The incoming Biden administrationâs spate of establishment-friendly appointments has been met with criticism, if not surprise, from left-leaning politicians, commentators and organizations. As they challenge President-elect Joe Bidenâs assignation of top roles to corporate allies, a predictable backlash has ensued, with liberal and center-right mouthpieces urging passivity and a disavowal of left ideas under the pretense of âunity.â
The real party unity on display is the lockstep vilification of the left. After the election, moderate Democrats reflexively blamed left-wing rhetoric and policy proposals for down-ballot losses â againstevidence, and while declining to reflect on the partyâs strategic failings. Now, powerâs apologists in the mainstream media are working to nullify critiques of Bidenâs appointments. Itâs part of an effort to shore up consent for an administration that largely amounts to a perpetuation of the corporate oligarchy. But the indefensible status quo, of course, counts many of the loudest voices among its defenders.