With the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, there is an opportunity to put justice first and foremost at the DOJ, to restore the commitment to the rule of law and to remove the taint of politicized decision-making that the Bush Administration has tarnished the halls of justice with the last few years.
But that can only happen if an independent, ethical person is selected as the replacement for the Attorney General.
Senators on both sides of the aisle should insist on an independent actor, someone who has a career based on justice and integrity, who is committed to the long history and tradition of the Department of Justice. The very sort of person that George Bush traditionally shuns in favor of political cronies and yes men.
This is no time for another crony. And the Senate — across the board — should insist on integrity and independance in whomever is put forward. And they should accept nothing less.
The nation’s justice system should not be a political football, nor can we afford to wait any longer for the difficult work to be done to restore the DOJ. No more corrupted cronies who serve as personal attorneys for the President first, and put the nation as a whole well down on the list of priorities. The next Attorney General is going to have a very difficult job — the DOJ has long had a tradition of independent evaluation of the merits of cases based on the law and the facts. The next AG should not start with the heavy political thumb of the Bush White House on the scales of justice.
The Senators who will advise and consent on the next nominee should insist that an independent, ethical nominee who will act on the rule of law and the evidence — and not the Bush WH political marching orders — be the only acceptable option. From this point forward, we must put independence and integrity back in the Department of Justice.
Accept nothing less.
Press conference upcoming from Alberto Gonzales at 10:30 am ET.
Related posts:
- Fredo Talks! Gonzales Advocates for an Independent AG
- GRITtv Live: Jeremy Scahill and Glenn Greenwald – Who’s Afraid of the Independent Press?
- Does Obama Policy Allow Politicized Contact Between White House and Justice?
- Holder Overturns Justice Jackson and Nuremberg
- RNC Leader Steele Confuses Dick’s Pre-Crime with Justice
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zed
Wow my first zed – on goodbye Gonzo day no less!
AMEN!
Diane @ 2
Sweet, eh?
Hallejuah!!! Gonzo is gonzo!!
Fran Townsend mentioned on MSNBC as a replacement.
Don’t see how Chertoff will do that. “Independent justice”, I mean.
Adios, Muchacho Hoyuelos!
[Gonzo will always be “Dimples Boy” to me…]
Mike Allen floating the name of Frances Fragos Townsend….
That would be totally out of character with this administration! They will find someone even worse and our fine Senate will confirm him or her in in act of “Comity”.
But I share your admirable sentiments and would love nothing more than to see something like that actually happen! I fear that I would actually die from the shock of the totally unexpected…
If Clement is named acting AG, is there any reason why shrub can’t simply run out the clock with Clement in place?
here’s hoping for real independence – an AG who has NOT been an administration insider in any way.
Who would be acceptable? Seriously. We’re talking about who wouldn’t be, recess appointments, not him, etc., but what names can we start getting out there who *would* be acceptable?
Fitz, obviously, although I can’t imagine he’d want it. Who else is there? Is there an honest republican qualified for this? Cuz I don’t see Sheldon Whitehouse or Russ Feingold’s names being on the short list.
Bush can’t afford a person of integrity, our cherished ideals be damned. He never, never does the right thing and I would be astounded if he changed his stripes now.
What the hell is going on in the White House?
First Rove, and now Gonzales, within, what? Two weeks of each other? Methinks pressure is being applied, but by whom or to what end, I have no idea. Anyone got a clue?
As an additional data point, I also find it curious that we haven’t seen any high-level resignations from the VP’s office, like, for example, Addington.
Maybe he’s next? That would be a nice trifecta.
How about Danforth?
Danforth, he of Clarence Thomas culpability?
Think Chertoff will pursue the Bush crimes as vigorously as he did “Whitewater”?
Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff was among those mentioned as possible successors. However, a senior administration official said the matter had not been raised with Chertoff. Bush leaves Washington next Monday for Australia, and Gonzales’ replacement might not be named by then, the official said.
Sam Brownback makes a good point – a Chertoff nomination leads to *two* high-profile vacancies and accompanying hearings.
Surely they’re not *that* stupid…
I think Chertoff is off the table – Fran Townsend makes a lot of sense, as does Orrin Hatch.
