Former Attorney General Eric Holder expressed in a podcast discussion on Tuesday that Democrats ought to prioritize expanding the Supreme Court. Jaime Harrison, host of “At our table” and former chair of the Democratic National Committee, prompted Holder to share his thoughts on incorporating Supreme Court reforms into the Democratic agenda for 2028.
Holder emphasized the need for reform, suggesting that the Supreme Court’s current trajectory is problematic. “We can’t let this Court continue as it has,” he said, pointing out that the justices seem more focused on staffing than on established precedents. He also mentioned that fairness should encompass both political and economic dimensions.
In addition, Holder advocated for implementing term limits for justices, asserting that serving a lengthy term—like 30 or 40 years—detaches them from the society they are meant to serve. “Eighteen years should be adequate,” he noted. He believes most Americans, including Republicans and independents, might support such a change.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has previously indicated her support for some form of Supreme Court reform. In October of 2024, she remarked on the diminished public trust in the Court, primarily due to rulings perceived as detrimental to women’s rights, such as the Dobbs decision. “It’s evident that reform is necessary,” she acknowledged.
Democrat strategist James Kerrville also weighed in, suggesting that expanding the Supreme Court should be integral to the party’s platform if they regain control. He mentioned that adding states like Puerto Rico and Columbia should be part of this strategy, and hinted at the possibility of increasing the number of justices to 13.
In another vein, Holder shared his experiences regarding Harris’ vice presidential selection. He noted that while Harris publicly expressed that former Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg was her first choice, issues of risk led to different decisions. “It’s fascinating to see her highlight him as her preference,” he reflected. However, Holder understands the political motivations behind her choices, suggesting that selecting Buttigieg could have been very bold and demonstrated significant courage.
