(Photo of buses via racoles.)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is scheduled to begin testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee at 9:30 am ET this morning. With this sort of send off from bravely anonymous knife planters aides to President Bush, he may spend a bit of his time looking over his shoulder for a bus:
Bush does not think Gonzales did anything wrong in dismissing the prosecutors, according to aides, but has been aggravated by his friend's clumsy, shifting explanations of what happened. In effect, advisers said, Bush is giving Gonzales a chance to fix the situation today.
What happens if he does not remains unclear. No one in the White House believes Gonzales can say anything that would get Democrats to drop the matter, but his supporters hope he can be confident and consistent enough to explain his role without providing more ammunition for critics. Should he stumble, some Republicans said, Gonzales has a responsibility to fall on his sword, sparing Bush having to ask.
"The president's loyalty is the only explanation for the attorney general's continued service," said Mark Corallo, a former Bush Justice Department spokesman. "The attorney general's not a bad person. He's a smart guy. But he completely mishandled the situation on so many levels that he has completely shattered the trust of the people who work for him. . . . At this point, the attorney general's loyalty to President Bush needs to trump President Bush's loyalty to the attorney general."…
The two men bonded despite drastically different personalities, the outgoing jokester and the reserved lawyer. "It always looked to me like a big brother-little brother relationship," said a former White House official, insisting on anonymity to discuss personal matters. "The president always held the upper hand in the relationship, but he felt very fondly for Judge Gonzales, and in return Judge Gonzales was always very protective of him."
Let's play a game of "spot the anonymous agenda," shall we? Any guesses on who the "according to aides" and "advisors said" might be? My money would be on Rove, Bartlett, and Bolten, all protecting the Presidential ass at any cost, including at the expense of the loyal AG. As for that last paragraph from the "former White House official," that screams Scotty McClellan to me. And the Corallo quote — nice of the WaPo to fail to identify him as Rove's spokesperson, isn't it?
Just for kicks, John Nichols at The Nation has a few questions for the AG. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Kyle Sampson was interviewed for six hours last Sunday by Senate Judiciary staffers who were nailing down the many loose ends left behind in his "I don't recalls." Which will, most likely, just make things all the tighter for the AG today, given that he won't have had access to Sampson's answers. (Hint: Be truthful — the Scooter alternative is painful.) The potential vote on immunity for Monica Goodling was put off until next week, so she'll have to sweat it out until the AG concludes his testimony today.
The Gonzales testimony is shaping up to be more and more interesting by the minute.
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Christy!
Good Gonzo morning.
Wherezza popcorn?
Yea! It’s Thursday. I am so ready for this day.
Big brother and little brother?
Michael and Fredo.
Mornin’ all. My seven year old is home today with the Abu flu. I’m sure he will start to feel better about 9:30.
“The attorney general’s not a bad person.”
Excuse me….torture Gonzales, death penalty enabler in Texas, constitution shredder? That’s some spin.
Christy! Pups! Popcorn! Did anyone read the NYT op-ed questions this morning, specifically the one from Steven Calabresi, the Federalist Society co-founder. What an idiot. I went to elementary school with the guy. At the time (late 1960’s)he was big time into NASA, space etc. As little kids, we all thought he was the weirdest kid in the class. I wish he would have become an astronaut, instead of trying to destroy our constitution.
So.
Anyone else break up laughing when Corallo called Gonzalez “a smart guy”?
JGabriel @ 9
Was waiting for the linkie for that one! What parallel universe was that?
Gonzo isn’t going anywhere. Look at Bush’s defense of Wolfie at the bank, despite clear wrongdoing. Look at Bush’s defense of Rummy, to the very end. Or Libby, still, after being convicted.
Gonzo can’t go anywhere, because then Rove is next in line, and behind him, you know who. Gonzo is a firewall. Is the House going to impeach him? How long will that take? Time is on their side.
Still, it will be nice to hear him called on his lies and hear him evade questions about his illegal acts.
Arnie, it’s in the WaPo section Christy quotes at top.
Lindy @ 3
What movie is it where the chopper pilot says “I love the smell of popcorn in the morning”?
Rene ala Carte @
5
More like Sonny and Fredo.
Michael was the smart one, neither of these two are.
Good morning!!!
Good morning. Believe it OR NOT, I had forgotten about Abu’s testimony today. I just got home from 6 weeks in TX and then my computer was ‘accidentally’ disconnected by the cable service and I had to wait for a ‘reinstall’ and then my house sold and I have to move in 10 days.