As to who might be acceptable to Leahy, I’d look at Comey or, as mentioned above, Danforth.
Would love to hear some specific names to suggest because I want to fire off emails referencing Glenn’s column and a list of suggested candidates (as opposed to just referencing the column) to my assorted congresscritters…I’d like for all of them to get an earful from many constituents!
leinie @ 13
Comey, though they’d never have him.
Fitz, ditto.
Iglesias: on the plus side, he’s Hispanic, which helps to defuse that issue some (I’m thinking in terms of the White House take on this).
Any of the other fired USAs.
Elliot Spitzer.
I’m sure there are more. The problem is, none of them would be acceptable to the WH.
http://www.wamu.org/programs/dr/
bruce fein and i think leecasey on diane rehm about alberto……
diane on vacation, guest host……..
sorry, it’s already started, took a while to get the link on dial up…….
mornin’ christie. the wheels of justice are turnin’ this mornin’ eh?
The resignation of Gonzales under his own terms means that he, Bush, Rove, and the RNC were once again able to escape accountability. This amounts to a resounding defeat for the members of the Dept. of Justice, the fired attorneys, and the American people, and the Constitutional principle of checks and balances. The unitary president still rules, and I find no cause for celebration in Gonzales resignation.
Preorder from Amazon Valerie Plames book “FAIR GAME”
When is Valerie Day at FDL Book Club?
carmen @ 17
Danforth, he of Clarence Thomas culpability?
huh? more info, please?
this is catch 22 Christy. no one in the R’s can afford someone that will investigate. no one in the D’s can afford someone that will investigate.
imagine, law, representation and democracy. nonsense today. history tomorrow
So with a change in AG, what does the DC federal prosecutor do with regard to contempt charges for Rove & Miers? Just thinking ahead.
Objection. Assumes a fact not in evidence, if Bush puts forth a recess appt. Time to call Reid and Co. and open a pro forma session.
Redd… this presumes that these guys understand the notion of independence and are not skeered shitl*ss of what that might imply/
I am sure they view all appointments as an “as of right” political privilege once you are in the position to make an appointment. It’s the I won… I get to put MY man in.
Isn’t that how the Supremes work? Can you imagine a president putting up someone who didn’t meet their litmus test?
Lincoln appointed the people who he defeated to serve in his cabinet I believe. But Bush is no Lincoln… he’s not even a Ford… hahahaha
dreamcatcher @ 23
Precisely. However, there is now an opportunity to pressure the Democrats to work on restoring the integrity of the DoJ.
Wanna bet that Dubya makes a “recess appoint,” without the need for Senate confirmation?! Count on it!
If Gates is an example of improvement, I don’t think the new AG will be anything but a hack. Do we really think Bush will appoint someone like Fitzgerald?
If Chertoff gets it, you could look on the bright side. At least he’ll be out of the Homeland Security. Maybe they’ll get someone there who will protect us.
It will be Ken Starr. Or Michael Luttig.
BTW, somebody on the last thread mentioned that Chertoff may have been floated as a nominee simply to take attention away from other potential nominees. I think that makes sense–let the feeding frenzy have at him for a bit, and maybe their energy won’t be as high when the real nominee is offered.
No way that Chertoff would be confirmed. His malfeasance within homeland security matches or exceeds that of Gonzales in DOJ, and is just coming to the public’s attention.
Jonathan @ 11
I believe there’s a 6, 9, or 12 month limit on how long an ‘acting’ AG can hold the position.
It would be nice if someone here can confirm the length.
That said, if it is 12 months, it wouldn’t be that hard for Bush to push for another 4.5 months to cover the rest of his term.
Cornyn is sad – which means that I’m happy – at least on that limited point.
On getting an independent AG out of this. I’m not holding my breath. For Bush to do that would be like playing Russian roulette with five bullets in the chamber.
Of course, he is known as a risk-taker. [g]
Buggy @ 21
I was thinking John Dean. I suppose he has too much Wategate baggage, but wouldn’t that be something to see?
They keep talking about the Congress’ bad numbers. Why wouldn’t they go way up immediately if they got a spine and did what they were hired to do…represent the people?
Very well put Christy.
Time to start putting things right again.
