Is Holder in trouble?
posted at 9:40 am on January 10, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
The Washington Post reports that the confirmation of Eric Holder appears headed for rough waters when hearings begin on Thursday. A series of revelations since Barack Obama announced his appointment as Attorney General have Republicans looking deep into his records and Democrats acknowledging that more time is needed to research serious questions. And even the Post has begun to link Holder with Alberto Gonzales and mention “politicization”:
The confirmation process, said Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.), the judiciary panel’s top Republican, will be Holder’s “day in court” and a chance to “state his case” — an awkward position for a man more accustomed to negotiating disputes than engaging in bare-knuckled fights.
Specter previewed the main line of attack in a floor speech this week, asserting that, in Holder’s years as President Bill Clinton’s deputy attorney general, he at times “appeared to be serving the interest of his superiors” rather than heeding recommendations from career Justice Department lawyers. The argument echoed criticism that former attorney general Alberto R. Gonzales, who resigned in 2007, had acted to please his friend President Bush rather than to uphold the principles of justice.
In a pointed effort to scrub Holder’s past, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (Iowa) and two other leading GOP Judiciary Committee members submitted a public records request this week to Illinois officials, seeking information on a thwarted $300,000 legal services contract that Holder won from now-disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D).
The LA Times exposé on Holder’s role in the FALN pardons will undoubtedly play a central role in the hearings. Democrats screeched about politicization of Justice during Gonzales’ tenure because of the termination of at-will political appointments, but Holder pressured careerists at Justice in 1999 to change their opinions on granting pardons to FALN terrorists. He twisted arms to get Bill Clinton some political cover for clemency, which Clinton thought he needed to get Latino support for Hillary in the 2000 Senate race in New York. That’s real politicization, and it shows Holder as nothing more than a hatchet man.
That same impression will be made when the subject turns to Holder’s aborted partnership with Rod Blagojevich. Holder neglected to mention this on his questionnaire, but he agreed to represent Blagojevich to the Illinois Gaming Board to help push through a casino that Blagojevich and Obama ally Tony Rezko needed for his own financial benefit. The Gaming Board refused to accept Holder, and the Senate Judiciary Committee (or at least the Republican members) will be interested in hearing what exactly Holder intended to do for the corrupt cabal in Illinois.
The biggest question will be whether Barack Obama wants to have Blagojevich, Rezko, Clinton pardons, and freed terrorists discussed on the national news in connection to his incoming Hope and Change administration. Will he stick with Holder? Or will he wisely decide to find someone less connected to scandals and more interested in Justice than politics? I’d bet the wheels of the bus go thump, thump, thump by Wednesday.
Blowback
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“politicization” is only a problem if there is an (r) by the name….
watch.
sven10077 on January 10, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Barry cuts him loose. The Clinton’s seem to be the main power behind the throne right now and I think they were just trying to do Holder one last favor before moving on. Barry will be allowed to make his own choice now.
JonRoss on January 10, 2009 at 9:50 AM
…another one bites the bus?
t on January 10, 2009 at 9:52 AM
It’ll be rough on him… but in the end will hear talk that this doesn’t “rise to the level” required to disqualify him…
I hope he is not confirmed… If nothing else, just for his role in the FALN and Rich pardons.
darkpixel on January 10, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Wonder if the Republicans have their game face on for other nominees like Hillary ? Specter seems fired-up about Holder but Hillary has a butt load more of baggage than any other nominee. They might as well poke her in the eye now because it will not matter one way or the other once she starts pulling the levers.
JonRoss on January 10, 2009 at 9:56 AM
And for what ever role he had in the rape of Elian Gonzalez he deserves a well placed kick in the groin.
JonRoss on January 10, 2009 at 9:59 AM
I did a little digging, and guess what? The FALN terrorists weren’t the only terrorists pardoned by the Clinton Administration.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D06EED7133CF931A15752C0A9679C8B63
SoulGlo on January 10, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Take a look at who Me$$iah the Lightworker pals around with and tell me that the pardons are anything but a resume enhancer with THE ONE.
sven10077 on January 10, 2009 at 10:01 AM
That 70′s mustache is enough to not confirm him. That and Janet Reno, Ron Brown, Rich, Elian, Waco etc.. The list is endless.
dragonash on January 10, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I want to be positive for our country and think BHO can actually do what his fans think he can do, but why are we to think that he can surround himself with such slime (the list is quite long) and still be so clean himself?
