As the 2024 presidential election heats up, the Biden-Harris administration’s deep ties to a prominent liberal think tank, the Center for American Progress (CAP), are coming under scrutiny. While the Democratic party rallies around their ticket, a growing number of critics are raising concerns about the influence of CAP on policy decisions and the potential for a revolving door between the think tank and the White House.
The Center for American Progress has earned the distinction of being labeled the “most influential” think tank in the Biden era. They boast that at least 10 of their policy recommendations have been translated into “executive action and policy legislation”. This influence is evident in the frequent visits of Patrick Gaspard, CAP’s current president, to the White House, including five solo meetings with high-ranking Biden officials. The ties run even deeper, with over 60 former CAP alumni joining the Biden administration. Notable among them is Neera Tanden, who previously served as CAP president and now holds the position of “Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor.”
The relationship extends beyond staff appointments. John Podesta, the founder and chairman of CAP, served as the White House clean energy czar, overseeing a staggering $370 billion in climate spending allocated by the Inflation Reduction Act. He was later appointed as Biden’s top climate diplomat, a move that drew criticism from Republicans due to concerns about his ties to China during his CAP days.
CAP’s influence began before Biden even took office. In late 2020, several CAP employees joined Biden’s transition team in various departments, including Treasury, Federal Reserve, Labor, Interior, National Security Council, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. This early involvement suggests a deep-rooted relationship and a strategic plan to advance CAP’s agenda.
The Center for American Progress has been vocal in supporting progressive causes. They advocate for issues such as term limits and court packing for Supreme Court justices, censoring speech deemed “misinformation,” taxpayer-funded student loan bailouts, reparations, diversity and inclusion mandates, federal funding for abortion, and phasing out gas-powered vehicles. These positions align with the broader progressive agenda, raising concerns about the direction of the Biden-Harris administration if re-elected.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for president, has a long-standing relationship with the Center for American Progress. She has worked with the group since her time as California Attorney General, participating in events and even having her sister, Maya Harris, join as a senior fellow. While CAP publicly criticizes the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025”, a conservative policy blueprint, they maintain strong ties to the Biden administration. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy and raised questions about the influence of partisan think tanks on government policy.
The story of the Biden-Harris administration’s relationship with the Center for American Progress highlights the influence of think tanks in shaping policy and the potential for ideological agendas to guide government decisions. As the 2024 election unfolds, this debate is likely to intensify, with both sides vying for control of the narrative and the hearts and minds of the American people.
