Holder Is Obama's Attorney General Pick

Washington Attorney And Former Justice Department Deputy Still Needs To Be Vetted

(CBS/ AP)  CBS News has learned that long-time Washington insider Eric Holder is President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be attorney general.

After some initial hesitation, Holder has now told the Obama team he wants the job, reports CBS News.

But it's not a completely done deal yet as he's still being vetted by the transition team's layers, reports CBS News correspondent Chip Reid.

Aides have gone so far as to ask senators whether he would be confirmed, an Obama official and people close to the matter told the Associated Press on Tuesday. A source close to the selection process told the Associated Press on Wednesday that Mr. Obama has "informally" offered the post to Holder, who has accepted. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made and because the process of vetting the nomination is still going on.

Holder, a former U.S. attorney who served as the No. 2 official in the Justice Department under President Bill Clinton, would be the nation's first black attorney general.

Reid reports that sources say Holder initially became close to Mr. Obama at a dinner at Oprah Winfrey's house, and grew closer while serving as a member of Mr. Obama's vice presidential selection team

Holder did not return messages seeking comment Tuesday. Asked Monday by The Associated Press whether he expected to be nominated, he responded in an e-mail: "Who knows?"

"He's a smart, safe choice," CBS News legal analyst Andrew Cohen. "He knows Washington and won't be intimidated by its politicians and lobbyists. He has background in terrorism law and he’s a very serious and cautious guy and I think all of those traits should help him do a job that has gotten a lot harder since 9/11."

"He's not a 'change' nominee but I think you could argue that of all the cabinet-level positions, the one which needs an insider most is Justice - it's just too complex and complicated to trust to a political novice," Cohen added.

In the past week, Obama aides have asked Senate Republicans whether they would support Holder. In particular, the aides questioned whether Holder's confirmation would be delayed because of his involvement in the 2001 pardon of fugitive Marc Rich by Clinton at the end of his presidency.

One person involved in the talks said the Obama team has received some assurances that, while the Rich pardon would certainly come up during hearings, the nomination likely wouldn't be held up. All spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private conversations.

Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the pardon "would be a factor to consider."

"I wouldn't want to articulate it among the top items but it's worthwhile to look at," he told reporters.

Asked if Holder would be a good choice for attorney general, Specter said it was too soon to say.

"I know something of Holder's work in the Clinton administration and that's about it," he said. "I'd have to take a much closer look at his record and talk to him and think about it."

A spokeswoman for Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy said the Vermont Democrat has not been informed that Holder is Mr. Obama's pick to lead the Justice Department.

On the last day of Clinton's term, Holder was asked whether the president should pardon Rich, a wealthy commodities dealer who had spent years running from tax charges. Holder said he was "neutral, leaning toward favorable" on the pardon. Clinton later cited that as among the factors that persuaded him to issue the pardon.

Holder has publicly apologized for what he said was a snap decision that he should have paid more attention to. Had he taken more time to review the case, he would have advised against a pardon, he said.

Holder, 57, also a former judge and U.S. attorney in Washington, is widely respected in legal circles and among Justice Department career lawyers. He has been on Mr. Obama's short list to be attorney general since before the election, and already has had private conversations about how he would run the department.

One of his top priorities, according to a person familiar with his thinking, is to rebuild the department's reputation after its fiercely independent image was tarnished by charges of political meddling by the White House during the Bush administration.

For that reason, Holder has been reluctant to lobby for the attorney general's post for fear the Rich pardon would invite a bloody nomination process and further strain the department's credibility, this person said.

Holder has been one of Mr. Obama's most trusted advisers. He was a member of the team that helped select Sen. Joe Biden as Mr. Obama's running mate. The two have known each other only briefly, however, after meeting at a dinner party four years ago.

Holder has other deep ties to Mr. Obama's team. Holder's wife, an obstetrician, delivered incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel's daughter.

[timothyone-2009]

Being black and highly intelligent, I doubt he''s a latent Nazi-Republican-Neocon-greedmeister. I say give him a try.

[inventagod2]

I do not expect miracles, but Obama and his cabinet may even make the most hardened CBS Bu$h apologists look at black people as powerful, distinguished citizens for once in American history...

[kittykatty2]

tj217, what is awkward about an intelligent, articulate leader hiring an equally intelligent, experienced attorney for an open position?

[shortestfuse]

Probably getting everything in place to pardon to Tony Rezko (among others).

[platteman]

Looks like the third term of the Clintons, I thought BO was about change, well the only thing the American people will have will be change when he gets through.
BO is changing. His change is from one hand to the other.

