Xavier Becerra has slipped into one of the most challenging and precarious positions in the American political scene when he was appointed as Secretary of Health and Human Services under Joe Biden in the midst of the COVID pandemic in 2021. The Biden administration found itself in a dire strait, likened to losing 10 jumbo jets of Americans on the day of inauguration. Now, Becerra is gazing upon the dismantling of the work he thought he had established at HHS, with successor Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking over.
Job switching seems to be a trend, as Becerra now wants to exchange his federal failure for a state one, eyeing the governorship of California. His prior dealings in California politics were as an attorney general, and a lengthy term in the House of Representatives, primarily for Downtown Los Angeles. The Sacramento native is eager to leverage this history and his supposed experience at managing a large-scale organization like HHS to his benefit.
However, Becerra has far from an easy path ahead, as the whirlwind of uncertainty surrounding the potential return of Kamala Harris to California politics hints at a fiery challenge. Harris, who contributed significantly to the uncertainty and misdirection of Biden administration, might be a distraction Becerra could do without.
Accusations related to covering up President Biden’s deteriorating health during his tenure continue to swirl around, raising suspicion and doubt on the credibility of officials involved. It’s no wonder then, that Becerra quipped about the visible ageing of everyone involved. This speaks volumes about the stresses and strains the administration has imposed on its own officials.
What’s striking, however, is Becerra’s concern regarding waning trust in elected leaders. As he watches from afar, the Biden administration seemingly undermines the significance of vaccination, even suggesting that expectant mothers and children may not require immunization. One has to wonder however, if these concerns are truly sincere or just political posturing in light of the upcoming Governor race.
It begs the question: wasn’t it the same administration who stood up firm, advocating the necessity of vaccines just when Becerra was among them? It’s bewildering to note the drastic change in stance that seems to be more politically influenced rather than rooted in science.
Becerra, formerly active in opposing the Trump administration in court during his tenure as attorney general in California, seems to be remarkably concerned about whose actions he will be opposing next. What makes it more intriguing is the stark contrast between the two administrations and the realities faced in each phase.
With the Trump administration, Becerra had a clear measure in the form of immigration crackdown to dissent against. But under Biden and Harris, the constant change in narratives and scattered approach leaves one wondering about the real issues to be tackled.
Becerra’s plan as future governor of the golden state is to protect immigrants, making it evident that he’s not hesitating to use his family’s immigrant background as leverage. One can’t help but see this as a politically calculated move rather than an authentic stance in favor of immigrant rights.
Parading himself as a defender of immigrants conveniently ignores the challenges and inadequacies of the existing immigration system and does little to propose robust solutions for its resolution. Politicizing immigrant rights while not addressing the fundamental issues is a disarming display of political deflection.
Becerra promotes the need for all to have a constitutional right to due process, not just citizens. A noble sentiment for sure, but nestled amidst the turmoil of the Biden administration, it feels conveniently politicized. This rhetoric appears to serve more as campaign fodder rather than a solid promise to uphold constitutional rights for all.
The depiction of Becerra’s transition from HHS Secretary to a potential Governor seem flawlessly smooth if it weren’t under the overshadowing of the Biden administration’s confusing actions and contradictory messages. As he gears up for this gubernatorial bid, a close examination of his tactics may become inevitable.
Sustaining such high stakes political roles in the midst of uncertain circumstances calls for more than mere intent. Thus, Becerra’s gamble on the trust of Californians is all about showcasing his political agility rather than focusing on effective leadership and administration.
Accusations, secrets, potential cover-ups, all set against the backdrop of a global pandemic. These elements put together create the tenor of Becerra’s political career under the Biden administration and his upcoming campaign. It will indeed be interesting to note how his strategies unfold in the race for governor.
Somehow, Becerra’s venture in his pursuit to become the governor of California tends to mirror the unpredictability of the Biden era. The question remains whether Becerra will succeed in convincing the golden state’s electorate or just add to the chaos and inconsistency characterizing the Biden and Harris administration.