Spin Cycle

Arlen Specter, giving no indication that he has been fooled by any of Eric Holder's various excuses for supporting the pardon of Marc Rich, promises a rough confirmation hearing for the New Yorker in a Senate speech that promises to also delve into the AG nominee's role in clemency for FALN terrorists, Clinton/Gore campaign finance abuses in 1996, and the Elian Gonzalez case:

"After our recent experience with Attorney General Gonzales, it is imperative that the Attorney General undertake and effectuate that responsibility of independence. Mr. Gonzales left office accused of politicizing the Justice Department, failing to restrain Executive overreaching, and being less than forthcoming with Congress …

"I am convinced that many of Attorney General Gonzales’ missteps were caused by his eagerness to please the White House. Similarly, when Mr. Holder was serving as DAG to President Clinton, some of his actions raised concerns about his ability to maintain his independence from the president."