Van Jones Resigns Green Jobs Post, Makes Defiant Exit

2 years ago

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Washington Reporter

Obama administration green jobs adviser Van Jones, under fire for controversial associations and comments, resigned Sunday after criticism from conservative commentators and Republican politicians reached fever pitch last week. It was another blow to an administration that has suffered a number of frustrating setbacks over the summer, and illustrated President Obama's belief that some controversies are best solved by capitulation. According to several of today's papers, it also raises persistent questions about the quality and thoroughness of the White House's vetting process.

Jones made the choice to step down himself, explaining that he did not want to distract from the president's agenda on the eve of an important week for health care reform. But he went out in a ball of flame, calling opposition from the right a "vicious smear campaign" and accusing Republicans of "using lies and distortions" to divide the country and delay health care reform. Jones has been under sharp criticism for his past association with the conspiratorial 9/11 Truth movement, a vulgar description of Republicans, and his public support for a convicted murderer on death row for killing a police officer.

For details:

White House Official Resigns after G.O.P. Criticism [New York Times]

Glenn Beck Up, Left Down, and Van Jones Defiant [Politico]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Obama Administration

Tagged: breaking news, BreakingNews, controversy, Daily Guidance, DailyGuidance, obama administration, ObamaAdministration, van jones, VanJones

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