Even in turbulent times for President Biden's agenda, White House chief of staff Ron Klain got applause and lavish praise from Senate Democrats Thursday at a luncheon meeting at the Capitol.
The big picture: The conversation, which included other top West Wing officials, ranged from salvaging Build Back Better to the State of the Union on March 1 to the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation fight.
Overheard, via a source in the meeting:
- Sen. Jon Tester of Montana: "I think the access that we've had in the White House and the agencies has been incredible. Like I've never had before."
- Senate President Pro Tem Patrick Leahy of Vermont: "[N]o Chief of Staff has been more available, more responsive than Ron. [I've] never called without getting an answer right away. And I've also enjoyed talking about some of our memories in the early days."
- Sen. Patty Murray of Washington: "[W]e are in a better place. COVID ... makes the most impact on all the things we're talking about. We were able to get through this in a better way because of the work of the people in this room and the White House that passed the American Rescue Plan."
