The Long View: Eric Holder Brings His Legacy (and Future) to TribFest 2025

Well, here’s a headline that’s sure to get folks talking, and frankly, it really shouldn’t surprise anyone who follows the Texas Tribune Festival: the organizers have managed, once again, to pull off a truly impressive coup. They’ve announced that none other than former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, a figure whose career has, you could say, consistently stood at the intersection of justice, law, and American democracy, is set to headline TribFest 2025. And honestly, it’s a brilliant choice.

For those unfamiliar, or maybe just needing a refresher, Holder served as the nation’s first African American Attorney General under President Barack Obama. Think about that for a moment – a pivotal role, held during a tumultuous but also deeply transformative period in American history. His tenure, it's fair to say, wasn't just about upholding the law; it was about shaping it, about pushing conversations forward on some of the most intricate and, yes, often controversial issues of our time. From championing voting rights to navigating complex criminal justice reforms, and let’s not forget his vigorous defense of the Affordable Care Act – his fingerprints are, simply put, all over modern American legal discourse.

Now, TribFest, if you haven’t had the pleasure, is more than just another conference. It's become a true staple of the political calendar, drawing thousands to Austin each year for what are often intensely candid and remarkably insightful discussions. The Tribune, to their credit, has built a reputation for bringing together a wonderfully diverse array of voices, from national titans to local heroes, all wrestling with the big questions facing both Texas and the broader nation. Holder’s presence, particularly in 2025, feels especially poignant. With elections always looming and the discourse, well, perpetually heated, his perspective on everything from voting access to the integrity of our democratic processes will be, undoubtedly, invaluable.

Currently, Holder is dedicating his formidable intellect and experience as chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. This, as many know, is a critically important, often overlooked, aspect of our political landscape – the very lines that define our representation. So, yes, his insights on this topic alone would be worth the price of admission. But knowing TribFest, his session will surely encompass a much wider sweep, touching on his remarkable career, the challenges facing American justice today, and perhaps even a look ahead at the future of our institutions. It’s an opportunity, truly, to hear from someone who hasn’t just observed history, but helped make it.

So, if you’re thinking about attending – and honestly, you should – early bird tickets for TribFest 2025 are, as you might expect, already available. Considering the caliber of speaker they consistently attract, and now with Holder on the bill, securing your spot seems like a pretty smart move. Austin in September, with a mind like Eric Holder’s taking the stage? That’s an event that promises substance, insight, and perhaps, just maybe, a little bit of inspiration too.