August 27, 2007

Gonzo Gone

Alberto Gonzales has resigned as Attorney General, apparently effective on confirmation of his replacement. He resigned Friday in a phone call to George Bush, but the President waited to announce it until he had a chance to meet with Gonzales in person:

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, whose tenure has been marred by controversy and accusations of perjury before Congress, has resigned. A senior administration official said he would announce the decision later this morning in Washington.

Mr. Gonzales, who had rebuffed calls for his resignation, submitted his to President Bush by telephone on Friday, the official said. His decision was not immediately announced, the official added, until after the president invited him and his wife to lunch at his ranch near here.

Mr. Bush has not yet chosen a replacement but will not leave the position open long, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Attorney General's resignation had not yet been made public.

This makes the US News report from the weekend a little more credible. Someone heard that the decision had been made, and perhaps wanted to float a trial balloon through the Washington Whispers column. How did it get out so quickly? I'd bet that the White House quietly suggested Chertoff to some members on the Senate Judiciary Committee after the phone call from Gonzales, or it could have come directly from the White House to gauge the reaction.

In any case, it's far past time for Gonzales to go. No one did anything illegal in terminating the federal prosecutors, but Gonzales and his team made it into a royal botch-up anyway. Gonzales really should have resigned after telling people publicly that the attorneys had performance issues when their reviews showed that they had performed well. That set off a series of statements that Gonzales had to retract or clarify, including some in Senate testimony that made him appear as though he hardly had anything to do with running the Department of Justice.

It's been an ongoing embarrassment -- and not just for the White House, which refused to acknowledge the reality of Gonzales' incompetent handling of the DoJ. The Senate has spent months trying to nail Gonzales on some sort of crime when none occurred. The SJC, and to a lesser extent their House Judiciary colleagues, have wasted months trying to deliver Gonzmas to the nutroots crowd, and the only thing they can find is mediocrity with frequent bouts of incompetence. Had they left it at that point, they would have won the war, but instead the Democrats overpromised and underdelivered and now look like fools.

At least on that note, Gonzales made the partisan differences fade into the background. He made everyone look like fools in equal proportion.

Will the White House nominate Michael Chertoff, as rumored? I tend to think that they'll go for someone less associated with the administration, hopefully learning from the nomination of Robert Gates at Defense that going outside can have its advantages. If they do nominate Chertoff, it promises not one but two bruising confirmation battles, the second to replace Chertoff at DHS. There has to be more quality choices available, even in a lame-duck administration.

UPDATE: QandO points to an interview with Chuck Schumer saying that he would prefer to conduct the confirmation hearings in the spirit of looking forward and not backward by dredging up the controversies of the Gonzales period. McQ doesn't buy it, but I think the Democrats will be as happy to get past Gonzales as the White House. If the administration picks someone from the outside, they may get a fairly easy ride in the Senate, just as they did with Robert Gates.

A few others have mentioned a recess appointment, but that would prove so divisive that even Republicans in the Senate would object. If the administration wants to minimize confirmation conflict, they should not nominate someone who would need a second confirmation to replace in his current position.

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» Gonzales Resigns from CALIFORNIA YANKEE
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» Gonzales resigns from Public Secrets: from the files of the Irishspy
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» A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning. Bloggers Say Farewell to Gonzalez. from Buck Naked Politics
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Comments (61)

Posted by stackja1945 [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 8:01 AM

The Dems would say "There has to be more quality choices available, even in a lame-duck administration." As long as he is a Dem friend. Now who could this be?

Posted by rbj | August 27, 2007 8:07 AM

'Bout time.

Posted by reddog | August 27, 2007 8:09 AM

This is just a further unraveling of the GWB Presidential fiasco.

What if Cheney resigns for "health" reasons and they put in Rudy? Then Bush can resign to go into rehab.

Rudy takes over and puts in a bi-partisan cabinet. Pulls out of Iraq. Rides easily to victory in '08.

Sounds good to me.

Posted by Teresa | August 27, 2007 8:11 AM

Steve Clemons had the best line this morning: "The inevitable certaily does take a long time in this administration."

Guess they were hoping no one is paying attention this close to Labor Day.

