White House chief of staff Ron Klain made it clear on MSNBC Wednesday night that they’re not ready to pull Neera Tanden’s nomination for Office of Management and Budget director yet.

Joy Reid brought up Joe Manchin’s opposition to Tanden and his vote during the Trump administration for Ric Grenell, asking if the White House is confident Tanden will be confirmed in the end.

Klain said there are some Republican senators potentially open to voting for her, telling Reid, “Neera Tanden would be a superb budget director. She would be one of the most outstanding budget directors we’ve had. She knows policy, she knows how to get something done in Washington, she’s a great candidate for the job, and certainly we’re fighting our guts out to get her confirmed.”

Reid asked Klain if the president would consider make Tanden acting OMB director.

Klain said they can’t do that, and added if Tanden is not confirmed, “We will find some other place for her to serve in the administration that doesn’t require Senate confirmation.”

But he reiterated, “We’re going to get Neera Tanden confirmed.”

It’s unclear at this point that any Republicans would support Tanden. Lisa Murkowski has been viewed as a potential yes vote. Comments from Murkowski today — after being shown a 2017 tweet from Tanden going after her — indicate she hasn’t made a decision yet.

You can watch above, via MSNBC.

The post Ron Klain Says They’re ‘Fighting Our Guts Out’ for Neera Tanden, Adds She’ll Still Serve in White House If Nomination Fails first appeared on Mediaite.

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