This choice has started a new debate on the military’s civilian control. Years Stein, who retired four years ago, will need the same apology that Congress gave to President Donald Trump’s nominee, retired Marine Officer Jim Mattis, four years ago – leading some Democrats to say they once hesitated to approve such an apology. Were and would not want to do it again.
“I wouldn’t ask for this exception if I didn’t believe in this moment in our history – that’s what it calls for – and if I don’t believe in it, ask for it in Lloyd Austin,” Biden said.
His message Wednesday was aimed directly at Congress, highlighting his move to pardon Mattis.
He said he has seen foreign Stein at the table with foreign leaders, and would be surprised whether he is a military leader or a diplomat. “I’m not exaggerating – he has a way of doing it,” Biden said.
Biden said, “I know this man. I know his respect for the Constitution. I know his respect for our system of government. So just as he did for Secretary Jim Mattis, I apologize to Congress for Lloyd Austin’s resignation.” Biden said.
He also underlined the length of their relationship and personal trust in Stin.
“I have personally worked with this man. I have seen him lead American combat forces on the battlefield. I have also seen him faithfully carry out the orders of the civilian leadership of this nation.”
Aust Stein said he would keep the importance of military civilian control “at the forefront of my mind” and run the Pentagon “for meaningful civilian oversight”.
He said, “I am in this new role as a civilian leader – with military experience, to be sure – but also with deep appreciation and respect for the prevailing wisdom of our military’s civilian control.”
Some Senate Democrats said this week that they would oppose an apology for Austin Stein. Sen. of D-Connecticut. Richard Blumenthal said giving to someone “contradicts the basic principle that there should be civilian control over non-political forces.”
But Sen. Jack Reid of Rhode Island, a top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, indicated he was open to pardoning Austin, saying “in all fairness, you have to give the nominee a chance to explain himself or herself.”
Biden’s transition team is already lobbying Congress: it has reached out to more than 100 House and Senate offices over Austin’s nomination and pardon, the transition official said.
The official said Austin is likely to speak with the House leadership and congressional leadership, including both members of the Senate and the House Armed Services Committee.
Biden selected Austin Stein from the three finalists and offered him the post in a phone call over the weekend, CNN reported earlier.
In an op-ed released Tuesday by Atlantic, Byden addressed Austin Stein’s need for forgiveness. “The fact is, Austin Stein’s many strengths and his close knowledge of the Department of Defense and our government are uniquely matched to the challenges and crises we have experienced. We need that person at the moment,” he wrote.
“I believe in the importance of civilian control of our military and the importance of a strong civilian-military working relationship at DD,” Biden wrote. “We need strong citizens to shape the DOD’s policies and to work with military leaders and ensure that our defense policies are accountable to the American people. Austin Stein also knows that the Secretary of Defense has a different responsibility than the general and that is civil. -Military. The dynamic has been under tremendous stress for the last four years. They will work tirelessly to get it back on track. “
Biden’s pitch for Austin includes personal and family ties: Biden’s late son Beau Biden served on Stin’s staff in Iraq and the two formed a close relationship there. The source said.
“In his more than 400 years in the United States Army, Austin has faced every challenge with extraordinary skill and deep personal etiquette. He is a true and tested soldier and leader. I have spent countless hours with him, in the field and in the White House Situation Room.” Biden wrote. “I have taken his advice, seen his obedience, and admired his calmness and his character. That is the definition of a patriot.”
CNN’s Ted Barrett, Nicole Gowet, Manu Raju, Kate Sullivan, Jack Tapper, Jasmine Wright and Jeff Zeleni contributed to the report.
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