It’s getting damn crowded under that bus! Make room for Holder!
paustin110 on January 10, 2009 at 10:05 AM
In the Obambi Admin. you will only have to be just above indictment to serve.
sheriff246 on January 10, 2009 at 10:11 AM
BREAKING NEWS: Obama has just traded his Bus for a “Gravedigger Monster Truck”. Film at 11.
kingsjester on January 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM
With every passing day and headline, the next four years are looking more and more like the third term of Bubba.
J.J. Sefton on January 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM
I hope Holder is not tossed under the bus before the hearings. I think it is about time to expose the illicit behavior by the Democrats and their power brokering that not only took place during the Clinton admin, but even over the last several years when the Republicans were in charge. I am convinced so many back room deals have been cut in order for the Dems to regain the White House and the Congress.
What I find odd is that the Holder hearings will be first. Definitely damaging Clinton’s hearings. Common sense tells us Hillary’s hearings should be first. Although I won’t complain if Holder is first.
kcarpenter on January 10, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I hope this dissatisfaction in the Senate with Holder is true. As noted the list of sins that he has committed is quite long. All these Dems are dirty and corrupt. I hope there is war raged upon Hillary, too.
OT. What has happend to Emanuel’s seat in the House? We haven’t heard much from him. Now that Blago is impeached what does that portend for that seat? A real election?
I love the drama of the Baltimore mayor, too. This can’t be helping Michelle’s children.
BetseyRoss on January 10, 2009 at 10:18 AM
It’s the seriousness of the charge.
Johan Klaus on January 10, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Mr. Clean?
Johan Klaus on January 10, 2009 at 10:21 AM
BREAKING: Obama bus in garage for new shocks. Bus manufacturer says warranty is void due to misuse.
hoosiermama on January 10, 2009 at 10:21 AM
What a poor choice of words. To scrub someone’s past implies getting rid of evidence by scrubbing the record clean. In this case they are doing just the opposite, by looking for, er, dirt.
Buy Danish on January 10, 2009 at 10:22 AM
LOL
backwoods conservative on January 10, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Throw the whole *&^%#@*&^%$#@ lot out!
Johan Klaus on January 10, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I’m glad that you picked up on this potential blocking of Holder and Specter’s role in it, Captain Ed. I mentioned it late in yesterday’s Holder thread. Specter is up for reelection in 2010, and he must realize that Republicans disgruntled with him are watching very carefully.
OT This link about Panetta raises some eyebrows, too. I included the whole thing with comments because additional information about Panetta is troubling. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2162134/posts
It’s no accident that so many Democrats in high places have ties to Communist-sympathizing fronts and have enabled so many of our nation’s enemies.
onlineanalyst on January 10, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Is it only me, but everytime I see this guy’s picture I can’t help but think he could have had a nice role in television had the sitcom been called Sanford and Sons.
sherry on January 10, 2009 at 10:40 AM
It’s beginning to look like the Weather Underground is just a wing of the Democrat Party a little to the left of MoveOn and Markos.
snaggletoothie on January 10, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Blago and Holder could do a really authentic 70:s police tv series. Based on a true story.
the_nile on January 10, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Yeah, that lost me, too.
I sincerely hope this worthless hack is cut loose by the Obama team, not for partisan glee because the next one will be nearly as bad, but because he’s a cheesy hack and the U.S. deserves better.
His appointment is another piece in the Obama-Clinton triangulation mystery. I utterly fail to understand why Obama is filling our government with Clinton hacks – if anyone knows a good theory, throw it out there.
Jaibones on January 10, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Know you know why Libs think public transport is badly needed.
the_nile on January 10, 2009 at 10:50 AM
More popcorn please….
Mr. Joe on January 10, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Holder is a bad guy with very little respect for most of the Bill of Rights, particularly the 1st, 2nd and 6th Amendments.
That is on top of his role as a “fixer” on the Marc Rich and FALN crimes, to mention just two.
Harry Schell on January 10, 2009 at 10:52 AM
All those questions wouldn’t be good for Hillary Clinton, either. A pardon that appears to have granted in order to help Hillary’s senate campaign??????
ProfessorMiao on January 10, 2009 at 10:53 AM
I read the LA Times article yesterday and thought, “This guy is toast.” Ties to Blagojevich and Rezo brought up by Morrissey here (that I have not previously heard of) provide the coup de grace as they are totally radioactive in the Democratic Party. Expect Holder’s name to be withdrawn in the next few days. If not, the hearings will be a huge embarrassment to Obama and perceptions of the Clinton administration, and Holder wil be an albatross in this administration if he is somehow approved.