JG @ 16
I suspect that these guys are aware of their criminality on some level and are hoping to slink away and hope that their past behavior will be forgotten as new stuff comes up on the radar.
You can bet that when the call to get their asses under oath is raised, there will be a huge cry to move forward and not dwell on the past.
ACCOUNTABILITY IS DWELLING ON THE PAST
appointing Ken Starr would be a poke in the eye and a big FU simultaneously… Shrub may a defiant little monkey, but I don’t think he’s quite that stupid…
James Comey for AG
Two words: James Comey. Tell your Senators to push for Comey to be the guy.
Meanwhile, AGAG’s is not the only strategic resignation lately
Diane @ 27
Ignore them. Bush is still president, whoever the AG is.
Based (solely) on his recent columns, I’d say Bob Barr wouldn’t be a bad pick.
I at least like that Joe Scarborough is calling Abu for the big idiot he is…
“Senators on both sides of the aisle should insist on an independent actor, someone who has a career based on justice and integrity, who is committed to the long history and tradition of the Department of Justice. The very sort of person that George Bush traditionally shuns in favor of political cronies and yes men.”
Well Christy do you think Patrick Fitzgerald will accept the nomination?
The buzz among top Bushies is that beleaguered Attorney General Alberto Gonzales finally plans to depart and will be replaced by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. Why Chertoff? Officials say he’s got fans on Capitol Hill, is untouched by the Justice prosecutor scandal, and has more experience than Gonzales did, having served as a federal judge and assistant attorney general.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/wa…..stice.html
leinie @ 39
I see no need to serve Mr. Dean up as chum for R sharks.
He’s now earned the right to stay clear of this, imo.
As far as recess appointments go, why does Harry have to keep his side of the bargain if it looks like Bush won’t? Fuck that noise. Our turn to be Lucy, let Bush end up as Charlie Brown on his ass.
Get somebody on the floor NOW for that pro forma session, and nip that little end around right in its freaking tracks.
epu’d: How ’bout Sandra Day O’Connor?
This all just smells funny. And the initial response from the Dems who aren’t on vacay doesn’t fill me with confidence. Comey’s an obvious name to float, because of documented independence. Even if he doesn’t want the job, that’s the equivalent of a negotiating position, rather than just passively waiting for whichever crony Bush lays at the Senate’s feet for confirmation.
One last note: The Daily Show is on vacay as well this week. Damnit.
Phoenix Woman @ 45
Empty post on this end.
OldCoastie @ 43
Which is exactly why it will make perfect sense to the petulant, whiny Boy King. In addition, it is not unreasonable to believe that the administration at Pepperdine would allow Starr to take a leave of absence, with the ability to return as dean of the law school in January 2009.
JoeScar still harping on the “Prez has the right to fire US Atty’s if *he* doesn’t like the color of his/her hair. While continuing to ignore the fact that the prez has consistently said he had nothing to do with any of this…
Remind me again why Harry Reid is not holding senate sessions every 9 days …..
Jay @51 a very valid point. He has earned that right.
Unfortunately, whatever honest man (or woman) we look for is going to be chum for the R sharks. Doesn’t matter who it is.
Bush will put up a crony.
Then we will see if Senate Democrats go bipartisan, like they did with Roberts and Alito.
Or if they will put constitution and country ahead of ‘comity’.
What the Senate should do is send a list to Bush, saying these are the only candidates we will consider.
Republicans have driven reason out of their party. Time for the 2×4.
Good Morning Christy.
Mixed news, eh?
Integrity: you just know Jr. wouldn’t even be able to spell it, much less have any clue…
Gonzo’s been a firewall.
Gonzo’s been accused of perjury.
Do these things just float off into the ethers now?
What of the “torture’s cool” crowd and their t.p.-ing of the Constitution?
Where does resignation leave gonzo and the residue of the administration, not to mention the rest of us poor slobs who have to put up with this gang awhile longer?
Thoughts?? (in your spare time, of course, heh)
p.s. THANK YOU! You’re all over this, bright & early this a.m. ;->
Let’s hope someone rented extra hamsters today!
jayt @ 25
huh? more info, please?
Danforth put forth Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court, he was his mentor iirc. Danforth worked his ass off getting the votes lined up for Thomas and took his gloves off in dealing with Anita Hill.
