Biden and Sanders allies create ‘unity task forces’ to explore policy initiatives

Allies to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and former primary rival Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will form “unity task forces” to explore policy initiatives for the Democratic platform, the Biden campaign announced on Wednesday. 

Biden’s and Sanders’s campaigns are teaming up to create task forces to explore six policy issues and develop recommendations ahead of the Democratic National Convention. The task forces, each consisting of eight members, will examine climate change, criminal justice reform, economy, education, health care and immigration. 

The Biden campaign said in a statement that the goal is to put together the “most successful possible agenda for Democrats in 2020.” 

Biden added that he wants to ensure the U.S. doesn’t just reset the clock “back to a time before Donald Trump.”

“A united party is key to defeating Donald Trump this November and moving our country forward through an unprecedented crisis,” the former vice president said. “As we work toward our shared goal, it is especially critical that we not lose sight of the pressing issues facing Americans.”

Sanders, meanwhile, said that in the “midst of the unprecedented economic and pandemic crises we face, the Democratic Party must think big, act boldly, and fight to change the direction of this country.” 

One of the co-chairs of the climate change task force will be Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a prominent supporter of Sanders and a leader in the progressive movement. She will co-chair the panel alongside former Secretary of State John Kerry. 

Analilia Mejia from the Sanders campaign and Carmel Martin from the Biden campaign will lead the initiative. 

Biden has taken steps to embrace progressive initiatives to win over the movement’s supporters, including expanding health care coverage eligibility through Medicare, canceling student debt for millions and resetting the bankruptcy system.