JUST TO BE SURE YOU KNEW – AT 9:30 P.M. ET:  The laughingly called "news" networks have been spending all their time yapping about yesterday's break-in at the Capitol.  But, believe it or not, other things are happening.  Joe Biden has named his attorney general and other Justice Department officers.  From Fox:

President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday formally announced he will nominate Judge Merrick Garland as his attorney general, as well as other key nominations to the Justice Department.

Sources told Fox News on Wednesday that Biden intended to nominate Garland, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, to lead the Justice Department.

"Our first-rate nominees to lead the Justice Department are eminently qualified, embody character and judgment that is beyond reproach, and have devoted their careers to serving the American people with honor and integrity," Biden said in a statement Thursday morning. "They will restore the independence of the Department so it serves the interests of the people not a presidency, rebuild public trust in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system."
Biden added: "They are among the most accomplished legal minds in our country who also reflect the best of America's full range of talents and background. I am honored they accepted this call to serve at such a critical time in our nation's history."

Garland rose to greater national prominence when then-President Barack Obama nominated him for the U.S. Supreme Court following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in 2016. He never received a hearing, as Republicans chose to wait until after that year’s election, allowing President Trump to appoint Justice Neil Gorsuch instead.

COMMENT:  If we have to have a liberal at Justice, at least Garland is a sane one.  He has a solid reputation, is not a crackpot,    There is nothing in his career to suggest softness toward criminals.  On balance, as good an appointment as we were likely to get.

January 7,  2021