I am so glad that the Clintons are now back in power.

[marcodele]

I think the change Obama brings is going from an anti-intelligence anti-credentials administration to one based on intelligence and credentials.

Call it Clinton if you want, but it''s better than the past eight years of your reformed alkie trustfunder whack job who screwed up our country and led us into deaths, deficits, and destruction.

[lloydbest1]

"Looks like the third term of the Clintons,...." Posted by Platteman at 05:44 PM : Nov 18, 2008

And a third term of Bush is better!? That is exactly what we would get if McCain and Quayle-in-drag were elected instead.

[inventagod2]

Refreshing to see someone chosen in a political organization for reasons other than ''pardoned in the Iran/Contra case''...

[smclimans]

Two schools of thought here:


1)

For the last eight years, all I heard from liberals who
relentlessly criticized Bush, was that "DISSENT IS PATRIOTIC"

Okay

So I WILL be patriotic for the next four years
by dissenting against Obama



2)

Not to worry liberals,
we conservatives will give Obama the same "respect"
that you liberals gave George Bush.



01/20/2013 - the end of a socialist error

[mckkkain]

Suck_it Republicans. Obama is in the house now.

[olivia4441]

LOL.. Obama is not in the house until Jan 20. Alot can happen before then.

[downsteamjim]

Question: The horrible GWB fired far fewer AGs than WJClinton. Will Holder be questioned about these mass firings while he was in power?

[clovisbuford]

Question: The horrible GWB fired far fewer AGs than WJClinton. Will Holder be questioned about these mass firings while he was in power?
Posted by downsteamjim at 08:16 PM : Nov 18, 2008 err you ignore the fact that clinton made his firings at trasnistion points ie: when he assumed office and when he was reelected ,but primarily when he first assumed office , all presidents do that , they seldom remove their own appointees after appointing them in the first term they came on , which is what Bush did , Bush''s own republican appointees say he did it for political reasons on prosecutions . which is illegal, every reputable review of the firings say they were wrong as well as a majority of the hirings under Monica goodling which were supposed to be non political .. not that the actual fact of having an impartial and non partisan judiciary ever appeals to republicans ,its judicial activism, if its a ruling they disagree with,constitutional restraint if its one that overturns 30 yrs of precedent . jim your reasoning powers are suspect , but your committment to ideology not in doubt

[barbaram99]

T

[greeneyes222]

Where''s the "CHANGE" Obama promised?

This is looking more and more like Clinton part deux.

[rhs648]

I think the change Obama brings is going from an anti-intelligence anti-credentials administration to one based on intelligence and credentials.

Call it Clinton if you want, but it''''s better than the past eight years of your reformed alkie trustfunder whack job who screwed up our country and led us into deaths, deficits, and destruction.

Posted by marcodele

Surely you must be joking. Half of America coundn''t get rid of Clinton fast enough. He was agony for eight long years.

[demsucks]

Obama sure fooled the liberal elite media.

[dakotaclark]

Uhhhh....
...If he is selected and confirmed, Eric Holder would be the first black attorney general in U.S. history. (CBS/AP)...

Mr. Holder is not Black. He is bi-racial, or mixed race.

[downsteamjim]

To clovisB: Good spin. You belong in politics.

[cpelzar--2008]

But first teach her that Africa is a continent and not a nation

Posted by DJ_IL at 09:39 PM : Nov 18, 2008

You do understand that MSNBC has retracted this report as false and that they were duped and yet you still repeat it.

There is no need for spreading lies, it undermines your positions.

[iawildcats72]

Dang... Are you sure this is suppose to be the Obama administration and not Clinton''s? Holder has too many skeletons in his closet but will he still get approved? Still waiting for this CHANGE that is coming to America. Sounds like, so far, more of the same old stuff.

[vivaviva44]

Some catholic protest against stem cell research, but they are not educated with this field, they only have anti-feeling against the word"stem cell reproduction".
Some strong catholic said "Hurricane was God''s punishment" and strongly believe so. No knowledge based on climate issue, don''t understand even Grovel warming theory, Hello, America, that''s why you have been delay in the world. This is not religious issue, it is American issue on ignorant.
It''s affected USA economy too.
Stem cell study is for save human lives, if it is not on God issue, what else?
Against stem cell research that is against God, immoral.