Despite the damage he would do to Obama, Republicans should not cheer if Holder is confirmed. This guys should not be confirmed precisely because he is a political lacky with left wing views who hates guns in the hands of ordinary citizens, loves anti-American terrorists, and favors the wealthy and connected (especially to the Democratic Party) in his law “enforcement”.
Kudos for the LA Times for finally providing a public service in lieu to pushing its agendas in favor of democrats, illegals, and criminals in general.
ptolemy on January 10, 2009 at 10:53 AM
More evidence he’s a greenhorn. Obama hasn’t been around long enough to network himself with a wide of array of friends and colleagues he can trust (Ayers gets a push). He’s a rookie, and his fallback position is relying on the Clintonistas, with a little encouragement from his fellow Chicago gangster, Rahm the hatchetman.
Not only isn’t he ready for the task, he has no close allies he can rely on to hide his incompetence. The Clintonistas are experts in that field.
fogw on January 10, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Wishful thinking.
The reality is, we’re going to see the most corrosive, corrupt, abusive administrations in this Nation’s history.
Any Republican, who pitches a bitch, will be told to Siddown n’ Shuddup.
franksalterego on January 10, 2009 at 10:58 AM
From the Washington Post article:
If Blago causes the bus to swerve toward this bozo, I’ll be eternally grateful.
Disturb the Universe on January 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Indeed. It’s long past time. But that’s why if there’s any chance that any of the problems could get aired, Holder will be speed-bumped. Buy-bye, Eric. Maybe George Soros is hiring?
Mr. D on January 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM
fogw,
that sounds correct, Obama is a light worker in regards to style, pr, and winning elections, but Clinton Incorporated will run the government.
rob verdi on January 10, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I left out Joe Biden will be around to diminish everything he touches and provide comic relief.
rob verdi on January 10, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I suspect a deal was cut before the DNC convention. Barry traded administrative control in return for her Majesty’s promise to steer clear of a nasty floor fight. He gets to play messiah and Bill/Hil hold the real power. There was obviously a deal done.
a capella on January 10, 2009 at 11:05 AM
I will never forget the Elian Gonzalez case. That was very upsetting. And to think that we allowed that to happen. That man shouldn’t get confirmed. He is not a good man. Also, Hilliary’s baggage will surface. I hope that is surfaces when she is in the job. And she is told to step down. Then she won’t be able to get back in the Senate. As a matter of fact, there needs to be some house cleaning done in all area’s of our Reps. This package that they are working on for The One is not the answer. Why can’t they analyze and get professional’s that know what they are doing? None of the idiots, or Circus Clowns know what they are doing. We are going to be in deep doo doo.
sheebe on January 10, 2009 at 11:06 AM
rob verdi on January 10, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Yeah, if they take the duct tape off his mouth, unchain him, and let him out of the basement.
Because he is such a novice, Barry has not acquired any political capital. He has no favors to call in. Any long time friends are so shady, he has thrown them under the bus. He is forced to use the Clintonistas. Not only are they experienced, they will be useful in reinforcing the facade that Barry is a Moderate. There’s only one problem.
Who are they loyal to? Barry or the Clintons? Time will tell.
kingsjester on January 10, 2009 at 11:08 AM
So what I’m beginning to see as a pattern is when you hook up with THE ONE you are either already dead as a politician or you will become politically dead. I can condense the sentiment into two words – Typhoid Barry.
ericdijon on January 10, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Barry can’t afford to have federal corruption investigations controlled by someone other than a hack. My money’s on Holder; if that fails, then look for a cutout of Janet Reno to sail through.
Mark30339 on January 10, 2009 at 11:18 AM
It’s only ‘politicization’ when Republicans are engaged in it. Don’t you understand Democratic ‘nuance’? Got to admit, I’m with you. Holder will probably ‘withdraw’ rather than provide ‘distractions’ to the in-coming administration.
GarandFan on January 10, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I hope bambi doesn’t chuck him until the hearings. This is so sweet! I may actually enjoy the next four years……..Nah
conservnut on January 10, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Follow the money. For example, appointing Hill as Secy of State opened the door to the names of all the oh so generous donors to B.J.’s museum.
It also keeps Dems on the same team, so instead of having a force of disgruntled Clintonians looking for opportunities for a palace coup, they continue to benefit from the patronage, power, and cronyism.
Buy Danish on January 10, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I’m not that optimistic. My guess is the Republicans make some noise, Holder offers up a few pathetic rationalizations and/or outright lies about his past conduct, and the sleazy shyster is confirmed.
But I’d love it if your prediction comes true.