And I have to go get boxes today for moving this weekend. And then I will check in this p.m. to see how many sparks and small brush fires were ignited. :-) Many I hope.
OT, I read this site almost daily from TX and everyone here and all the new people since I left are truly amazing. Truly you are. And Christy and Jane are without comparison. Thanks both of you.
The woman from Cox news that was on Washington Journal this morning actually did a good job. Don’t know her. Was pleasantly surprised.
Now off to shower and put on the party dress for today’s festivities.
Shorter Gonzo testimony, a prediction:
To the best of my recollection, I have no knowledge of what I did or did not know.
corry342 @
14
Just don’t get confused and eat napalm, please
rxbusa @ 19
Gonzolypse Now Redux
OT: Happy Gonzo-day! Interested in chatting with other ‘Pups if this blog’s server gets bogged down with snark? Check out the very end of *THIS* previous FDL post. TYVM. P.S.: bring popcorn! /OT
(… and now we return you to your regularly-scheduled thread…) :)
Alberto under oath. Not exactly the 7th game of the World Series….
but close enough!
mornin Redd. I’m gonna take a looooong coffee break around 10. too bad there’s no popcorn at the office.
Good morning from L.A.
Telly already tuned to CSPAN3 in anticipation; popcorn @ the ready for breakfast of champions.
Dramamine on hand for Orrin Hatch questions…
Infantalization of the other, anyone? A relationship predicated on racist discourses of development metaphorized into the human life course? But it gets better:
What is this? The homoerotics of empire? Top/bottom thematics? Do these people realize what they say to reporters? It is disgusting, and I am still waiting for my coffee.
at the recommendation from a commenter here… i am listening to the end of the house foreign affairs committee hearing on extraordinary rendition and relations with europe that was replayed this morning on c-span2.
holy cow… definately must see TV. and scheuer is a really scarey guy.
will be watching for this hearing to show up on the c-span archive, so i can watch the whole thing.
How sad it is that Gonzales makes John Ashcroft, in comparison, look like a wonderful Attorney General.
Is this posted somewhere here this morning?
DoJ employees letter: http://tpmmuckraker.com/images/doj-employees.pdf
Anyone else upset about the RNC’s refusal to turn over the e-mail’s requested? The RNC said those e-mails belong to the Whitehouse. If they belonged to the Whitehouse then why were they not sent through the whitehouse emaol server and properly archived. I believe this borders on conspiracy to obstruct justice. IANAL. What options does congress have if the RNC continues to refuse to produce the requested documents?
notice the use of the past tense in “but he felt very fondly for Judge Gonzales”? as if no more…
coffee anyone?
GrandmaJ! Welcome back!
You gotten rid of that Bachmann woman yet?
Morning all. Coffee is warm and good, and I’m warming up my fingers…
nevermind Social Security and The Draft -
George Bush is the Third Rail of American Politics !!!
Where have all the cronies gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the cronies gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the cronies gone?
Under Buses every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
Where have all the cronies gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the cronies gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the cronies gone?
Invoking the fifth now, every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
Where have all the cronies gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the cronies gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the cronies gone?
Gone to Club Fed every one
When will they ever learn?
Oh When will they . . . ever learn?
Christy is upstairs
Those RNC shills should be subpoena’d down to their shorts…NOW.
‘Mornin’, Christy!
Jumping in to express my OT anger. Just watched some dumb shit “forensic psychologist” on GMA ranting about how they shouldn’t be showing the clips that Cho made because:
1. He’s trying to look like a tough guy like Quentin Tarantino when he’s not.
2. He’s like those Palestinian children who make up a persona in order to garner sympathy from the West.
3. He probably watched Natural Born Killers 20 times…(sorry Jane).
The question he was responding to was, “If you had him in the emergency room, what wuold you have done?” Short answer: Nothing.
Then the weatherman comes on and says: “That’s some fascinating television, Robin.
Bullshit is not fascinating!
Asshole. GRRRRRR………
Hope my blood pressure doesn’t have to take any more hits like this today. Now, to read the post and try to calm down. My poor pregnant dog does not need to hear me yelling any more.
BTW: Good morning Christy and all.
OldCoastie @ 30
Since the Foley incident, felt and fondled are off-message.
Just give me the used grounds. Just a pinch between my cheek and gums…
from c-span’s schedule – it looks like the first 30 min of the abu hearing will be on c-span1. the whole thing is scheduled to be on c-span3, but the time slot is double booked.
anyone have any info from c-span on what their plans are?