[likenoone-2009]

I like obamanation

[likenoone-2009]

I wonder why they are keeping so quiet about what
Mr. Rezko has been talking about you think it
will get out befor jan.20th

[likenoone-2009]

If you let them know you are well armed they will come and take your toys away

[likenoone-2009]

befor it''s over we''ll all have a long day

[mediawatch50]

Psst...morons:

The 2nd amendment hasn''t been repealed. However, please do go out and spend as much money as you possibly can on guns and ammo. Be sure to max out your credit cards.

Also, take out a HELOC and spend it all on weapons. I recommend getting one with a low introductory rate and a big balloon payment---you''ll be able to refinance it easily. Trust me. Next, after you have all of your weapons, send lots of letters and emails to the White House; be sure that you clearly express just how terribly angry and well armed you are. Make sure that you include your full name and address.

Do all of these things, and I personally guarantee that all of your dreams will come true.

[spinproof]

Obama''''s first step will be to disarm you. Once you are disarmed, Obama will control you.

Posted by mr22587 at 12:07 AM : Nov 19, 2008

I think Americans have a right to bear arms, but I also think there should be a reasonable limit and the arms should match the need. For example I don''t think Americans need to own automatic assault weapons or tanks. How do you justify owning a combat assault weapon or a tank? Even if you own these as collector items the lethal functionality of these weapons should be disabled. When the right to bear arms was implemented many of these advanced weapons did not exist so the Law should be amended to address them.

[likenoone-2009]

I would like too see that but it''s stupid too start
on a computer

[brianbwb-2009]

From AP

"McALLEN, Texas - Vice President *** Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales have been indicted on state charges involving federal prisons in a South Texas county that has been a source of bizarre legal and political battles under the outgoing prosecutor.

The indictment returned Monday has not yet been signed by the presiding judge, and no action can be taken until that happens..."

Yay, finally, let us hope holder follows it up, but why is CBS not carrying this?

[neoconrcrazy]

After having the Constitution trashed under Ashcroft, Gonzales, and Muck-asy, all of whom were nothing but GOP henchmen, this is welcome news.

Justice for Americans, not for implimention of partisan political agendas - finally.

[xlib]

So the marc rich issue is a non factor, funny how that works for the dems. I bet the chosen one will get a thank you card from rich all the way from Switzerland. Hey, he may even get a thank you "whatever" from denise. This is great! Say,America, how do you like "change"???
The crooks retake the WH and we just sit by, no we bend over grab our ankles, and take it.
Haven''t any of you leemings even begun to wonder what kind of deal your chosen one made with the clintonista''a?

[xlib]

iwashungry-Wow, you''re in a foul mood. What''s the matter, no goodies on Busti last nigh?

[perk235]

Obama''''''''s first step will be to disarm you. Once you are disarmed, Obama will control you.
Posted by mr22587 at 12:07 AM : Nov 19, 2008
---------------------
When has Obama supported a repeal of the second amendment?

There are a lot more ways to control people. Such as national debt and deficit, outsourcing jobs, $million contracts to buddies, privatizing war, culture of fear......

[perk235]

Obama picks Eric Holder as Attorney General. Eric Holder supports very strict gun control. HIDE YOUR GUNS...
posted by mr22587
------------
...and please put locks on them to protect curious young family members--the most likely to die from them.

Can an AK-47 be used for hunting? I actually don''t know and am curious if it can.

[armydog2]

I cannot believe how incredibly stupid some folks are. You just go right ahead and buy into all the garbage the NRA is saying. President Obama unlike bush will honor AND RESPECT OUR CONSTITUTION. The right to bear arms is part of that Constitution in the second amendment. Can anyone of you fools tell me why you all feel the need to buy automatic assault weapons? Or any type of lethal military weapons? You certainly cannot use them to hunt, and all you really need to protect yourself and your homes is a handgun. I own three of them myself,and that is all I need. Or are all you big tough guys just little wussies and you need these big ole weapons to prove you manhood. What a pathetic lot you are.

[assemblyofso]

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

Today Obama will announce that Bill Ayers will be Chief of Homeland Security, Barney Franks will be named Commander in Chief of our new all gay army.Nancy Pelosi to be named to new Secretary of the Treasury and will continue her mission of spending our tax money until all of our funds are depleted. Jerimiah Wright and Jesse Jackson to be named White House Co Chaplins.

[assemblyofso]

Obama will not ban guns since he as much as promised he would not. However, he said nothing regarding his proposed ban on ammunition.

[ncsujags]

Love the choice! He''s an experience, intelligent guy! We need folks in there who know the jobs. Obama will bring change, but he will also hire folks who will get the job done!!!
If having a gun is so important, you probably already have one and Obama will not talk that away..