@ 45
not good enough. independent means someone who has never worked with or in the bush administration.
an outsider is needed.
You don’t think he’d appoint Rove or Libby, do you?
BuggyQ @ 21
That doesn’t matter. The important thing is to apply pressure from that side, by rattling off the names of qualified candidates, rather than having to respond to Bush’s nomination. Leahy could come up with a list of career professionals who are also Republicans, but who have shown loyalty to the DOJ and the Constitution, and when Bush names a candidate, there’s already a model against which to compare that candidate.
jayt @ 58
Earlier, the woman on with Joe said the Dems are trying to make this political. Duh.
Bummer. I knew Colbert was on vacation, but I missed the fact about TDS.
On the other hand, if by taking a week off, Jon Stewart can produce the resignation of a Bush toad, I say “let ‘em ‘vacate’.”
Well I can’t remember who said it in the previous thread, but the headline on TDS should be
NewsFlash-
“Gonzales Says He Does Not Recall Resigning”
consideration of ch**topf makes me physically ill.
even idle talk of same! *blergh*
As Diogenes says, it will be crony in, crony out. The purpose of the replacement, after all, isn’t to reform the DOJ. It’s to remove a piece of White House armor that had become a major liability. So the policies will be continued, just with a new face that can’t command the same attacks Freddo did.
I don’t expect to see any more movement on contempt citations under whomever Bush appoints as his replacement, but then, I’m sure you knew that, too.
GeorgeSimian @ 33
Yes, and then Bush will not only sign the bill allowing SCHIP funding to increase, but will push through a universal single payer health care plan. And moo-cows will gracefully fly through the air.
Hey You @ 68
That would be GSD.
Just as funny second time around. *smirk*
pseudonymous in nc @ 54
That will be a huge help for Bushco. Daily Show has a ton of influence on public opinion. Coincidence?
Jon Stewart would have people talking. This has worked out quite well for them.
Orin Hatch. Gotta be.
Obviously, Fitz would be a great choice for the DOJ and american justice. But that’s a secondary–no, tertiary–consideration. Whoever it is, they must continue to be a firewall for POTUS. That is the job requirement–reduce, and deflect, heat.
That explains EVERYTHING.
And leinie, I’d like Dean, too, but again, nahgahhappen.
But Greenwald is right–can you imagine the last eighteen months of the Bush administration with a REAL AG in place?
‘Course, it’ll take that long just to start repairing the damage done to the DoJ.
selise @ 64
But if Leahy puts Comey’s name in the air and Bush chooses an insider, that makes Bush look like he’s picking another crony firewall.
I wish the Greatest Deliberators™ had a clue about these visuals, rather than waiting to be played like fools.
@ 65
now THAT might almost be fun!?! Egad!
Pseud in nc @65, yes, my point exactly. We need to get acceptable names out there.
Not responding to Bush’s inevitable horrible choice, but getting out in front with our acceptable choices – clear, obviously preferable alternatives to whatever corrupt crony he pulls out of his ass this time.
Damn I miss Marcy. Hope she’s catching big fish.
@ 59
No need. He and the WH had an agreement, doncha know! From the ultra-honest Bush WH. No recess appointments. No worries for Reid. [excuse me while I hurl]
Comey’s a non-starter by reason of his having tattled on the midnight ride to Ashcroft’s bed.
ccmask @ 66
Classic.
Anyway in retrospect, Gonzales’ resignation is not at all surprising, in fact it’s inevitable. He served as a firewall for Rove, and with Rove gone, well. Plus there’s that bit about staying to the end of the administration if you don’t get out by September (I think that was from the chief of staff?) and so both probably contributed.
I’m curious to see who else is resigning or what else is happening under this news storm.
I also certainly hope AG doesn’t escape criminal proceedings and investigations into his activities as a result of this resigning.
Good Morning, friends.
Beautifully put as always, Christy.
Just waking up after a work weekend, turned on the radio and heard the news. As glad as I am to see im go, my heart sinks to think he may squirrel out of the investigations, that Congress will let them go now that he’s gone. I think that would be a disaster in terms of holding the entire administration accountable for thier crimes, and will certainly allow other bad actors to escape scrutiny.