OMG! It’s the 7th Sign !!!
David Broder: ‘Liberal Bloggers Are Right About Media’
run for your lives !!!
Balrog at 31 – gosh, that was MY job to get rid of Bachmann? Sorry I let MN down.
When I was in TX I actually saw signs against Bush and the war in Houston. And had to explain to them about Bachmann and various current scandals. Both of my friends are dems but are (or were if I had any effect on them) ready to believe that most of the people in D.C. were there to help people. HAHAHAHAHAHA
Also met a fellow FDL pup in Corpus Christy, named GrandmaJo. We are going to Chicago together so the city had better be prepared for two Grandmas on the prowl. :-)
RevDeb @ 17
I thought she did a lousy job. Not one word about voter suppression, and she really screwed up the explanation on the tobacco case.
From Educated plantiff… from my cspan daily newsletter:
CSPAN 1 – Senate Hearing with Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales on DOJ Oversight (9:30am) – LIVE
CSPAN 3 – Senate Hearing with Atty. Gen. Gonzales on Dept. of Justice Oversight (9:30am) – LIVE…
FWIW, I just checked the Senate Judiciary Comittee’s site [ http://judiciary.senate.gov/ ] — no apparent webcasting coming from them.
Kathleen
Thanks! The abu flu is contagious! Coffee, water, toast (no popcorn this early). Most of all I will watch this hearing with an appetite for truth and justice!
RevDeb @
15
Fredo I and Fredo II
karen allen @ 27
amazing iddnt it? and he (Ashcroft) lost to a dead guy.
selise @ 38
They have stated verbally and on graphics, coverage will be on c-span 3.
GrandmaJ @ 40
That sounds exciting. Bachmann was on the floor of the House yesterday, claiming she and 6,000 Minnesotans stood on the steps of the state Capitol in order to rejoice in their freedom from “taxes.” She apparently mistakes “freedom” for a total collapse in the social contract. I guess she takes her Rousseau very seriously.
Irish Jim @ 29
Would bet a contempt of Congress and impeding a congressional investigation just may get their attention particularly with a hint of impeachableness for the offence attached.
There was a story of a Missouri farmer who bought himself a new mule and hired himself a mule trainer to train the mule. The short of the story was the mule trainer showed up at the farm, got himself a six foot 2X4, walked up to the mule and gave it such a mighty whack it sent the mule to its knees. The farmer in shock “I asked you to train the mule, not kill it”, the mule trainer turned to the farmer, “first you have got to get their attention”. That may be the best way to handle this lot, they are republicans, you know.
This is some great info
from AZ matt
OK! Let’s play How Pissed is Waxman!
Here is Today’s Henry Letter to the RNC. On a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 SuperExtremelyPissed how pissed do you think Henry is?
To date, the Committee has received none of the information referenced above. Although staff met with RNC counsel and has communicated with RNC counsel by phone and email, the RNC still has not identified the “roughly 50″ White House officials who held RNC accounts. And despite several requests, the RNC has not provided any details about the number of RNC e-mails sent or received by White House officials. This is elementary information that should already have been provided to the Committee.
Instead of providing this information, the RNC counsel has proposed to limit the Committee’s request by using narrow “search terms” to identify e-mails relevant to the committee’s investigation. On Monday, RNC counsel proposed eight search terms, such as
“political briefing,” “Hatch Act,” and “2008.” While the “search term” approach was offered in good faith by the RNC counsel, it presents some serious problems. For example, the search terms proposed by the RNC would not have located a January 19, 2007, e-mail from an official in Karl Rove’s office to an official at the General Services Administration transmitting a copy of PowerPoint slides prepared by the White House that list the top 20 Democratic targets in 2008. That e-mail read: “Please do not email this out or let people see it. It is a close hold and we’re not supposed to be emailing it around.”
Using search terms to limit the number of documents to be produced risks overlooking potentially responsive documents. The volume of e-mails involved may make resort to search terms necessary. But before the Committee can assess whether a search-term approach is required in this case – and whether it is required for every White House official or only some of them – the Committee needs basic facts about the scope and nature of the e-mails preserved on RNC servers. The Committee staff reasonably requested a meeting tomorrow to discuss these issues, but this request was unreasonably rejected. In fact, the RNC counsel stated that no meeting would occur until the Committee agreed to limiting search terms. This is not an acceptable proposal.
