The death of Janet Reno on the eve of the presidential election is particularly poignant.
The passing of the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney General comes at a time when the country seems poised to select its first woman president, yet what Reno is most likely to be remembered for is her aversion to the political machinations that dominate government at the highest level.
Appointed to the AG position by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Reno served two terms under the Clinton administration, but was hardly a tool of the administration. Throughout her tenure as AG, she repeatedly exerted her independence, often to the dismay of the administration. She was plain-spoken, thoughtful and accountable, even in the face of bitter criticism. To be sure, there were decisions that proved unpopular and, in hindsight, in error. In these instances, she accepted criticism and blame without flinching.
Her tenure was also marked by her ability to recognize talented people and bring them into her office — people such as Merrick Garland, whose later success made him President Obama’s choice for the Supreme Court, and Eric Holder, who would go on the become the first African American attorney general.
Reno will be remembered as a “first,” but she is better remembered as someone who performed the job as it was intended — a strong, independent and principled attorney general for whom public service was a greater calling than political ambition.
As we come to the end of this bitter election season, we have a deeper appreciation of the higher ideal Reno’s career represents.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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