Is there anyplace online that the presser can be viewed? No TV here at zennurse manor.
if the president asks for their advise it will be a first
of course I agree with the sentiment but realistically;
how can the president possibly accept an independant for this position?
the next ag will examine all the decisions made by abu torture, he will be privy to information that demonstrate the crimes this administration has comitted
an independant is a no op for this president as far as I can see, he’;s gonna have to come up with a stealth neo con
carmen @ 62
Oh.
A pox on his house, then. Thanks.
You guys are cynical. There must be some loyal Bushie who actually knows what he’s doing. Right?
GeorgeSimian @ 86
*sputter*
OK. You owe me a new keyboard…
JGabriel @ 72
JGabriel,
LOL. Thank you for that (graceful!) mental image, I kind of needed that.
Thinking that the Democrats have either the will or the way to demand an acceptable independent replacement is a bit naive here. The only way the Democrats can insist on anything in this regard is by bargaining away more of our democracy and/or Constitutional rights. For instance, remember how confident Bush was at the signing of the “Protect America Act” a couple of weeks ago when he said he looked forward to passage of complete retroactive immunity for telcos after the Congress returns from it’s vacation? Perhaps that is to be the price of the Democrat’s next brilliant bargain. Perhaps the deal has already been made….
Folks, your elected representatives, most notably the Democrats, are bargaining away and letting slip through their greasy fingers every bit of potential accountability and chance at rectifying the ills and wrongs brought about by the Bush Administration. They are effectively ratifying and sanctioning everything that has happened over the last seven years in the process. This is the most pitiful governance I have ever seen; and I am talking about the Democrats.
Ditto to zennurse’s request for linky to online presser.
Also, is gabbly working? I can’t seem to get on–much spinning, no gabbly.
Must…have…chat…
so, have we started a pool yet on Abu’s reason for resigning? “more time with the family” or something else?
Someone with the creds of Harriet Miers w/out the luggage might work.
Zennurse! Great to see you.
OldCoastie @ 92, my entry:
“I was going to tell you why I’m resigning, but I honestly can’t recall the reason. Let me get back to you on that.”
OldCoastie @ 92
Turns out the INS discovered his paper were not in order.
Hey You @ 69
Bingo!!!! Perfect.
Hey, Fred Thompson played a lawyer on TV?
Maybe he’s the one.
-GSD
And the other thing that the Dems need to do is lay out a laundry list of things needed to rebuild internal and external trust in the DOJ. Again, that shapes the media narrative, because Bush’s pick has to be judged by those criteria.
Here’s my sly pick from Bush: Jeffrey Taylor, the current firewall US Atty in DC.
GeorgeSimian @ 86
You guys are cynical. There must be some loyal Bushie who actually knows what he’s doing. Right?
Cynicism meets fantasy – could get ugly. heh.
Rumor has it that Leahy cut a deal at the WH and Chertoff will get the nod. See Mimikatz’ post at The Next Hurrah (and she cites Think Progress). I don’t have a good feeling about any of this. We needed impeachment to get the evidence and once again Congressional Dems seem to have fumbled the ball. But, in all fairness, I should stop gnashing my teeth long enough to see what actually comes next…
jayt @ 58
but no, the president does NOT have the rights as presented by scarborouh
if the president is obstructing justice by firing someone, if he is impeding an investigation, preventing charges preferred or if he is forcing charges preferred when they should not be preferred he is NOT allowed to do it
now, if he CLAIMS it’s because of the color of a person’s hair and there was no evidence it was rather an obustruction of justice, then joe might have a point
MIGHT have a point
becuase no matter what the president does, it is never the less subject to congress allowing him to do it, they Always have the ability to stop a president if he is acting in a depraved maner that is detrimental to our republic
joe is entirely wrong
I nominate Bruce Cutler, John Gotti’s attorney. He’d be a good one. Anybody got his number?
BuggyQ @ 90
CSPAN is saying it will be here on regular CSPAN. Not up yet.
Fran Townsend strikes me as another kool aid drinker… “fight ‘em over there so they don’t follow us home!” (run! hide! be very scared!)
OldCoastie @ 91
My guess is “to make things easier on the DoJ as it suffers unjustly under this partisan scandal”
Abu’s voice quavering already…
Buh Bye Abu.