For the reasons outlined above, the Committee requests the following information by noon on Friday, April20, 2007:
1. The identity of all White House officials who have held RNC e-mail accounts;
2. The total number of e-mails sent by each White House official through an RNC email account during each calendar year;
3. The total number of e-mails received by each White House official through an RNC e-mail account during each calendar year;
4. The total number of e-mails sent by each White House official through an RNC email account to a “.gov” e-mail account during each calendar year; and
5. The total number of e-mails received by each White House official through an RNC e-mail account from a “.gov” e-mail account during each calendar year.
The purpose of the above requests for information is to facilitate a productive discussion between the Committee and the RNC regarding the most efficient and effective response to the Committee’s requests for email communications. In addition, the Committee has been asked by numerous federal agencies for this information to assist them in complying with the Committee’s request relating to compliance with the Presidential Records Act.
I love this game; thank you for asking me to play. I think Henry is only at 7ish cuz he says: While the “search term” approach was offered in good faith by the RNC counsel….”
He has lots more pissy things to say…just watch.
Go Waxman, Leahy, Conyers, Fitz and Firedoglake! Keep their feet to the fire!
kathleen
This morning C-Span had Rebecca Carr a Correspondent from Cox News discussing the AG hearing. She explained the investigation and hearing so clearly. She said the main question is “was there political interference in prosecutorial indepedence”? She went onto say “there seems to be evidence of interference”.
The calls from people who keep saying “what’s the big deal” are disturbing.
Christ All Mighty these are some of the same people who stayed glued to their T.V.’s when the Republican controlled congress spent tons of money and time investigating a Presidents lies under oath about a B.J., and then went onto try to impeach Clinton. (hello Ohio’s ex senator II phased Dewine)
Many of these B.J. junkies fail or refuse to comprehend the seriousness of “alleged” interference in our judicial system.
IrishJim @ 29
Upset, you ask? Upset? I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more!
Tell the truth? How can Gonzales tell the truth? Is he going to admit to multiple felonies to avoid a perjury charge? No, stonewall is the only option for this whole crew.
GrandmaJ @ 41
Considering I live 5 miles from her, maybe it was my job.
My ex (redeeming quality: a Wellstonian) loves to tell the story about how she almost hit her with her car (accidently) in Stillwater.
That was before the blogosphere ran her down and backed over her.
Consider Gonzo’s pet name “The Judge”. That’s like all the ego challenged he-men out there who incessantly talk about how much action they get and how big a member they have.
If you gotta talk about it, you ain’t getting any. By the same token, if you gotta run around as the top law enforcement official in the land with a nickname like “The Judge”, there’s some major overcompensation going on here. Like someone has to be reminded “oh yeah, I DID go to Harvard Law, didn’t I?”
And Christy, I disagree. The former White House official they quote must be I. Scooter Libby. This is soft porn, and that description of top/bottom thematics with a tinge of racial and colonial eroticism can only come from his warped and perverted mind.
waving to GrandmaJ !
did you get to ride during your six weeks – and did you go to Corpus ? Our third coast is easily one of the best kept travel secrets ;)
30 minutes until we hear Leahy’s Gavel.
Today already has quite a history…April 19th: http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory Be SAFE!
IrishJim @ 29
this is the most egregious, kingly move Bush has made. Who is he to tell the RNC to withhold non-governmental information from Congress? Even King George III would not have done that!
Morning pups, I’ve been waiting impatiently for this day, can’t imagine I’ll get much work done.
Heard a shout out to Firedoglake this AM on CSpan from a caller discussing the SCOTUS decision. Guess I’ll work while I can and pop back in at 9:30.
notjonathon @ 51
Now that’s funny…a Bush Republic telling the truth.
Hello all…..I’m trying to get used to what it feels like to live here (been here a little over a week – spent some wonderful days in Rarotonga on my way back). The cardinals are magnificent and I am missing the song of the tui bird. It is difficult to love everyplace I have lived, as I am never truly at home. But then again, I’m always at home. There is something to revel in wherever I am.
People are much more tense here (no “No worries, mate” attitude here) and self-absorbed. I picked that up in LAX airport, though in all fairness, that might be the airport. But there is a sort of frenetic anxiety in the air. Doesn’t feel good.
It reminds me of the nausea that pervades the body with a virus. Something has to happen, the purge must come. And we are in the uneasy spell of disorientation and preoccupation, waiting for this purge of the illness in the body politic. We know what has to happen and we’re waiting, waiting, waiting for the actual upheaval that will eliminate it. It is time, well past time.
