The new Clinton-Obama alliance produced some awkward moments. As she took her position at the news conference to wait for Obama's arrival, Clinton listened as one broadcaster loudly recounted to a TV camera the bitterness of the primary -- and her loss in the campaign -- for the otherwise quiet room.
Clinton smiled gamely during the soliloquy, which ended abruptly when Obama came in.
Later, Obama brushed off a reminder of the primary's contentiousness, when a reporter asked why he would hire Clinton after he charged during the campaign that her travels as first lady amounted to little more than having tea with foreign leaders.
He said asking such questions was no more than "fun for the press."
In her remarks, Clinton also argued for a more vigorous form of diplomacy. "We know our security, our values and our interests cannot be protected and advanced by force alone nor, indeed, by Americans alone," she said.
She added that "while we are determined to defend our freedoms and liberties at all costs, we also reach out to the world again, seeking common cause and higher ground."
In announcing his selection of Holder, Obama again sought to draw a contrast with the Bush administration, which has been widely accused by Democrats of narrow partisanship under former Atty. Gen. Alberto R. Gonzales.
Obama said of Holder: "The attorney general serves the American people, and I have every expectation that Eric will protect the people, uphold the public trust and adhere to our Constitution."
The nominees are expected to be confirmed by the Senate.
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paul.richter@latimes.com
cparsons@tribune.com
mccormickj@tribune.com
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Paul Richter reporting from Washington
Christi parsons and John McCormick reporting from Chicago
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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX) Hillary Rodham Clinton
Age: 61. Born Oct. 26, 1947, in Chicago.
Experience: U.S. senator for New York, 2001-present; first lady of the United States, 1993-2001; partner, Rose Law Firm, Little Rock, Ark., 1979-92; associate, Rose Law Firm, 1976-79; faculty, University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, Ark., 1975; staff attorney, presidential impeachment inquiry, U.S. House Judiciary Committee, 1974; staff attorney, Children's Defense Fund, 1973.
Education: Bachelor of arts in political science, Wellesley College, 1969; law degree, Yale Law School, 1973.
Family: Husband, former President Clinton; one daughter, Chelsea.