Posted by William Teach | August 27, 2007 8:14 AM

If Bush recommends Chertoff, it will be another Harriet Miers moment.

Posted by LamontP | August 27, 2007 8:17 AM

No crime has been committed? Not unless you count perjury as a crime.

Posted by Steven | August 27, 2007 8:22 AM

Glad to see Gonzales gone, but here comes the show trials.

Posted by docjim505 | August 27, 2007 9:24 AM

Cap'n Ed: In any case, it's far past time for Gonzales to go. No one did anything illegal in terminating the federal prosecutors, but Gonzales and his team made it into a royal botch-up anyway. Gonzales really should have resigned after telling people publicly that the attorneys had performance issues when their reviews showed that they had performed well. That set off a series of statements that Gonzales had to retract or clarify, including some in Senate testimony that made him appear as though he hardly had anything to do with running the Department of Justice.

Amen, Brother, amen! The man has come across as an utter moron in past months. In my opinion, it's not a question of "what took so long?" but rather "how'd this idiot even get a law license?"

Cap'n Ed: QandO points to an interview with Chuck Schumer saying that he would prefer to conduct the confirmation hearings in the spirit of looking forward and not backward by dredging up the controversies of the Gonzales period.

I wouldn't believe that greaseball b*****d if he was sitting on a stack of Bibles. Unless Bush nominates some democrat hack who will promise on the blood of his his children to bring criminal charges against Karl Rove, Gonzales, and anybody else who's ever worked in the Bush administration, Trashcan Chuckie, Leaky, and the rest of the f***ing dems on the SJC will turn the confirmation hearings into a farce the likes of which will make the Bork, Thomas and Ashcroft hearing look like some drugged-out hippie lovefest.

Posted by docjim505 | August 27, 2007 9:29 AM

Cap'n Ed: In any case, it's far past time for Gonzales to go. No one did anything illegal in terminating the federal prosecutors, but Gonzales and his team made it into a royal botch-up anyway. Gonzales really should have resigned after telling people publicly that the attorneys had performance issues when their reviews showed that they had performed well. That set off a series of statements that Gonzales had to retract or clarify, including some in Senate testimony that made him appear as though he hardly had anything to do with running the Department of Justice.

Amen, Brother, amen! The man has come across as an utter moron in past months. In my opinion, it's not a question of "what took so long?" but rather "how'd this idiot even get a law license?"

Cap'n Ed: QandO points to an interview with Chuck Schumer saying that he would prefer to conduct the confirmation hearings in the spirit of looking forward and not backward by dredging up the controversies of the Gonzales period.

I wouldn't believe that greaseball b*****d if he was sitting on a stack of Bibles. Unless Bush nominates some democrat hack who will promise on the blood of his his children to bring criminal charges against Karl Rove, Gonzales, and anybody else who's ever worked in the Bush administration, Trashcan Chuckie, Leaky, and the rest of the f***ing dems on the SJC will turn the confirmation hearings into a farce the likes of which will make the Bork, Thomas and Ashcroft hearing look like some drugged-out hippie lovefest.

Posted by brooklyn | August 27, 2007 9:29 AM

"but I think the Democrats will be as happy to get past Gonzales as the White House."

Sorry, I think this hints at being a bit naive.

This will be perceived as some political victory, and after years of trying to GET the Bush Administration, another leaves.

Not certain where you base the idea, Democrats will be 'happy' to move on, except that they will be even more emboldened to attempt criminalizing without basis.

In fact, look for more 'investigations' involving the former AG...

Posted by Rovin | August 27, 2007 9:39 AM

Controversy has been often used in the Bush Administration as a tool to keep the lions at bay. It feeds the liberal MSM and the partisan hacks until they are drunk with outrage.

One selection that the Predident could choose that would surely open another well deserved "can of worms" would be John Ellis "Jeb" Bush for AG. While this would drive the Dems into a frenzy, they would have little legs to stand on principal, when the democratic party embraced the brothers Kennedy, (nepotism at it's finest).

Forget the recess appointment and run the full gamut well into next spring. This may give Gen. Petraeus and the Iraqi government enough time to accomplish their goals instead of a returning democrat party from "recess" aimed at mounting another volley of failure and surrender to our enemies.

