Another week, and now there are two articles dissecting Eric Holder’s tumultuous ride as United States Attorney General. In one, Michael Gerson lists five consequential mistakes, any one of which would be enough to spur the Democratic blogosphere into a feeding frenzy had Alberto Gonzalez been the culprit. Among his transgressions are incoherently keeping some Bush era terrorism policies while changing others. The effect is creating a man without a constituency. Then, there are the quickly reversed decisions to try certain terrorists in civilian court, close down the prison facility at Guantanamo Bay, and give Miranda warnings to the undie-bomber.
Almost forgot; Holder’s planned indictments of John Yoo and Jay Bybee fizzled after being dismissed by the Justice Department’s top career attorney.
Not to be outdone, Massimo Calabresi attempts to explain away any threat to Holder’s job security as the product of partisan Republicans. However, he doesn’t give one example of a major Holder decision carrying the day.
The overriding prominence of Obamacare is certainly benefiting Holder because it is shielding him from a much-deserved performance review. Sacking him now would only add to the perception that the Obama Cabinet is staffed by people who couldn’t manage themselves out of a paper bag.
Unlike the specter of Kathleen Sebelius, Eric Holder has made his presence felt in this administration. If President Obama ever gets a string of wins, don’t be surprised to see Holder announcing his intention to return to the private sector.
CFIF on Twitter
CFIF on YouTube