Most Americans Support Contempt Vote Against Holder
But while the new poll shows a majority backs the move, most still see it as a political decision.
| Posted Monday, July 9, 2012, at 12:02 PM
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images.
Attorney General Eric Holder is facing the cold shoulder—not only from congressional Republicans but from the American public as well. According to a new CNN/ORC survey out Monday, a majority of Americans agree with the House's recent vote to hold Holder in contempt of Congress.
Holder became the first sitting Cabinet member to be held in contempt late last month for what his critics say was his decision to withhold key information concerning the Justice Department's botched Operation Fast and Furious. According to the poll, 53 percent of respondents said they approved of the rebuke compared to only 33 percent who disagreed. Thirteen percent said they had no opinion on the matter.
The final contempt vote was 255-67 in the House, with 17 Democrats breaking ranks with their party's leaders and siding with Republicans. The vote followed a 16-month investigation into the failed gun-walking program.
Despite a majority of Americans supporting the House action, Politico points out that many are nonetheless suspicious of the GOP motives. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they considered the move political, as opposed to more purely ethical, on the part of the Republicans. Most respondents, however, also believe President Obama should let go of executive privilege over the disputed documents and answer all relevant questions.