GrandmaJ @ 41
there’s a war in Houston? sorry, couldnt resist.
OT but an interesting slapdown: Former Reagan Advisor angry Bush ‘bankrupted America’.
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0418.html
Balrog “Considering I live 5 miles from her, maybe it was my job to deal with her Bachmann].”
Every single DFL local meeting for our 19th district has generally been about her and wailing about how all she had to do to win in our is say she prayed before deciding to run. Our western district is hopeless. And Patty will not run again. Hey, Balrog, maybe you can run against her? :-)
selise @ 26
When you find the archived program, be sure to have a barf bag handy. If Rohrabacher doesn’t make you heave, you aren’t human.
GrandmaJ @ 63
TWINKELBERG. He is still around. Get him to run.
Mornin’ all
Excellent post Christy
Kathleen @ 49
Henry! Warm up the subpoena machine, deputize a bunch of CD cops, and go get ‘em yourself. Dont wait for DOJ or FBI to help you out. They will be constrained/restrained from helping.
For all the lawyers out there. What happens if Abu pleads the 5th?
And for the Docs…. I need vali*m! I am so damn excited.
I know nothing startling is going to happen but I am still on tender hooks…thank goodness for retirement or I would have to take the day off.
PS I am really bloody pissed at the fu**ing Supreme Court
Lou Costello at 56 points to the history of April 19. It is also my wedding anniversary (27 years…hi honey in NZ!). Wish I had looked at the history of a day before we picked the day…..I tell myself we’re trying to turn its karma around, but whoa, that is a big job, turning karma.
Lou Costello @ 57
they forgot to add: Valerie Plame Wilson was born! happy bday Mrs. W. and keep in mind folks, the first one on the list: 1775! Where we kicked the last tyrant’s ass!
From the Wiki:
“Grants of immunity
If the government gives an individual immunity, then that individual may be compelled to testify.
Immunity may be “transactional immunity” or “use immunity”; in the former, the witness is immune from prosecution for offenses related to the testimony; in the latter, the witness may be prosecuted, but his testimony may not be used against him.
The Supreme Court has held that the government need only grant use immunity to compel testimony. The use immunity, however, must extend not only to the testimony made by the witness, but also to all evidence derived therefrom. This scenario most commonly arises in cases related to organized crime.”
cbl @ 55
I certain did ride. I ‘relearned’ how to ride a bike too. AND lost 14 lbs in the process. And I did go to Corpus to meet with GrandmaJo. Told my friends I was off to meet someone I came to know on the internet and they were very afraid for my safety. I tried to assure them that Firedoglake was a different kind of meeting place, but they ‘forced’ me to call when I arrived safely and met them.
And to top off a great FDL visit to TX, at an Easter brunch I had a vibrant discussion with a Professor of History at Rice University and we got very much into politics and the trouble with Bush. And I informed him of the great work being done on sites like FDL. I think I have recruited a new fan.
“He’s a smart guy.”
I am really, really weary of the pat phrase being used for someone – many, in the Emperor’s stable of lackeys – who is a fundamentalist – fundie – boot licker, who apparently never had an original thought in his entire authoritarian career following and idiot mentor – Bush;
Who obviously could not get out of his own myopic way to grasp the reality – using fundamentalist Christian zealotry and GOP zealotry to push the rove political agenda of selective prosecution from the US AttorneYS.
THE BOTTOM LINE – You are not a “smart guy” if you either pushed this agenda, or allowed your Department to be used in this manner.
“A smart guy” is not the right word for this whole stable of boot licking, myopic fundamentalists who follow around an idiot with a messianic complex.
Kathleen @ 42 and yellowdogD @ 45 –
thanks for the c-span schedule info, i was going off the website postings.
If you have not signed this petition for the BBC Alan Johnston release please sign
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6518185.stm
Radicals on either side of the I/P conflict could have wanted to take Alan out, His reporting has been so fair and balanced on this ongoing conflict.
TiredFed @ 71
Long live Longfellow! That’s why the folks in MA celebrated “Patriot’s Day on Monday, with the Marathon and all (Patriot’s Day the 3rd Monday in April each year).
TiredFred at 62. I read that twice and still missed the misplaced object of the preposition. But there was kinda a war going on – between Bush lovers and Bush haters. The Bush lovers are taking cover I think and staying very quiet. Actually saw a “Make Love not War” sign. That is a blast from my past.
