Ex-AG Holder slams Trump on pardons
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Former Attorney General Eric Holder criticized President Trump’s use of pardons during a speech yesterday in the Granite State.
Holder, a Democrat who is considering a bid for the White House, spoke at the “Politics and Eggs” forum at St. Anselm College, a popular stop for potential presidential candidates. His appearance came a day after Trump pardoned conservative author and filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza. D’Souza was sentenced to five years’ probation for illegal campaign contributions.
Holder said Trump is pardoning people who are unworthy, although he notes he doesn’t object to a shorter sentence for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Trump said he’s also thinking about clemency for Blagojevich, who is serving a 14-year sentence for corruption.
Holder said he thinks the president is trying to send a message to potential witnesses in the investigation into Russian election meddling.
The former attorney general also took aim at partisan gerrymandering, saying in too many places, politicians are picking their voters instead of the other way around.
Holder said he predicts a “blue wave” in the upcoming midterm elections, but says it will crash against the obstacle of districts that have been re-drawn to favor Republicans.
Holder currently serves as the chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.