I heard about it on the way in.
I think Chertoff is a headfake, I don’t see him getting it.
Well, that was… brief.
The email sent to Gonzales from the White House informing him to drop news items like this on a Friday afternoon must have been lost in the email dump.
Ok let’s play the out from left field game.
Here’s mine. Guiliani has decided he is toast as the GOP nominee. Bush puts his name in for AG as Rudy announces he is dropping out of race.
Wow.
Ok. 9/17 as the effective date. I believe that that now stops any recess appt., as you can’t put in a recess appt. for a postion that is currently filled.
WTF?!?! It’s over before I got there?
“The American Dream” is THE talking point. I watched John Harwood for 10 seconds on CNBC and he said that Gonzales “lived the American dream”…I switched over to MSNBC and Joe Scarborough was saying that “Gonzales lived the American dream”.
The memos must have gone out early this AM.
-GSD
Other Pat @ 54
as much as i despise her for her vote on bush v. gore…. i think this is a very good choice. don’t think she would take the job, though – she resigned from the court to be with her ill husband.
Wow, all these years I thought I was striving for the American Dream. But if the American Dream is abject failure, I’ve already achieved it! WOOOOO!
Wow, that was an uneventful presser.
All done, nothing to see here, buh-bye.
Jonathan Turley says, re: the emotion is Abu’s voice, this is a sad moment but “this is a moment of his own making.
Hi egregious, thanks.
Hey You @ 111
possible, not probable though. Ghouliani wants to be top dog or nuthin’. He has his wife to think about. She wants to be first lady, dammit!
JF @ 48
Barr, while always having a strong record (or at least rhetoric) on civil liberties issues, is batshit crazy, and way, way, way to the right of even most Republican Senators.
Besides, Barr, like Danforth, has been openly critical of the administration. Neither stands a chance of being nominated by the Bushies. And Comey actually *defied* the administration when he stood up against some of the provisions of the wiretapping program.
Really, none of these people is more likely to be nominated for AG than Leahy or Spitzer.
With less than a year and half to go, it’s unlikely that anyone with prestige, merit, or credibility will even accept the position — unless it’s as a favor to Poppy.
So we’ll probably end up with another Bush apparatchik, or Clements as ‘acting’ AG for the rest of the term.
Also, keep in mind that being the AG for the last throes of the Bush Administration is a dead end. This is where law careers go to die…
BuggyQ @ 117
Congrats! Me too!
Geeze Alberto….. this was your last chance to be prolific…. you sure took a pass on that.
Funny, I have never dreamed about stonewalling congress, firing people for political causes and gaming the justice system to elect Republicans.
-GSD
One thing for sure: This whole thing has been planned out.
OldCoastie @ 6
For Gonzo or Joe Scarborough?
Hey You @ 123
The one time he didn’t have shit to say.
Wordsmith @ 126
hehehehe…I like that Word!
Wordsmith @ 126
She would not be an upgrade in either position.
hey – quite a few of us didn’t get the head’s up that there was a new thread! I just mentioned it in the previous one.
So, Gonzo stays through Sept. 17th, after the congressional recess is over. Very interesting. Looks like Bush wants more time to float his nominees, and certainly wants to push past the Katrina anniversary.
zennurse @ 84
morning! great to see you!
GSD. You can go right into the Daily Show writers meetings as far as I can tell.
You are the real cheeser as we say in Wisconsin.
bmaz @ 90
Exactly right bmaz. The Dems have displayed an astonishing for giving away the keys to the kingdom.
I suspect that the Dems hands are dirty as well as the Repugs. If true they can ill afford having too much information come to light. So they cut deal after deal.
I had an interesting, albeit brief chat with a friend who has a relative on Gonzo’s staff. The relative said that behind closed doors the Dems would agree with Gonzales on all manner of things. It was only before the cameras that they would rail against AGAG. This revelation bodes ill indeed for the future of our democracy, but is great news for our shiny new Unitary Executive.
Could the deal have been this? Congressional Repubs will continue to back Shrub on Iraq in exchange for the resignations of Gonzo and Rove. Then they get to campaign on how the Dems forced them out because of “politics,” thus deflecting the “Republicans are a swamp of corruption” attack.
