On Wednesday, President Joe Biden released a list of names that he has proposed for Ambassadors from the nation to different countries and governing bodies. One of the more recognizable names was that of Cindy McCain, the widow of the late John McCain. Another nomination was that of Massachusetts state Rep. Claire Cronin. All 17 nominees have to be confirmed by the Senate.
Biden proposed McCain for the post of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, based in Rome, Italy. This is one step forward in bipartisanship. Cronin was nominated for the post of ambassador to Ireland. McCain posted on Twitter that she was deeply honored and looked “forward to the work ahead.”
Cindy McCain had supported Biden in the 2020 presidential elections. She was a major driving force behind his victory in Arizona as she publicly endorsed him and not former president Donald Trump. She also attended his inauguration in January. Biden and McCain were bitter rivals in Congress due to opposing views but when outside, they used to meet as friends for lunch and more.
Cindy McCain is also the chair of the McCain Institute board of trustees. She has worked on several issues in the past including curbing world hunger and human trafficking. Her past experience will help her fit in her new nominated role in the UN as well strengthen bipartisanship in the U.S.
According to its website, the UN agency works with the nation’s policy makers, corporations, foundations as well as individuals. It helps to provide both financial and in-kind resources to alleviate global hunger. It also develops policies to deal with global hunger.
It is hoped that the senate shows support for McCain’s nomination as she has been in the crossfire of Trump for not endorsing him. He had passed disparaging remarks against John McCain saying that he liked people who were not captured. McCain was captured and became a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Trump was also angry with McCain for not supporting a Republican attempt to undo The Affordable Health Care Act commonly known as Obamacare. Recently the Supreme Court also upheld Obamacare last week in a 7-2 challenge by the GOP.
Photo-Gage Skidmore