Get over it! He is the President now. Just sit back and watch him and his team put this country back togther!!!!

Hope Won hate Lost!!!!

[perceptions5]

Why in the world Obama would pick a guy who recommended a pardon for a convicted felon, Marc Rich, is beyond me. And then after Clinton pardons Rich his wife donates $400,000 to the Clinton library.

Dear corrupt liberal ASSOCIATED PRESS/CBS where''s that information? (insert eye roll)

I also noticed that Holder is from Columbia University which is run by a new breed of liberal fascists. The rich eltie self-righteous snobs that run that University have denied ROTC the ability to campaign for recuits on that campus.
So much for freedom of choice. The elite snobs have made that decision for the students, sad.

Well this is CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.

..................Really sad.

[nokia3210c]

WHAT A PETY AND HOPELESS SOCIETY AMERICANS ARE. I PETTY YOU ALL. YOU ALL AMERICANS PEOPLE CLAIM TO BE THE MOST CIVILISED NATION ON THE PLANET EARTH, YET YOU CANNOT SOLVE PETTY ISSUES IN A CIVILISED MANNER BUT THRU GUNS!!! YOU MEAN MEAN YOU CANNOT TRUST EACH OTHER AND LEAVE IN HARMONY EXCEPT BY GUNS. WHAT A PATHETIC SOCIETY YOU ARE. THANK GOD I WAS NOT BORNE IN AMERICA. NO WONDER YOU ALL SUPPORTED THE MORAN BUSH TO INVADE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, TO ME YOU ALL EXIBITS THE TERRIBLE STATE OF YOUR INNER SELVES, A VIOLENT SOCIETY ON EARTH. AMERICANS DONT TRUST EACH OTHER, HOW CAN THE WORLD TRUST THEM!!!????

[usclimey]

Can an AK-47 be used for hunting? I actually don''''t know and am curious if it can.

Posted by perk235

Sure it can - I''m sure mr22587 blasts squirrels with it all the time - he''d be too scared of anything larger.

[usclimey]

perceptions5 - you and Xlib really should find someone other Limpbone to listen too. Just because you''re too dumb to get into Columbia is no reason to call it fascist. Come to think of it, if you had the IQ to get into Columbia, you''d know that liberal fascist is a total contradiction in terms.

[valentin73]

JOE LIEBERMAN FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL.
GO JOE!!!
THE HECK WITH HOLDER!!!

[wdrussell1]

Today Obama will announce that Bill Ayers will be Chief of Homeland Security, Barney Franks will be named Commander in Chief of our new all gay army.Nancy Pelosi to be named to new Secretary of the Treasury and will continue her mission of spending our tax money until all of our funds are depleted. Jerimiah Wright and Jesse Jackson to be named White House Co Chaplins.

Posted by assemblyofso

The strange thing is, that those people would be better than the Bush appointees.

[alibaba52]

DJ-IL
Hey loser you still crying about the Reps.You''ll be crying about Obamadman when he gives us your country. Americans don''t gave the gonads to defend themselves. Pull out of Iraq and we will be there. I''m thinking April

[perk235]

Nancy Pelosi to be named to new Secretary of the Treasury and will continue her mission of spending our tax money until all of our funds are depleted.
---------------------
I think there is enough blame to go around regarding the bailout in Washington. Bush, Paulson, Congress....

The real blame begins with the risky cowboy bets (DERIVATIVES) to the tune of $60 trillion that have caused this meltdown. Not to mention the millionaires that made these bets with other people''s money.

[alibaba52]

I don''t expect Obama is any better than his friends.
Ayers,Wright,Farakan,Reznic,Kahlidi,Davis,Daley. All losers. All criminals. How do you say, Birds of a feather .

[chitown4716]

Don''''t say this administration is better, until it''''s over. You have no idea how much trouble Amerabia is in. give this guy your vote,and he''''ll take from you bigtime.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by alibaba52

Well, if you are advising people NOT to assume that the new administration will be better. Why are you YOURSELF assuming that the new administration would be worst???

Are you too ignorant to know how hypocritical your post is????

[whitemale08]

There''s rumors that Hillary will not take Sec. of State job so she can run in 2012.

She''s betting on Obama not taking up Lyndon Larouche''s advice on what to do to fix the economy which will create a scenario where Ted Kennedy ran against his own party''s President Jimmy Carter.

My advice to Obama, if you want to stop that from happening then take Lyndon Larouche''s advice immediately, he just offered it to you yesterday.