Biden and Sanders Unveil List of Leaders for ‘Unity Task Force’

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are offering details about their new Unity Task Force and the leaders they have put in place to work with them.

In a press statement released on Wednesday, Biden and Sanders named the co-chairs and members — including former Secretary of State John Kerry (D) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) — of their joint effort.

Others include Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, among others.

The members of the task force are comprised of leaders, officials, and experts who will “explore possible policy initiatives” in six key policy areas:  “climate change, criminal justice reform, economy, education, health care, and immigration.”

The announcement comes less than one month after Biden and Sanders noted their commitment to establishing groups to bridge their gap in the key areas.

After suspending his presidential campaign, Sanders vowed to support whoever the Democratic nominee would be while Biden reiterated that they have always had a common vision.

Biden has also noted that the ultimate goal is to build and expand upon the Democratic agenda.

“Building upon the work of the Democratic campaigns to date, the ultimate goal of the Unity Task Forces is to develop the most successful possible agenda for Democrats in 2020,” the joint press release reads.

Sanders has also weighed in on the unified effort with a statement of his own. The Vermont senator is highlighting the importance of Democrats moving forward with an open mind.

“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,” Sanders said.

He also commended Biden and his commitment to working with the Sanders campaign to unify.

“I commend 👤Joe Biden for working together with my campaign to assemble a group of leading thinkers and activists who can and will unify our party in a transformational and progressive direction,” Sanders added.