November 20, 2015 Jarrett: Obama Not 'Lame Duck,' 'Really Big Things' Coming Nicholas Ballasy White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett said criminal justice reform that reduces the prison population would make America safer. Jarrett also said President Obama is focused on tackling the issue along with Congress and is not a "lame duck." Obama has directed federal agencies to "ban the box," which prohibits them from asking about an applicant's criminal history. Jarrett said Obama wants Congress to do the same for federal contractors as well, which requires congressional action. In addition, the Justice Department has decided to release about...