NEW YORK – Competence is making a comeback.President-elect Joe Biden has prized staying power over star power when making his first wave of Cabinet picks and choices for White House staff, with a premium placed on government experience and proficiency as he looks to rebuild a depleted and demoralized federal bureaucracy.With an eye in part toward making selections who may have to seek approval from a Republican-controlled Senate, Biden has prioritized choosing qualified professionals while eschewing flashy names.
Even the most recognizable pick — John Kerry — lacks the showmanship that has defined the Trump era.In sharp contrast to President Donald Trump, who openly distrusted the very government he led, Biden has showcased a faith in.