AZCoyote on January 10, 2009 at 11:45 AM
How did Obama and Holder hook up?
MayBee on January 10, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Ed,
Trademark or Copywrite your phrase “the wheels of the bus go thump, thump, thump”, its an instant classic.
meci on January 10, 2009 at 11:49 AM
He’s running out of Clintonistas
Kini on January 10, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I hate the misuse of the Presidential Pardon that we see so often–ditto the same power misuse that State Governors sometimes make.
***
The pardon power was intended to prevent miscarriages of justice–a Black person unjustly convicted by a racist jury is an example of proper use of a pardon. Preventing draconian sentencing is another valid use–study the Ramos and Campeon (Border Patrol agents in prison) sentence.
***
Pardoning FALN killer terrorists to buy votes (ala “B.J.” Clinton) sucks bigtime. Also his pardoning of Marc Rich (tax evader / scam artist), various drug dealers, etc. is wrong. I thought President Ford abused the pardon process when he gave one to President Nixon–he should have faced legal trial for his Watergate break in crimes.
***
As far as Janet Reno and Elian Gonzalez–I think sending him back to his Cuban father was the best option. His mother kidnapped him from Cuba. His Florida family (Uncles and Aunts) wanted to help the boy. However, his father seemed like a decent person and had a stronger claim and responsibility for the boy’s care and upbringing.
***
John Bibb
rocketman on January 10, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Good link, thanks! It just so happens that Trevor Loudon also has info on the Institute for Policy Studies. And for extra entertainment, note the blog comment from Bill Ayer’s best bud, Carl Davidson, who regularly chimes in to pooh pooh Loudon’s research.
More on Dem connections to IPS, including Chris Dodd, here.
Click away at links…
Buy Danish on January 10, 2009 at 12:04 PM
All this talk of busses. When does BO get thrown under the bus by the American people.
Mojave Mark on January 10, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Lotsa junk in that trunk!
joepub on January 10, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Is Holder in trouble?
Let’s reason this out.
First, look at his picture. He’s African American.
No need to go further.
He’s a lock.
notagool on January 10, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Well, there is always Janet Reno.
-Dave
Dave R. on January 10, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I remember that phrase launching several Congressional investigations… in the Reagan and Bush I administrations. I think the phrase was “disappeared” during the Clinton administration… And unneeded during Bush II, as it was widely held by the Left that W’s crimes were self-evident, needed no evidence, etc.
darkpixel on January 10, 2009 at 12:53 PM
It gets worse….the Post reported yesterday that Clinton uber-stooge Lanny Breuer is the leading candidate to head the Criminal Division!
This just astonishes me. Barack Obama is a lawyer himself, out of a big-league legal community in Chicago; lawyers are one of the biggest consituencies of the Democratic Party; and there are hundreds of bigtime lawyers that would jump at the chance to be Attorney General or a chief assistant in this Administration. So why is Obama choosing such Washington retreads with obvious ties to the Clinton scandals? Breuer was Sandy Berger’s lawyer, for chrissakes. Even defended Roger Clemens last year when he
liedtestified to Congress. Can’t we find any real lawtyers who haven’t been carrying the Clintons’ bags or defending liars and thieves??rockmom on January 10, 2009 at 1:44 PM
A decent parent would do anything to see his child had freedom. The mother was the decent parent; the father is a useful idiot.
Disturb the Universe on January 10, 2009 at 1:47 PM
As much as I’d love to see Holder get thrown under the bus Obama wants the first black AG and he’s not going to give up easily. Anything less than going for the jugular by the GOP Senators and Bambi will be emboldened enough not to pull the nomination.
eyedoc on January 10, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Sounds about right. I just couldn’t have imagined him swallowing all of these friend-of-my-enemy types.
Jaibones on January 10, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Wow. So you must have missed the fact that Elian was whisked away to a state school immediately upon his return?
His father had no responsibility for him since the state seized that for themselves.
91Veteran on January 10, 2009 at 7:43 PM
…or Jamie Gorelick.
91Veteran on January 10, 2009 at 7:45 PM
The question is not whether anyone filled out Obama’s 64 questionnaire. the real query is — is anybody on his TEAM reading the damn things!?
Dr. Dog on January 10, 2009 at 8:07 PM
I’m starting to believe he doesn’t actually know anyone who isn’t connected to scandals.
fiscallyconservative on January 10, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Richardson has already cut and run. With Blago making it very clear he is going to out sing the loudest canary I think “The Chosen One” may have more and more resistance to the list of thugs he has compiled.
Conservative Ivan on January 11, 2009 at 11:18 AM