Posted by bman | August 27, 2007 9:47 AM

I have enjoyed the show trials and hoped they would continue because a frustrated democrate is a non functioning democrate.

Posted by Bob Mc | August 27, 2007 9:48 AM

I've placed my bets on the cabinet shakeup:

Chertoff or Harriet Miers as AG.

If Chertoff is selected, the new head of DHS will be Julie Myers.

Posted by Lightwave | August 27, 2007 9:49 AM

The Dems are in vital need of something to rally their base right now and get the MSM off the fact we're winning in Iraq.

As I have warned several times, the precise reason Gonzales should have stayed was that while Gonzales was certainly not the best AG in America's history, the Democrats will make an ugly, brutal mockery of the confirmation process in order to feed their base the red (blue?) meat it craves.

Which one will do more damage to the country, Gonzales's ineptness, or the Dems dragging this confirmation process out until 2008? In all seriousness with this Congress a recess appointment may be necessary...or even Gonzales staying on in the interim.

The Democrats' base has never forgiven them for what they see as the betrayals of Alito and Roberts. They will expect this Senate to fight this into the ground.

Mark my words, Ed. Nobody the President nominates will be good enough for the moonbats. The silver lining is that Congress's approval ratings may drop into the single digits from this.

Posted by The Yell | August 27, 2007 10:07 AM

I suggest Sen. Arlen Specter be the replacement.

He headed the charge to remove Gonzales and so has "street cred" to be AG.

His appointment would also be an olive branch to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

And once his Senate seat is filled, Bush can fire him and that's done with the clown.

Posted by bantamwait | August 27, 2007 10:07 AM

Someone on CNN floated he name of former MO senator John Danforth as a potential nominee. Danforth is an ordained Methodist minister and is the living embodiment of integrity. I'd like to see the Dems try to block that. If Danforth would accept it, that is.

Posted by sherlock | August 27, 2007 10:08 AM

The choice of Gonzales' successor is obvious, is it not?

Jeb Bush.

Think historically.

Posted by bantamwait | August 27, 2007 10:10 AM

Someone on CNN floated he name of former MO senator John Danforth as a potential nominee. Danforth is an ordained Methodist minister and is the living embodiment of integrity. I'd like to see the Dems try to block that. If Danforth would accept it, that is.

Posted by bantamwait | August 27, 2007 10:12 AM

Someone on CNN floated he name of former MO senator John Danforth as a potential nominee. Danforth is an ordained Methodist minister and is the living embodiment of integrity. I'd like to see the Dems try to block that. If Danforth would accept it, that is.

Posted by sherlock | August 27, 2007 10:13 AM

The choice of Gonzales' successor is obvious, is it not?

Jeb Bush.

Think historically.

Posted by Ray | August 27, 2007 10:50 AM

sherlock,

I was thinking about Jeb as a replacement last night. I still think Rove would be a better choice as everyone "knows" Rove runs the DoJ anyways, just as Mr. Reid, so why not make it official?

Posted by mw | August 27, 2007 11:02 AM

Chuck Hagel predicted this resignation a few weeks ago at a Panetta Institute Lecture that I attended:

"The news of the day was Karl Rove's resignation. Panetta wondered whether the resignation could have an effect rehabilitating the last year of the Bush presidency. Graham was dismissive, saying it is just too late for this President to salvage his legacy. Hagel was more sanguine, saying that Rove and Gonzales are lightning rods for criticism and their resignations would open a door. He spun a scenario where Gonzales also resigns, Bush shifts strategy on Iraq in the fall, and gets a major piece of bi-partisan legislation through congress next year. That, he asserts would elevate the Bush legacy."

Hagel also said that the administration year end strategy shift on Iraq was telegraphed by Gates on Meet The Press.

So, the answer to the timing, courtesy of Chuck Hagel: Rove resignation, Gonzales resignation, beginning the Iraq drawdown are all part of the George W Bush Presidential Legacy Rehabilitation Surge. GWB has surprised those who "misunderestimated" him before. Methinks that rumors of the death of this presidency and the Republican party have been greatly exaggerated.

Posted by sherlock | August 27, 2007 11:04 AM

I have to ask, Ray - do you get the historical irony?

