairmanship as compared to being a Ranking Member, as you know, because its so close, there are a number of people that the president elect would private like to consider in both the senate and the house, that he may not be able to really get to because he needs them where they are. Because of this power dynamic. Well, a lot of them, if they arent selected, theyre going to feel a lot better if they can become chair of a very Important Committee so ill just close with that to say, people are looking at this in a lot of ways from a lot of perspectives and thats one that i dont think that we can fail to really consider and understand its importance. Rodney, we both served in the Clinton Administration and im glad you rest on that in the room as you say, that was a great roll up. Cant help, but ask, so you referred to, you hear a lot of names, why dont you share with us some of the names youre hearing on transportation and energy, or others that you might have picked up before we close. [laughter] come on, rodney. You know, i was trying to get away from not getting into, you know, a lot of the names other than those that have been selected, but i will say this about transportation, i think, one, the person who is selected is who is going to be dealing with republicans and democrats and thats really always been the case when you think about transportation. Id also like to say that maybe its an opportunity for the president elect to at least consider whether he might have someone of a of the opposite party, you know. So youve got that dynamic in play, but you also have a list of very, very capable people and, you know, weve seen some of them. And, you know, its a way to bring someone from the state and local level into the cabinet post, during that first clinton cabinet, federico pena, former mayor of denver was selected. And i came in as secretary and worked as a highway commissioner in arkansas at the local level. Youve got a number of mayors being considered now. Mayor garcetti, former mayor rahm emanuel, both very, very capable. Bill washington heading the transition who needs the l. A. Transit association, very, very capable. Did a wonderful job in denver. I know hes pulling together information that will be of benefit to the president elect and vicepresident elect when it comes to filling all of the posts across the department of transportation. Youve got federal highway administrations, federal transit. I mean, its just a wonderful organization. So, i want to mention that. And then, you know, youve got john picari, the Deputy Administration from the obama administration, whos probably under consideration along with the three ive mentioned. Theres a wealth of talent again for the president to select from. All of the people ive mentioned i know well, theyre my friends, and you know, they know that i mention them because theyre capable, clearly, of occupying the post, but they all know that this is a choice for the president elect and the vicepresident elect and members of their team, and they also know that whatever the decision, number one, there may be others to be considered for them because these are people who can play different positions, but also, that there will be still the need for those in the private sector and an invitation for those in the private sector to be supportive of this administration. Weve seen the president elect move on that already by bringing business and labor together, earlier this week he met with Small Business leaders and a lot of frontline employees. I mean, were going to see him engaging the private sector as well and challenging us all to be concerned about the common good. Now, rodney, i think thank you for that and what youre clearly indicating is that the Biden Administration is really looking to bring all the stake holders to the table. Yes. And we began this conversation, we have so many challenges in front of us and thats really the only pay we can move forward. So Speaker Boehner, were going back to policy, politics and the congress and id like for us to really look at. If you could give us the landscape as you see it on both domestic policy Priority Issues and the National Security policy priorities. Were looking, coming off of whats now the congress as you yourself just mentioned. The president , its unclear whats going to happen to the National Defense authorization act which is now in conference and is by all accounts reading it, is in a bit of trouble. That really is not a very positive signal and id be interested in your thoughts. It would be unprecedented if the ndaa was not passed and agreed to. Secondly, where do we stand on the domestic landscape with an emergency economic package for those who are suffering so much with regard to the covid pandemic . And how do you see then pivoting to a new congress under the Biden Administration in the sense of how this congress its going to be tight by all accounts listening to how you all rolled out that landscape. And how do you see this new Congress Working together with both house and senate together, but also with the incoming Biden Administration to begin to actually, frankly, do what we used to do and that is pass legislation thats signed into law. I think its a Novel Concept these days. So Speaker Boehner may i turn the gavel over to you. Well, certainly lets break this down into prejanuary 20th and postjanuary 