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Who is Symone Sanders? Joe Biden campaign senior adviser now chief spokesperson for VP-elect Kamala Harris

She was the press secretary for Bernie Sanders, and then she was appointed as a senior adviser for Biden’s campaign. For many, this switch was a bit surprising

On Sunday, November 29, the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris presidential transition announced several senior communication roles. One of them was that of senior advisor and chief spokesperson for vice-president-elect Kamala Harris. Senior advisor for Biden's 2020 presidential campaign, Symone Sanders, 30, was chosen for the job.

In a statement, Biden said, "I am proud to announce today the first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women. These qualified, experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better."

Harris, as well, commented, "Our country is facing unprecedented challenges–from the coronavirus pandemic to the economic crisis, to the climate crisis, and a long-overdue reckoning over racial injustice. To overcome these challenges, we need to communicate clearly, honestly, and transparently with the American people, and this experienced, talented, and barrier-shattering team will help us do that. These communications professionals express our commitment to building a White House that reflects the very best of our nation."

Apart from Sanders, the team was announced as follows: Jen Psaki as White House press secretary, Kate Bedingfield as White House communications director, Pili Tobar as deputy White House communications director, Karine Jean-Pierre as principal deputy press secretary, Ashley Etienne as communications director for the vice-president and Elizabeth Alexander as communications director for First Lady Jill Biden.

Sanders tweeted, “Ready to serve accurately describes how I feel. Thank you Madam Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris for entrusting me with this charge. It has been the honor of my life to work for @JoeBiden & I am elated to have the opportunity to continue to that work in the PEOPLE'S HOUSE.”

Even Twitter users were discussing about Sanders’ appointment. Former National Director of Students for Biden, Lubna Sebastian, said: “Let me tell you something about @SymoneDSanders: she is the single most hard-working and fiercely loyal person I know. On my toughest days, she was there to uplift me, fighting every day to amplify the work and voices of young folks on #TeamJoe. I salute you, Symone!” Another said, “I’m so excited about this. I can sleep well knowing that Symone will always have my VP’s back. Bravo!”

A user commented, “Yes, I was expecting Symone, actually and really looking forward!” Another said, “Symone is a brilliant strategist, a passionate advocate for justice, and someone I'm deeply proud to call a friend. The Biden Harris Administration is better with her in it. So proud of her!” One stated, “.@SymoneDSanders will be the chief spokeswoman to #MadamVicePresident @KamalaHarris. Congratulations, Symone. You are awesome. And you deserve every inch of this honor.”

Another stated, “I actually wanted @SymoneDSanders to be the CJ,(WEST WING reference) of the biden administration but i am super excited that she is working with the VP communications office. Symone is the best and i enjoy everything that she brings to the table. Very happy for her.”

Who is Symone Sanders?

As mentioned in a 2019 article in Politico, in 2016, she was the press secretary for Bernie Sanders. And, then she was appointed as a senior adviser for Biden’s campaign. For many, this switch was a bit surprising, as the Politico report notes, the politics of Bernie and Biden are quite different. But Sanders clears it out by saying, “My politics are not tied to Bernie Sanders and they are not tied to Joe Biden. I have great respect for Senator Sanders and I have great respect and admiration for Vice President Biden. If I didn’t, I would not be working for him right now. But he does not define me.” After Bernie’s campaign, Sanders got a job as a CNN analyst and political commentator.

She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. Her mother was a seamstress, then an event planner. Sanders’ father was a chemist for the Army Corps of Engineers. After graduating from Creighton University and being known as a blogger and a columnist at the Omaha Star, an African American newspaper, in 2014, Sanders joined the gubernatorial campaign for Democrat Chuck Hassebrook. Her role was the team’s communications assistant. According to KMTV, Sanders is the former chair of the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee and a former member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice.