Evening Buzz: Obama's History-Making Choice
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
President-elect Barack Obama is making history again.
Two Democratic sources tell CNN that Eric Holder is Obama's choice for attorney general. If confirmed, Holder would be the first African-American to hold the post.
Holder, 57, who is still being vetted, has indicated he will accept the job if it is offered, the sources said.
Holder is a partner at the D.C. law firm of Covington & Burling.
He co-chaired Obama's vice presidential selection process with Caroline Kennedy.
Back in the 1990's, he was Deputy Attorney General under Janet Reno in the Clinton administration.
That's why some say he could face a grilling by the U.S. Senate during the confirmation process due to his ties to the Elian Gonzalez case and the controversial pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich.
What do you think of Obama's choice?
We'll cover the raw politics tonight on AC360°
Plus, the $25 billion question. Will the big three automakers get a federal bailout?
The executives of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were all on Capitol Hill pleading their case.
And, some lawmakers fired back.
"Their board rooms and executive suites in my view have been famously devoid of vision," said Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut.
"The Big Three turned a blind eye to opportunities. They have promoted and often driven the demand of inefficient, gas guzzling vehicles, and dismissed the threat of global warming," he added.
So, what if there is no bailout for the auto industry? GM says one out of 10 jobs in the U.S. relies on the U.S. automakers.
Is that true? We're keeping them honest.
Join us for all that and more tonight at 10pm ET.
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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Anderson why can't I get any answers-What is Oboma going to do for people that have been forced to retire because their job was shut down–their pension have been cut by 60%–and their health care has been terminated–their physical condition and age prevents them from getting another job–are we just going to be left for dead–I will not go to Dr.–Because I have health insurance now that is not very good and will not pay anything for prexhisting conditions for 6 months– and am afraid if anything is found they will say is prexhisting and they will not pay anything–I had heart bypass surgery and the health insurance I had at that time authorized hospital to do surgery - then refused to pay– saying prexhisting conditions leaving me with a bill of over 85 thousand dollars
Anderson I saw on CNN I am sure one CEO said you have to give bonus money to expert executives etc. or you would lose them to another company–my question is if they are such experts and was doing such a good job to deserve a bonus why is the companies they work for in need of a bail out–
Obama has and will pick the best and brightest minds, no matter who they served with. What difference does it make if they served with Clinton or anyone else. Those he picks have the real experience necessary to make the country work the way it is supposed to.
Why should anyone complain who gets selected, as long they get the work done properly and ethically unlike BUSHCO (Now going out of business)
It was stated earlier that GM would be bankrupt by Christmas. $25 billion sounds like a lot of money but even with the bail out how would a company that far gone ever make a come back? Are they even worth it? I don't even know anyone who drives one of their cars.
I think Exxon Moblle should bailout the US Auto Industry. They made enough profit from all the gas guzzlers they sold around the world.
Although I was more moved than I've ever been in my life the night Barack Obama became America's first African-American President, I am feeling increasing disappointed in President Obama. Why does he seem so focused on choosing people who are aligned in some way with the Clintons?
I am beginning to think that a deal was struck between the Clinton and Obama camps that if Bill and Hillary didn't challenge Obama at the Democratic Party nominating convention AND campaigned for Obama, he would return the favor by re-building a Clintonian white house.
I really don't appreciate Obama making deals with the passion that ordinary Americans expressed on the night we voted for him to make deals.
Michelle Lewis
Obama's cabinet is looking as diverse as America
After seeing what happened to David Iglesias in Albuquerque and what Alberto Gonzales did, how he lied under oath and disgraced the office having a leader like Holder in this position will start to clear the way.
Barack Obama is going to put together the most powerful and intelligent cabinet Americans have not yet had the privilege to experience. Barack is literally going to blow the top off of the
white house. Hang on America because the next four years will be the thrill ride of your lives.
Canadians for Obama:)
I am concerned the international leaders would not be acceting of Hiliary Clinton as Secretary of State. Obama has no debt to pay.
If the big three automakers get a federal bailout, every corporation in crisis is going to want a federal bailout.
Obama's "Clinton" Administration
Pres-Elect Obama is doing what he knows will work. Let's remember how well things went during Clinton's era. Everything was movin galong smoothly and noone was worried. Bill may have "tainted" his adminstration but his cabinet was getting things done, with or without him, and that is what Barack and we, as a nation, need. He needs people who will back him, keep him in line and help him get things done.
Eric Holder would be a great attorney general. In being part of the vetting team for VP he probably has gained a tremendous understanding of Obama and his vision plus he has really good experience from past administrations. I am glad to see that Obama is selecting people for his Cabinet based on their resume and experience and intelligence rather than sex, color, or who did what favor for him. So far Obama is putting together what appears to be a stellar Cabinet.
Annie Kate
Birmingham AL