Nera Tanden is changing her role at the helm of one of the Democratic Party’s most influential think tanks, the Center for American Progress, just as the party is trying to regain its position with voters and President Donald Trump.
This was homecoming for Tanden, who was appointed Cap’s president and chief executive on Thursday, and resumed the role she served before serving in the then Joe Biden administration.
Tanden’s return lies at the inflection point of the party, which has struggled to cut open lanes after the 2024 presidential election. Since Election Day, Democrats have admitted they should exercise more vigorously on economic hardships and other issues, and the party has acknowledged that they need to redirect messaging as Trump works to overhaul the government.
“It is our duty to provide alternatives, not to advocate for the current situation,” Tanden said in an interview with Politico. In her vision, the party should use moments like the House Republican push recently to cut Medicaid spending and show voters the harmful real-world impact of these decisions. Democrats can also use these moments to form alliances with local Congressional Republicans like Sen. Josh Hawley (r-mo.), she added.
Tanden has worked as a domestic policy aide for the Clinton, Obama and Biden administrations. She has since been called a key architect of domestic policies, including Affordable Care Acts.
It has not come without controversy. She is known for her legendary spats with critics, including more progressive Democrats on social media, and will colourfully humiliate Republicans. (She says, “Vampires have more hearts than Texas Senators.” Ted Cruz He mentioned Kentucky Senators. Mitch McConnell As “Voldemort.”
Tanden left Cap to serve as a top aide to the Biden administration. She was originally appointed director of Biden’s Office of Management and Budget, but withdrew on confirmation sputtering in the Senate. She eventually took part in several senior roles at Biden’s White House.
Meanwhile, Cap is struggling. The centre recently closed 8% of its workforce. The New York Times reported. The fire came when Democrat donors said they would withhold funds for think tanks until the group produced a consistent strategy for the party.
Still, with Trump’s approval ratings declining, it’s a particularly convenient time to unleash her new strategy to “oppose and counter,” Tanden said.
“Cap was born for moments like this, where we need both critique and alternative development,” Tanden said. “Americans are waiting for that.”
