Holder and Clinton testify on Capitol Hill
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- YouTube
Holder and Clinton testify on Capitol Hill
Hello, I'm Kristin Volk and this is a UPI White House Weekly. Attorney General-designate Eric Holder faced tough questioning on Capitol Hill today as he interviewed for the chief lawyer position of the U.S. government. Republicans grilled Holder on his role in several presidential pardons and decisions as deputy attorney general in the Clinton administration. Holder played a role in the 2000 Justice Department decision to raid a Miami, Florida home and remove 10-year-old Elian Gonzales. He told members of the Judiciary Committee that he has made mistakes, but that if confirmed, he would run a Justice Department that is independent and free of politics. He also addressed the issue of waterboarding, saying that it is torture and a violation of the Geneva conventions. Senator Hillary Clinton is promising to renew America's leadership as U.S. Secretary of State. During her confirmation hearing earlier this week, Clinton pledged to help end the war in Iraq and said the Obama administration is not taking any option off the table when dealing with Iran. Instead, she said they would pursue a new approach. Republicans questioned Clinton about her husband Bill Clinton's foundation and the possible conflicts of interest. She insisted there would be no problem. The full Senate is expected to approve her nomination after President-Elect Obama takes office on Tuesday. The nation's capital is gearing up for what will be one of the most historical events in history. Last weekend, officials staged a large-scale dress rehearsal of the upcoming presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol. A 26-year-old Army Staff Sergeant stood-in for Obama because he resembles the President-elect in height, weight and skin color. There were also proxies for Michelle Obama, their two children and other dignitaries. After the practice swearing-in, officials moved onto the parade and the departure ceremony for outgoing President Bush. Bush will take off in a military helicopter from the Capitol Grounds on Inauguration Day.
YouTube | January 15, 2009
