Politics

Obama, Aretha Franklin Give Emotional Tribute to Eric Holder

Published

10 years ago

February 28, 2015

President Barack Obama, right, smiles as outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder, left, bows to singer Aretha Franklin as she arrives in a surprise appearance to sing at an event celebrating Holder at the Department of Justice in Washington, Friday, Feb. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Cassie Spodak, CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN)—The White House celebrated the upcoming departure of Eric Holder on Friday night in a ceremony that brought tears to President Barack Obama’s eyes and featured Aretha Franklin literally singing the attorney general’s praises.

“I think about all the young people out there who have seen you work and have been able to get just an innate sense, without knowing you personally, that you’re a good man,” Obama said at the event, which marked the unveiling of Holder’s official portrait, and was held at the Department of Justice. ” And having good men in positions of power and authority, who are willing to fight for what’s right, that’s a rare thing. That’s a powerful thing.”

Holder, who is expected to be replaced by nominee Loretta Lynch, has faced sharp criticism from conservatives and was a polarizing figure for Republicans for his role in high profile and contentious political battles since the start of Obama’s presidency. But as the ceremony showed, he also has staunch defenders.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 2 – 8, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 2 – 8, 2025

Published

4 days ago

April 4, 2025

Oakland Post

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Oakland Post Endorses Barbara Lee

Barbara Lee will be able to unify the city around Oakland’s critical budget and financial issues, since she will walk into the mayor’s office with the support of a super majority of seven city council members — enabling her to achieve much-needed consensus on moving Oakland into a successful future.

Published

6 days ago

April 2, 2025

Oakland Post

Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Courtesy photo, Office of Rep. Barbara Lee.

Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Courtesy photo.

As we end the celebration of Women’s History Month in Oakland, we endorse Barbara Lee, a woman of demonstrated historical significance. In our opinion, she has the best chance of uniting the city and achieving our needs for affordable housing, public safety, and fiscal accountability.

As a former small business owner, Barbara Lee understands how to apply tools needed to revitalize Oakland’s downtown, uptown, and neighborhood businesses.

It is notable that many of those who fought politically on both sides of the recent recall election battles have now laid down their weapons and become brothers and sisters in support of Barbara Lee. The Oakland Post is pleased to join them.