Emanuel, 63, served as an adviser on Biden’s campaign before joining the new administration’s COVID-19 advisory board. During his time there, he called for prolonged lockdowns to fight COVID-19.
Politico notes that "Emanuel has little experience in drug policymaking and has never worked at FDA," but claims that he is in the running for the top position after years of appealing to Democrats and their agenda.
"He’s won allies within the administration due to his background aiding the Obama administration, health policy ’vision’ and broader knowledge of the government," the article stated.
Emanuel built his reputation with Democrats and Biden after previously leading the Obama administration in their efforts to create the Affordable Care Act. Emanuel appears to have found long-lasting favor with Biden and his team such as the scandal-plagued Dr. Anthony Fauci who Politico claims is one of the oncologist’s biggest backers.