President Obama is taking yet another stride toward making history today (Nov. 8). In announcing his nomination for U.S. attorney general as Loretta Lynch, he looks to have the position filled by a black woman for the first time. Lynch is currently the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
“Loretta might be the only lawyer in America who battles mobsters and drug lords and terrorists and still has the reputation for being a charming people person,” Obama said of Lynch during his press conference this afternoon.
Accepting the nomination, Lynch took the podium to ensure her dedication to upholding the post and the values of the Department of Justice.
“The Department of Justice is the only cabinet department named for an ideal,” she said. “And this is actually appropriate, for our work is both aspirational and grounded in gritty reality. It’s both ennobling and profoundly challenging. Today I stand before you so thrilled, and frankly so humbled, to have the opportunity to lead this group of wonderful people who work all day and well into the night to make that ideal a manifest reality.”
Lynch’s position will be made official by the U.S. Senate, who must confirm Obama’s nomination. Watch the President’s announcement below: