Private Conversation on Open Mic Reveals ‘Miracle’ of AG Holder’s Survival
A private conversation between two former White House lawyers caught on an open microphone reveals White House tensions and the “miracle” of Attorney General Eric Holder’s survival.
The BLT: The Blog of Legal Times reports on the comments, obtained by the National Law Journal when it requested a recording of a speech given by former White House counsel Gregory Craig at Columbia Law School. The conversation reveals tensions between Holder and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who is considering resigning to run for mayor of Chicago.
Craig, now a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, was speaking to Columbia law professor Trevor Morrison, a former associate White House counsel, and wasn’t aware the conversation was picked up by a microphone. According to the recording of the private remarks, Craig said, “The great thing about it, if Rahm goes to run for mayor, is that Eric survived.”
“It’s like a miracle,” Morrison agreed.
“They were after him,” Craig added.
Craig also discussed Emanuel in a question and answer session after his speech, revealing that conflicts with Craig were one reason he left his job as White House counsel, the BLT story says.