Posted by sherlock | August 27, 2007 11:09 AM

I have to ask, Ray - do you get the historical irony?

Posted by edward cropper | August 27, 2007 11:16 AM

Does GWB have any more buddies like Gonzo? With friends like that George W. can continue making dumb-ass appointments until he leaves office.
I recommend Chertoff. Anything to get him out of Homeland Security.
Danforth was suggested because of his integrity.
What do the DemocRATS care about integrity?

Posted by sherlock | August 27, 2007 11:20 AM

"...He spun a scenario where Gonzales also resigns, Bush shifts strategy on Iraq in the fall, and gets a major piece of bi-partisan legislation through congress next year. That, he asserts would elevate the Bush legacy."

Yeah, that's the way Dems and RINOs think. Everything is for show and political advantage. If it happens to benefit America, well it can't always be avoided can it?

Democrats and Republicans often remind me of a married couple where one is hardworking and the other spends all their money on nice clothes. Are Repubs perfect - no. Are they more inclined to think of their country, and more ethical - yes. If you think that isn't true, it's because you get your news from the MSM, an institution that thinks its job is electing Democrats.

Posted by docjim505 | August 27, 2007 11:21 AM

mw,

I have never gotten the idea that Bush gives a big flying s*** about his "legacy". In fact, I don't remember people even talking much about presidential "legacies" until Slick Willie oozed into the Oval Office; he seemed (and seems) absolutely obsessed with HIS legacy to the point that he'll lie and fabricate just to try to make himself look good for the history books.

W, on the other hand, comes across as a man who will simply go back to Crawford when he leaves office and let the historians argue about his legacy. And I don't think he'll care much what they say, either.

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 11:30 AM

To paraphrase the first poster up at Little Green Footballs: "So, Kennedy claims another victim."

Bush, per DRUDGE, will nominated Judge Chertoff, currently heading Homeland Security, to replace Alberto Gonzales. All the congress critters can do now, is insult the Hispanic, whose life they made miserable.

As to Chertoff, he's got the resume. Harvard educated. A former judge of a District Court. A former prosecutor. It's not like Bush is putting up someone lame.

It's also RECESS time for the DISLIKED congress-critters. There's no downside to this!

Because the senators, for sure, wouldn't have low popularity ratings on the one hand, and on the other they're running for the presidential nomination? Well, Kennedy's car is again stuck on the bottom of the pond. Won't help Hillary. And, if the GOP's lucky, she's the Bonkey nominee. Easier to beat than Mike Gavel.

Posted by Georg Felis | August 27, 2007 11:33 AM

I’d place my money on Frances Townsend as an AG replacement. She’s smart, she’s young, she’s tough, she shows up good on TV, she has a good background in law and in the Justice Department, and she has a BS in Psychology, which will help her make sense of the nutjobs who will be voting to confirm her.

It puts the Dems in a double-bind, they will be seen as anti-woman and obstructionist as they pile on to throw dung at a young intelligent woman who worked her way up from waiting tables to get thru Law school up to the Justice Department.

Posted by filistro | August 27, 2007 11:40 AM

Scrappleface reports exclusively that Karl Rove is getting the job. As for Gonzales,

...[h]e plans to write a tell-all memoir about his years at the Justice Department, tentatively entitled: “I Had No Idea.”

LOL...

Posted by mw | August 27, 2007 12:22 PM

Sherlock, DocJim,
GWB is a politician just like the rest of them. The last thing he wants is to be remembered as the President that destroyed the Republican party for a generation.

We are all on board a hell-bound train heading at breakneck speed for single party Democratic control of the Federal Government in 2009, with a real possibility of the Dems taking a 60 vote plurality in the Senate. All Republicans need to do is keep the blinders on, keep sipping the kool-aid, and we will see it.

The GWB legacy is the platform for either Republican or Democratic success in 2008. At least GWB and this administration understand that, even if the ever shrinking Republican vocal minority do not. If that legacy is not rehabilitated between now and November 2008 - then a traditional conservative like Chuck Hagel with anti-Bush electoral cred may be the Party's only chance to retain the White House. Congress is already a lost cause until 2010.

