Holder’s departure

The resignation of Eric Holder—the first African-American U.S. secretary of justice—symbolizes the White House’s transformation, emphasizes its political regression and strengthens its shift toward positions that until now were those of the Republican opposition.

All that in hopes of competing in better conditions during the upcoming November elections.

What is certain is that Holder’s departure—once President Obama nominates a candidate and the Senate confirms him or her—removes from the scene one of the Republicans’ most disliked rivals.

Yes, they resent Holder’s opposition to investigating operation Fast and Furious, in which law enforcement agents supposedly allowed U.S. weapons to reach Mexican cartels. That is why in 2012, the Republican-led House of Representatives voted to hold him in contempt.

They also hold a grudge against Holder for his refusal to have a special prosecutor investigate the harassment of Tea Party political groups by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

However, Republicans also dislike Holder for his justifiable defense of the civil rights of minorities and investigations of violent police conduct; for doing the right thing by expanding the rights of same-sex couples; and for reducing long mandatory prison sentences for offenses involving drugs that today are on the way to legalization.

His departure gives his critics a small, immediate victory. One of their rivals is leaving.

On the other hand, they are losing one of their favorite targets for attacks against the Obama administration. During the November mid-term elections, their victory could go up in smoke.

The White House and the Democrats are attempting to free themselves from what they see as election liabilities. They are hoping that many independent voters do not see much difference between the parties and support them or at least abstain from voting.

The problem is that with this unexpected shift, the Democrats could lose part of what gets them support from the Latino community when it comes to immigration, defending minorities and the disadvantaged, and political stability.

Under the circumstances, it should not be surprising that more Latino groups are increasingly criticizing the Democrats. On Election Day, Hispanic support for the Democrats could decrease if the community abstains from voting