Here is the link for Alan’s petition
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6518185.stm
The problem with the line “He’s a smart guy” is that you could say that about a lot of unsavory characters. Like say… Ted Bundy, he was a smart guy.
Smart isn’t enough.
Lou Costello @
57
Thanks for that link. Some scary stuff but also good stuff on there. I think it would be a good redemption of the first item on the list (shot heard round the world) if people could look back on this as a significant moment in the recovery of our nation from under the current King George. Sort of a ring cycle if you will.
selise @ 75
That was Educated Plantiff who provided that link. I just passed it over from last post.
“Outgoing jokester?” That’s kind. It’s also kind to suggest that clients have the “upper hand”; after all, they have the problems and pay the lawyer to fix them. Neither description adequately captures the attitude of an immature brat raised on several generations of Wall Street wealth, for whom everyone is either one of the hired help or one of dad’s friends.
Mr. Bush chose Mr. Gonzales for his malleability. A man for whom reading a headline means climbing an emotional hurdle, whose primary data input is body language, could not have missed Mr. Gonzales’ being in thrall intellectually and emotionally to the more experienced and ruthless Libby and Addington. Had Mr. Gonzales not been subordinate in that manner, those men and Mr. Cheney would have long ago stuck their bureaucratic knives into him to derail his influence.
I have always been underwhelmed by Mr. Gonzales as a presidential counselor, and deeply disturbed by his choice as Attorney General. He was chosen for deeply cynical motives: his ability to follow orders and his willingness to keep quiet. That said, watching White House staff deal with Mr. Gonzales over the past few weeks has been like watching crows pick at carrion.
Mr. Bush does not run a government. He has temporary influence over a band of warlords. They are loyal to him because he is the king’s son, because he is easily manipulated, but lacks Mr. Gonzales’ ability to admit it, and most importantly, because he lets his followers plunder whatever they find and the power to make it legal.
Good morning. It’s 10th Anniversary for me today. Also, baby #2 is really, really close. I was hoping to get an FDL onesie so I could post a nice photo, but alas no Cafe Press. If anyone has any old FDL newborn clothes, can you list them on Craigslist?
I really am home with the flu. Have been for 2 days. If I had to get sick, though, this was the right time to do it.
Karen #27, I disagree about Ashcroft. He was a loyal Bushie who received numerous warnings before 9/11 predicitng attacks against the World Trade Center. Ashcroft later said he had no recollection of warnings. Also identical to Condi Rice, he said no one could have anticipated the attacks. Actually the Air Force did imagine it, since they were doing a simulation of an attack on the WTC on that day 9-11-2001.
Ashcroft’s book “Never Again” was total lies-without one reference and without an index.
Also, here is actual evidence of Ashcroft covering up The Spirit of Justice and the Majesty of Law. The cost to taxpayers was only $8000.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/w…..atue_x.htm
GrandmaJ @ 78
would like to see a whole lot more of that sign again myself!
coffe and popcorn, tastey in the morning .six more minutes
Leahy has entered the room…
JGabriel @
18
…but whatever it is I did or didn’t do, I would never have done it for improper reasons.
For those who are not graced by daytime cable tv in the NYC listening area, WNYC AM 820 will be providing live coverage of the Gonzales hearings today. Also avail as a live stream on the web and later as a podcast.
Good morning Christy, good morning everyone. Had to find someplace on the internet where pictures of a deranged killer are not being splashed in a gratuitous and exploitative way.
Question for Christy. Fighting with my lawyer husband and his lawyer boss about the RNC sending all the emails to the WH counsel office before Conyers gets them. They argued it is reasonable for WH attorneys to go through them to make sure that they are (1) responsive and (2) not privileged. I argured every single email that pertains to Conyer’s investigation/s represents an illegal act and that by bypassing the WH email system, they gave up privilege claims. What do you think?
Hi Audrey at 37
What kind of puppies are you expecting?
Sounds exciting.
Another example of how any criticism of Israel’s policies are labeled as “atacks”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/isra…..75,00.html
Bush will NEVER throw Gonzo under the bus. Why?
Because the Dem opponents will never assure him this will all go away if they get Gonzo’s fundie ass securely under the bus.
The public will tire of all this as soon as the “big bombshells” begin to cease, as is what Rove and Our Benighted Emperor are waiting for. They will be successful in sequestering the e-mails. On this type challenge, they have NEVER LOST. Never.
The loading dial will be spinning out of control today.
