Obama calls rejection of Debo Adegbile 'a travesty'

From Rick Moran of the American Thinker:

From The Hill:

The vote was a stinging defeat for the White House that showed President Obama is politically out of step with some centrist Democrats heading into the midterm elections.

Obama labeled the vote a “travesty” based on “wildly unfair” character attacks.

“Mr. Adegbile’s qualifications are impeccable. He represents the best of the legal profession, with wide-ranging experience, and the deep respect of those with whom he has worked,” Obama said. “As a lawyer, Mr. Adegbile has played by the rules. And now, Washington politics have used the rules against him.”

Adegbile was the director of litigation for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund when it worked to commute Abu-Jamal’s death sentence. Faulkner’s widow, the Fraternal Order of Police and Republicans argued this should disqualify him from the Justice job, while supporters warned a rejection would set the ominous precedent of holding a lawyer accountable for a client’s behavior.

That simply isn't true. Every American is entitled to the best defense possible. If Mr. Adegbile felt it necessary to defend a cop killer, more power to him.

The question is: Do we have to reward his choice by giving him a plum government job? I don't care how qualified he is, that's not the point. Life is full of choices, and all choices have consequences. One of the consequences of representing a murderous thug like Abu-Jamal is that in many people's eyes, it disqualifies the attorney from advancement.

The same holds true for those who represent terrorists (unless ordered to in a military tribunal). Why should such choices be cost-free, or even lead to better jobs? It is eminently right and fair to hold Mr. Adegbile accountable for his life choices. President Obama would do well to remember that the next time he sends a nomination to the Hill that he knows will be controversial.

Adegbile CHOSE to represent Mumia Abu-Jamal, as the Head of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He made a choice, and so has the Senate.