Wordsmith @ 127
But he did remember his kids names. Seems resignation helps with memory problems.
Hey You @ 111
Oh My God, Please No.
casual observer @ 75
Hatch wouldn’t give up his Senatorial seat for a little over a year of AG duty. It won’t happen.
A black man named Joe on MSNBC said this is good for Bush. It’ll give him chance to move forward.
How can there be forward motion when the wheels fall off the bus? I guess the good news is you can park it and have a keg party.
pseudonymous in nc @ 99
Unfortunately, that seems more likely than anyone else who’s been mentioned so far.
leinie @ 13
David Iglesias, former US Attorney for New Mexico.
SanderO @ 29
No, the Criminal-in-Chief is an Edsel…
Jonathan @ 125
I agree. But, I’ve got this tin-foil feeling that Bush wasn’t in on the planning.
It looks like the prep for, or fall-out from, some sort of power move in the WH. I think something big(ger) may be coming within the next 2 weeks – 2 months.
OldCoastie @ 49
Scarborough’s a bellweather; FWIW, his disgust and frustration with Bu$hCo has closely tracked changing views among some of my Rep. friends.
I’d recommend this link at the ABA, a speech by incoming Am Bar Assn chair: New ABA President William H. Neukom: Insulate U.S. Attorneys from Improper Partisan Politics, placed online Aug 15, 2007.
http://www.abavideonews.org/AB…..amp;type=v
(FWIW: Neukom spent 17 years at Microsoft, including Executive Vice President of Law and Corporate Affairs at Microsoft.)
I think that FDLers would find this video quite heartening. Here’s hoping the ABA insists that Congress clean up the disastrous mess in DC. If you want to brighten your day, watch this exemplary discussion of the importance of justice, and its implications for the US, as well as the world.
phred @ 101
Why would Leahy do that? Leahy is in the driver’s seat. He doesn’t need to make big concessions. The congressional investigations have been fruitful, and the vast majority of the public is on the side of the investigations. The public doesn’t like the fact that the WH is ignoring the subpoenas. People know the WH has been hiding a lot.
Perhaps I’m just living in a fantasy world, and I have too much faith in Leahy. I just can’t see why he’d cut a deal to let Gonzales off the hook, when he already is reeling him out of the water.
dalloway @ 134
Uh… kind of hard to see how that one works with all of the corrupt Republicans still in office.
Where is the accountability?
Little guys go to trial, to jail etc. These guys move on to cushy lobby shops.
Our system is majorly broken.
Accountability is looking at the past and paying the piper in the present.
JGabriel @ 146
Plus, many of the Republicans wanted Gonzo out, so he could be a scapegoat. The only way this hypothetical “deal” would work is if it’s between the Republicans in Congress and Bush, with the Democrats not involved whatsoever. I just don’t see Bush making that deal with the goopers in congress. He wanted to keep Gonzales no matter what. He doesn’t like having his hand forced. My thought is that something very, very rancid was coming to the surface. That is the only reason I can see that both Rove and Gonzo stepped down in quick fashion – especially now, at the Katrina anniversary and the so-called Petraeus report coming out – it is to distract from something very nasty that is going to come out.
selise @ 64
Agreed and amen. If Bush nominated Comey or Fitzgerald, that would make me a little more than suspicious anyway.
Fitz!
I know it will never happen, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
Wordsmith @ 126
Tucker, too, needs to go back to journalism school. Put Alison Stewart in for Tucker, replace Scarborough with Shuster, and MSNBC steals the night away from CNN, Fox and CBS.
I’m probably gonna get boo’d for this, but do we actaully NEED an attorney general? I’d rather have none at all than another Bush appointee
I have a list of names that Bush should consider above all others for the opening of Attorney General:
David Iglesias
Carol Lam
John McKay
Kevin Ryan
Daniel Bogden
Margaret Chiara
Paul Charlton
Bud Cummins
These are some of the US Attorneys fired for purely partisan reasons even after receiving positive job reviews. Cummins was the one fired just to give Rove’s aide his office. We should insist to our senators that these names should be the only ones up for the AG position, simply so that whoever earns the job can, once confirmed, sit down across the table from Dubya and shout “HA HA” at him.