TiredFed @ 58
I agree. I believe this play will hurt the GOP. I would like to see a respectable journalist start asking the GOP candidates about how they would handle this situation. I believe they will run away from this issue as fast as they can. I think it should be shoved down their throats; Look, is this the kind of party you represent? Is that the type of administration you would be running if you were president? I hope these tough questions come out.
Just waming up here, too. Three kinds of arugula, seven kinds of lettuce, two of spinach, baby bok choi and shiso all coming up great in my greenhouse. Almost all the snow has melted in the shadowy nooks of my yard and the far side of the soon-to-be garden. It was still light at 11:00 pm yesterday. Starting to get light at 5:25 am.
I’m having to stream C-SPAN on my studio computer while I write two exams and a quiz. Listening to Doug DFGoTP Feith being interviewed warmly in his library on NPR.
GO, HENRY!!!
…figured I better change my name to avoid confusion of two of us. I’m not the Pat @93, although I like puppies, too, and wish Audrey’s dog safe deliveries.
… now, onto the hearings!
I think that there is a possibility that he will just refuse to answer some questions. Executive Priviledge. I mean…..how can this guy possibly help himself. They’ve got him nailed. He can’t plead the 5th so he’ll cite exec priv.
Good Morning!
NPR just played a snip of Anton Bruckner leading into the half-hour news. Bad news for Abu G, that.
I’m all atwitter
Hi, Can someone give me a channel number and part of the country you are in where you receive C-SPAN 3? I am on the line with my cable company and they need to know that to help me. Thanks!
I have to say, seeing the picture of the shooter plastered all over MSNBC’s web page is disturbing to me. Giving him this platform… it’s not good. It looks like tragedy porn to me.
Jane S. @ 92
could someone please tell Arianna to take that awful photo montage down?Jane S. @ 92
None of them are privileged! They are not in the possession of the Federal government.
He looks TERRIFIED
The man is in the house. And looking quite jolly
dang. sorry about the double comment.
Other Pat @ 99
Oh my, three pat’s on one thread?
morning all~ got my tasty sundries, sweet & savoury and my hot cuppa tea…. wee~
AbuG just went to shake hands with Brownback…
He’s laughing, smiling , shaking hands. Looks quite at ease
hey christy –
the new york times also has
a pretty passable primer on
what to expect from questioning
today:
and i did love the sub-rosa snark
agenda smeared all over the wa po you
earlier quoted, btw. priceless!
hearing begins NOW. . .
back later. . .
Before this is over, you are going to have the “delegated authority” excuse. Bush delegated vetting and performance rating to Gonzales and depended on him to give recommendations that he could rubber stamp. Gonzo failed to do so. Gonzo will be relieved if he fails to convince Congress of his case. Gonzo is arguying that he delegated vetting and rating to subordinates too, so HE could rubber stamp a report in a hurried meeting later on. He too will say his subordinates failed him. Depending on how well it is selling as an excuse, he will either hold his ground or resign, but if he really screws up and tries to hold his ground (what he is doing right now) Bush will find a way to fire him.
This is what “managers” do. These guys think they are running a business—WalMart America—and it’s no harm-no foul if they make a management error.
Dang, can we have C-span added to the blogroll?
TiredFed @ 109
I agree with you that none of those emails are privileged but can you elaborate on the legal aspects. Do you just give up privilege when you make the emails available to a third party like the RNC?
btw, here’s the C-Span Real Player Stand Alone link:
http://www.c-span.org/watch/cs…..p;Code=CS3
Ed*ard Teller @ 98
Yum. I am also a gardener. Really like an arugala salad with roasted beets sliced on top, with roasted walnuts, feta, olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper.
Do you have a problem with deer/ground hogs (any other critters) eating your garden. This has been my first year without dogs ( had four dogs and all lived to over 13). They were my deer eradicators.
Live Blog thread upstairs…
Boston1775 @
104
236 on Time Warner Cable out of San Antonio, TX – needs digital box.
Pat_AlexVA ,
if you don’t have any luck on the onesie -
you can go to nearest craft store and ask for fabric transfer paper – you can load it in your printer and print out whatever images you want – which you can then transfer on to fabric – usually using an iron
oh and,
a half a bottle of of xanxax will do that for ya ;)
Boston1775 – most of us are streaming on computer, I think. Google CSPan, and on their home page, you’ll see choices for CSpan 1, 2 and 3. If you can choose stand alone player, so you can watch it on your computer screen while reading comments here.