20th. And near during the transition as i mentioned earlier theyve got to find a way to fund the government. I think theyre pretty close on agreeing to a large appropriations bill. Theres going to be some covid relief. Im not sure what they can agree to. Im not sure this will happen by the end of next week, but i do think that that those two things will happen. On ndaa, the National Defense authorization act, if its like any other year, there will be a twothirds vote, enough votes to override the president s threatened veto. And so, they may be working to shore up the votes. To make it clear that theyve got the votes to override the veto. So, well get through all of that. But once we get po postinauguration day, i think both parties have an opportunity to show the American People, hey, its time to go. And i think the president elect biden understands what hes dealing with. I think hell reach out to the Senate Majority leader. I think theres going to be some room for doing some things together. Whether its a covid relief, whether its an infrastructure bill, you know, weve been trying to get a big infrastructure bill passed for many years. These are two places where theres at least a better than even chance you can find common ground. And so those are the things that i think both i think that rodney and jim would both agree, thats the place to get to. Theyre going to have their disagreements. As rodney pointed out before the founders that built this tension into our system, you know, with three separate and equal branches of our government. So that tension is there and its there on purpose. To try to minimize the amount of movement that can really happen in our government. If you look at our government, we kind of move a little to the right, then may move a little to the left. We dont have a winner take all. And so, i think that both sides will have an opportunity to begin to assure the American People, yes, theres a chance we can effect government. Well said. I couldnt agree with you more. I am cautiously optimistic in this process. Well, dont get too optimistic, all right . [laughter] invested in the process. Can i add to that one point . Were looking at as john says, Speaker Boehner says, prejanuary 20th and postjanuary 20th. And right now the democrats have a comfortable margin and that shifts after january. And headed into 2022. Thats behind us and were headed to 2022. The republicans were Successful Holding off a great effort by democrats to recapture state legislators. In those states where republicans control everything theyre going to have an incredible influence on the making of new congressional districts. So, heading into 2022. We have that going as a problem for democrats in 2022 and added to that is that the incumbent president in his first midterm elections historically tends to lose seats in the house of representatives. I know that nancy pelosi knows that. And its interesting to see what happens here pre and post. Were dealing with the National Security threat. Immediate threat. Thats covid19. Thats why i think were seeing this movement, by the gang, im not sure what they call themselves the gang of what, but to pass something shortterm and more done after january 20th. The House Democrats are going to be in an interesting position how they conduct themselves with a smaller majority. You know, i think one thing nancy pelosi knows the road to controlling the house of representatives was through the bread basket, the iron belt, Middle America and through interstate districts, not in new york or other cities, but the more challenging districts, thats how they won the house of representatives and thats why they were able to hold on so far. Republicans took many back and thats where the challenge will be in 2022 for democrats to keep that in mind as well. I agree. Yeah, hey, tony. Yeah, we have pea got to get into some policy. Oh, good because i was about to Say Something about transportation so let me let you go on. Because the speaker had mentioned that and i think its a great policy area for choorp cooperati cooperation. Go ahead. Thank you, i didnt mean to jump ahead of you. The speaker mentioning opportunity for compromise on an infrastructure measure. I think that is right on target and as he noted, its something that weve been talking about now for a number of years. I mean, and talking about it at the highest levels. And one thing that i will say about president elect biden is that when he talks about Building Back better, he clearly starts with covid as congressman crowley has noted, but when he starts to pivot to beyond covid, its really infrastructure and he says, you know, its about more though than highways and rail. Even though hes talking about a second rail revolution, which is quite exciting you, but its about more than concrete, asphalt and steel. Its about broadband. Its about building on all that we have discovered in this time of covid when it comes to telework and telemedicine and making sure that those investments are made in Middle America. Thats really the key here, and so im very, very excited about this and i think were going to see this administration lead with infrastructure in the forefront. He basically says that it is the new foundation on which were going to build this new growth economy, a Fourth Industrial Revolution economy with 5g and again, automation