Holder? Why, oh, why?
By: looseheadprop Tuesday November 18, 2008 1:00 pm
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I think I am having an aneurysm. Why in the name of all that is sensible would Barack Obama want a Clinton re-tread as AG? Not just any Clinton re-tread, nope, the brain trust behind the Marc Rich pardon. Do you know how many brilliant, talented lawyers with great judgment he has advising his campaign?
And if he wanted to look behind his campaign volunteers how many brilliant talented lawyers with excellent DOJ experience and sterling judgement --and impeccable Dem credentials if he was feeling partisan--there are to chose from?
Why choose someone with this kind of credibility shattering baggage? Did he not notice what happens when you have craven toadies in the AG slot? Alberto Gonzales ring any bells?
If Holder was not able to speak truth to power about the Marc Rich pardon, how will soon to be President Obama expect Holder to give him the unvarnished advice he will need? How can he expect a guy with that kind of credibility deficit to heal DOJ and attract the kind of people who can restore DOJ to its former reputation for integrity?
Look, I heard Holder was some kind of friend of Obama's. Fine, invite the guy over for dinner at the White House, include in him your weekly card game, send him a really nice Christmas card, but DOJ needs a person without baggage, who can command the respect and admiration of the people still working there and the new troops and management you need to attract. It needs someone who can hit the ground running and will enjoy a honeymoon period, not someone whose mere name conjures up visions of bad judgment and back room deals.
Mr. President elect? You could have done so much better. And you had so much to chose from.
Update: Picking Holder will also complicate the vetting process for Hillary Clinton for Secy of State. Why buy trouble for two nominees?
http://firedoglake.com/2008/11/18/holder-why-oh-why/