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 12:26 PM

From the polls taken on congress' popularity; it seems some of the vile stuff stuck on them. Bush's numbers are up. Not that you have to trust the polls, or anything.

As to "what's next," it's possible the Bonkeys haven't actually lobbed anything but stink bombs.

Sure, like HuffPo they can say it's "satire."

But just having a way with words, and twisting them, doesn't move the political ball forward. Or, is it okay that Cindy Sheehan picked it up and is trying to unseat pelosi? Now, that, I find hilarious.

Scrapple face is fun to read. His audience is vast! Includes the whole vast right wing (write-wing?) conspiracy theorists, as well, honey. In other words? If it's scrapple face, count me in, to laugh. If it's huff-po? They're satirical elements surely leave a lot to be desired.

Posted by Lightwave | August 27, 2007 12:34 PM

And we're already seeing the moonbats suggest that that Dems should filibuster any appointment who is not willing to make his job "independent counsel investigating Bush", even thought the number one complaint is "politicization of the Justice Department."

But they will anyway. And those approval ratings will be in the single digits before Thanksgiving, I guarantee it.

Posted by brooklyn | August 27, 2007 12:37 PM

This is the truth...
"Al Gonzales is a man of integrity, decency and principle, and I have reluctantly accepted his resignation with great appreciation for the service that he has provided for our country.

As attorney general and before that as White House counsel, Al Gonzales has played a critical role in shaping our policies in the war on terror and has worked tirelessly to make this country safer. The Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act and other important laws bear his imprint.

Under his leadership, the Justice Department has made a priority of protecting children from Internet predators, made enforcement of civil rights laws a top priority. He aggressively and successfully pursued public corruption and effectively combated gang violence.

As attorney general, he played an important role in helping to confirm two fine jurists in Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito.

...After months of unfair treatment, that has created a harmful distraction at the Justice Department, Judge Gonzales decided to resign his position and I accept his decision.

It's sad that we live in a time when a talented and honorable person like Alberto Gonzales is impeding from doing important work because his good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons..."

So many have missed the big picture, as the smaller picture warped the larger.

Some poor testimony about a delegated issue, has only empowered the efforts of an unethical few in Washington.

This sets a very high standard for anyone, as if someone who has a few imperfections but is right on the more important issues, will be debased.

The Elite Punditry, Bloggers, Cynics, are actually undermining their own interest at times, failing to see how their lack of objectivity impacts the larger context.

Few of them can claim to have held such a position, and only one other during the post-9-11 era, while fighting the GWOT.

If we continue to throw away the car for a few scratches on the paint, (like some advocating to abandon the GOP), we Conservatives will no longer be going anywhere.

Some placed Schumer and Leahy in the drivers seat on this issue, and they best hope the destination is in our best interest.

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 12:49 PM

Hillary just got a broadside shot from Maliki.

And, there are some here who think the Bonkeys "won't give up." They'll keep sending out Leaky Leahy and Chucky Schumer. Two senators who definitely don't gain traction across our broad country. (As if "fly over country folks" don't vote. I think they think "they just stay home, huh?)

Heck, there's signs there's a bleeding in of RED, even into the BLUE STATES. I bet you could go ask the Seatle P-I folks, now?

As to President Bush, HE's READY. He's ABLE. And, he's true to form. So, I'd bet he's saying "BRING IT ON!"

It will keep his last months in office from becoming "dull."

Posted by Monkei | August 27, 2007 12:51 PM

The Dems are in vital need of something to rally their base right now and get the MSM off the fact we're winning in Iraq.

Dreamer. At this point it is indeed the MSM spreading the story and spin from the WH that somehow we are winning. Someone better quickly tell Senator Warner.

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 12:57 PM

Hey, Monkei, welcome to the Internet. Heck, you've even posted a comment on it; so it shows ya; the MSM doesn't quite have all of your attention, now does it?

As to the way news flies around these days; the TV Networks are in a shambles. They can't beat the cycle of the Net. And, whatver is dished up by the media elites immediately gets disected by the hundreds of thousands who see their crap, and are no longer left voice-less.

Yeah. Lots of people also know that the left is thrilled with "developments." If they could, they'd go out into the streets, dance, and pass around candy to the kids. Not quite as popular in America, though, as it is among "certain groups."