and those sorts of things. So its an exciting time, but he says were going to do that with the focus on workers as well, so that were bringing them along as we deal with these difficult challenges we face and ill just sort of close there, but it also underscores, frankly, the importance of that secretary of transportation, right . Because thats going to be the Cabinet Department that works with the white house, with the treasury, with commerce, with all other agencies across the government to really lead in that process and so, again, mr. Speaker, great job teeing up that issue. Its one where we can really have republicans and democrats working together. All right, well said by all three of you. I completely agree. Well, im going to now pivot. There are so many other questions we need to get to, but we have a robust set of questions from our ambassadors who are joining us today. So if i may in our chat room, the ambassador, singaporean ambassador, thank you for joining us, theres obviously a lot of interest in the asia pacific. The question is how should foreign governments deal with quote, unquote, the divided government that we have been talking about this morning. And will a republican with the bid Biden Administration. I will simply say i think weve had divided government before. How have foreign governments dealt with in the past . I think there are going to be opportunities for bipartisanship here. I think we all recognize what those existential threats are to the United States, the secure issues that we need to deal with and thats why i mentioned earlier, going back and reestablishing our traditional alliances, reestablishing at least, you know, theyve always been there, but i think in terms of placing importance on them with europe, to work in partnership to really straegize on security matters, on trade, how do we deal with china. I think those are going to be all the issues that i think well be working with again. Our traditional allies and then beyond that as well, i suspect. Weve had divided government in the past and i think that we will find ways to deal with the issue of threats against the United States and the world. And lets do a followup on that and excuse me for interrupting to comment on this. So do you see a Biden Administration in at least the first year reengaging on a broader trade landscape in an asia pacific concept, Speaker Boehner . Well, i was a big supporter of tgp and i would imagine there will be conversations. But without trade promotional authority, i think the administrations hands are going to be pretty tied, and i think doing trade Promotion Authority in the first year of a new congress is practically a pretty tall ask, considering the number of new members that never dealt with this issue. And so, i think that there will be engagement. I think it will be slow, but i think the motions in the right direction will be a signal to everyone. Everyone. And this will be back to the multilateral trade agreements and the emphasis in terms of bilateral. Looking at tpp, i think its a big, big step. I dont see that happening, certainly in the first years, my sense. I think it will be more baby steps, but i think we do need to recognize the advancement of china in terms of its alliances within the pacific and beyond. The quest for a blue water navy. I dont want to use the threat word, but in terms of what theyre attempting to do and what the impact will be is something that well be grappling with for decades to come. So i do like jon more often than not look at trade, but look beyond the pacific and again, europe. I think the eu and are working towards an agreement there. Its going to be difficult because of the multistates involved in it and nationalism kick into play there and what happens with brexit will impact our ability to get an agreement with the u. K. Or eu as well. I think rit large, biden is going to look to reengage worldwide and trade aspect, not only worldwide, but how we deal with our allies. Yeah, id agree with that, im a little more optimistic that we might move a bit more quickly in the pacific region. I think for not only economic interests, but security interests in particular and as you know, there was the recent announcement involving some of the major countries in the region coming to an agreement with china on a trade agreement. We need to be very sensitive to that and seek to enhance our own interest in that region as well. I think the question coming from singapore, and i think about japan and australia, india, and clearly, our relations with china, but im thinking about just how important this region is to our economic prowess and our economic relations. Vietnam, this is a powerhouse region. And i also think that the vicepreside vicepresident elects own interest, her heritage in the region is something that could come into play here and clearly our Economic Team and diplomatic team, they all understand the criticality of this region, but definitely as has been noted, atlantic alliances, those have been challenged a bit. So weve got to shore those up, but im excited about the role that we will reestablish for ourselves on the global stage. I think the world, with the reaction to the election, theyre signaling a desire for that, and so im looking forward to see how it unfolds. Thank you very much. Id like to we have another question to the opposite