Pat_AlexVA @ 116
cspan link here
Has an AG ever taken the 5th?
solai @ 100
Pleading the 5th or citing exec priv both indicate an unwillingness to lie. As a Bush Republic, Gonzo has never taken that position. Lying is their first instinct.
Thanks for the CSPAN link all.
thanks Sen. Leahy for your kind words re: VT. Now swear him in!
wow cspan internetis way behind the feed on tv ,,,how come?
dakine01 @ 121
Boston1775 @ 104
good to see you Boston. today is certainly the day to start a revolution, eh?
dude @ 115
The obvious response to that is to ask: ‘are the careers of US Attorneys not sufficiently valuable that they get to be decided by a bunch of loyal Bushie thirtysomethings?’
C-Span 3 is Channel 125 on Comcast in the Atlanta area.
I didn’t know we got this. I hope my daughter keeps sleeping–who cares if she is late for daycare!
TiredFed @ 131
it is on the main cspan channel here –
not cspan3 or cspan2 — it is the headline.
Unable to tune into the hearings until (hopefully) tonight’s C-Span repeat. Someone had mentioned a drinking game for every time Gonzales says “I don’t recall”, but, given how much has been said about Gonzales’ prep and how R senators have been provided with ‘good’ questions, I’m wondering how many times Gonzales will say “I don’t recall” to Ds vs Rs …
omg. Abu shaking his head when Leahy mentions Domenici calls about Iglesias!
dude @ 115
it better be in writing! and i want to see the date stamp!
TiredFed @ 131
It sure is. By the way TiredFed, you make me smile and chuckle so often. Great to be here.
Pat_AlexVA @ 104
I was sick of it by the end of last night’s Countdown.
Wigwam @ 139
yes. please spread the word. that has got to stop! Go Hokies!
pseudonymous in nc @
132
Yes, a very good question. On the other hand, the “delegation” appeal is designed for base-Republicans who feel “management errors” are the price of running of business anyway, so what’s the big deal? Gonzo should be docked, of course, but these things happen. He was trying to bring in new blood into the system and they got in over their heads— that is the way Rush Limbaugh is going to portray this to the base if Gonzo gets axed. It’ll be a whole nuther thing if Gonzo actually pushes back and Congress does nothing.
Boston1775 @ 138
love your handle. I was born and raised in Concord, Mass. Have a brother named Paul whose birthday is today. gotta love that oldtime NE patriotism.
Pat @ 93
Pure mutts! :) I had her under lock and key…went to the store and when I got home, the neighbor’s dog was in the house.
Anyway, he’s a mix: Border collie and something else. She’s a mix: Terrier and chihuahua. The last time this happened she had four that looked like they were from four different sets of parents. Very cute though.
Free to a good home in about 9 weeks. :)
Wigwam @ 139
BOTH SIDES…. Want to stoke up the gun regulation issue:
R – The Conservatives need the gun debate to deflect from all the other nefarious changes this Administration has brought, and intends to bring to our declining democracy – The goal: A more authoritarian government.
L – The corporatists ie; the big money interests who are at the helm of the Democratic Party – Call them Ho’ Joe believers – also need this for cover to make sure the status quo of money control of the Corporate States of America continues.
Both sides need these sorts of passion based “non-solutions” to keep the machine going.
It’s all about money. Timocracy is the status quo desired by both sides, which sides are scared to death to allow more plebiscite decision making.
Why do you think simple logic never wins on things like pharmaceuticals having to face good old fashioned competition.
The Corporate States of America uber alles!
Doesn’t recall if it was a phone conversation or in person. But I recall the conversation but don’t know when, in the fall.
Oh, hell. When C-Span switched coverage to C-Span 3 (not available on our TV, just online), suddenly the server went down and I can’t see/hear anything. Keep live-blogging, folks.
Bugboy @ 53: “Consider Gonzo’s pet name “The Judge”. That’s like all the ego challenged he-men out there who incessantly talk about how much action they get and how big a member they have.”
I assume this also falls true for ‘The Decider’?
coupla highlights:
Abu has said “I dont recall” at least 8 times in responding to Sen. Leahy.
He mentioned getting feedback from Domenici and Rove (oops, I think he let that one slip) on Iglesias.
He had the nerve to mention Pat Fitzgerald – no one complained that he had two jobs. AMazing!
huh? where did everyboy go? Oh. I see. new thread.
Big brother, little brother?!?
More like Padron, peon.