capitol continent, the ambassador from angola. What will be the politics and policy of the Biden Administration toward the strategic african continent, countries such as angola, nigeria and south africa which are so crucial . So do you want to start, rodney . Weve got to save time for the middle east. Okay. Yes, yes. First of all, im excited about the opportunities for africa. I think Linda Thomsen greenfield, the u. N. Selection that the vicepresident has made clearly knows africa. She was the assistant secretary for africa in the biden Administration Im sorry, in the obamaBiden Administration. Shes now going to be our u. N. Representative, very wellequipped to play that role. Interestingly, treasury with deammo is our deputy secretary there and his family hales from nigeria and we know about his wonderful experience in the obama administration, but all of the experience he developed with the did i think that they will be interest in africa. Id be remiss if i didnt speak about ron brown, building on the importance of the message of dealing with the economy really worked hard to open avenues for us with africa, turning from aid to trade, and the agoa african growth and opportunity act initiative. I think thats all there to be built upon. Much like we did in the Bush Administration in particular and in the obama administration. So im excited about this opportunity with u. S. Relations with africa. Sorry. And if i could say i would like to turn to Speaker Boehner if i could, please. And Speaker Boehner ask you to bifurcate both on the african continent and also if we could take a question from the egyptian ambassador. Thank you, ambassador, its great to have you participating in this session. But hes asking about iran, which is seemingly will be among americas first Foreign Policy primary challenges among many, and his question is, how will the Biden Administration reconcile between what seems to be somewhat of a lower level of engagement with the middle east in general on the one hand and iraniantu iranianturkish behaviors on the other, exacerbater quote, unquote, forever wars, clearly not combined to afghanistan and iraq, but involve syria, libya, yemen and others. If you could broaden the lens a little, our time were coming to the end of our time today, but Speaker Boehner, if you wouldnt mind commenting on both africa and the middle east. Theres no question that the stre strategic importance of africa is growing for the United States. And and i think americas relationships with the countries that the ambassador named, id probably add more such as kenya, i think its becoming more important with each passer year from an economic perspective, but also a geopolitical perspective as well and i think that secretary pompeo had a clear understanding of this with his policy the past four years and i frankly fully expect that the Biden Administration will, as well. And perhaps even more so. You know, angola is a very good example of the transformation that were witnessing in the relationship between u. S. And the leading countries of subsaharan africa. You remember a generation ago, angola was a soviet satellite country caught in a proxy war between the super powers. Today under its new president , angola is monetizing major portions of its economy and cracking down on corruption, and with the american investment. And this is a step in the right direction i suspect the Biden Administration will continue. When it comes to the middle east its going to be fascinating because clearly the Trump Administration has been anxious, nailed down the this relationship with israel and israel with its competitors, if you will, in the neighborhood. And so i think that youll see the Biden Administration move rather cautiously, while they said that they would reengage with iran, they put a number of caveats in place, and so i think i think youll see the Biden Administration move pretty cautiously when it comes to all things in the middle east, especially iran. Well, thank you very much, Speaker Boehner. So i see that our time has come to a close. Id like to express my gratitude to meridien and to stewart, our panelists, and this was quite an hour discussion and i hope that well be able to reconvene because we left so much off the table. So, stuart, may i turn this over to you . Thank you so much. Thank you, toni for guiding us in this very broad discussion. Id like to thank squire, and the group we have here are the pragmatic leaders we need to, i think, guiding our country Going Forward and i know the speakers got a book coming out in april, looking forward to that. But joe crowley, rodney s washington journal. Every day, we are taking your calls live on the air on news of that i am policy news of the day and policy issues that affect you. Coming up, author and conservative columnist kyle thomas, then, civil rights biden and the upcoming administration. Watching cspans washington journal live at 7 00 eastern sunday morning. Sure to join the discussion with your calls, text messages, Facebook Comments and tweets. Georgia senator kelly democraticd challenger Raphael Warnock will debate sunday. The race is one of two georgia nate runoff elections that will be held in january. You can watch on cspan. Org you can watch on cspan, cspan. Org or listen with the free cspan radio app
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