And, just because you dance, doesn't mean the people "at the wedding" stay married, either.

Good for the Net! I no longer even turn on my TV.

As to President Bush, as I said, he could be saying: BRING IT ON! He seems to lead when he fights back.

Posted by Monkei | August 27, 2007 1:01 PM

GWB is a politician just like the rest of them. The last thing he wants is to be remembered as the President that destroyed the Republican party for a generation.

Too late. And the latest ploy (which the wingnuts are already eating up as fast as they can dish it out) is somehow we are now WINNING in Iraq. The GOP had a chance to work some magic and somehow escape another thrashing in November and Warner has the right idea, but if this president is going to now push the "we are winning spin" out and those who are running for re-election in the R party run with it, they will lose even more seats. But then again what choice does the party now have. No matter what they have to run with the failed policies they supported in lock step for 6 years.

Gonzo ... while never committing a crime .... is RICH Captain. Of course lying by a GOP member under oath to congress is excusable and pardonable, if you are a Democratic president, well that's called an impeachable offense.

Gonzo, we will miss you, we will REALLY miss you. GWB is on TV now talking about how honorable a man Gonzo is ... again, if lying under oath is honorable, then Gonzo is your man!

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 1:06 PM

Oh, Monkey, you say "someone should tell Senator Warner." Well, last night, on Drudge, Ann Coulter, DID!

Because DRUDGE asked her what she'd say.

And, to Drudge's audience (might be in the millions of people), she said: "GO AHEAD. Warner tends to vote 'across the aisle.' But that's a two-way street. I'd bet there are Bonkeys that will vote with the President. Because they're terrified.

How do I know? Well we've got 50 States. How many Blue? How many Red? Turns out EVEN IN THE BLUE, republicans can get elected.

What will scare some of the congress critters the most? Elections. Where to keep their spots on the ticket, they need to avoid the crash-up's you get during the primaries. Where people who want to run, "smell weakness."

The old habits of party politics no longer holds.

You even have an example how Ned Lamont thought he'd get a senate seat. Of course, he didn't. The "Blue Team" really aren't ready for prime time.

Posted by Monkei | August 27, 2007 1:10 PM

Good for the Net! I no longer even turn on my TV

I am sure they will miss you! What will the sponsors ever do without you. Oh that's right, you are a big Drudge fan ... as if he is even remotely different and is just another form of the MSM.

Posted by Bettybb | August 27, 2007 1:19 PM

The Dems in Congress will require a special prosecutor of their choosing for Chernoff to be confirmed.

The White House is still fighting turning over of records. That will probably be an issue in any confirmation hearing.

Why is the White House fighting handing over the records? One can only presume they contain proof of illegality. As the right loves to say, " I don't mind the government wiretapping me without a warrant, I have nothing to hide". If the government has nothing to hide, why is it hiding it?

What about the "disppeared" emails? Where are those hard drives?

From the evidence so far it is pretty clear the US attorneys were fired because they would not break the law as ordered by the White House. We should honor them as true Americans upholding our constitution and way of life against those who would destroy it.

This party is far from over.

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 1:19 PM

No Monkey, you have it wrong.

What I represent, other than myself, is an old-timer who uses the computer. And, who has cancelled her newspaper subscriptions, long ago. In other words? Late to the scene, too.

Does it matter to the LA Times, or the NY Times? You think I care? I've been in supermarkets where the LA Times tries to peddle free copies (for the coupons, they say. "Here," take one." And, I don't.)

Your attitude also represents just one person's view.

But when I look around, and I see what Detroit, for instance, looks like, today; I know what happens when marketeers, and other incompetents, get to lead. They sure make a mess of things.

Again, I'm also not the only person who goes to Drudge. Or even turns on his radio show. (Which is ALL the radio I even listen to, in any given week.)

Markets can be identified.

The Internet grew because more people than you can count on your toes, are using it now. Heck, even OLDER people! Wouldn't know what to do without their cell phones, either. But I don't use one. Doesn't mean there isn't a market.

And, the one thing politicians are sure of; is that they need to get people to vote for them. Which means they need more than headline space. And, more than appearances on CNN. (I'd guess C-SPAN bit the dust back in the days of the B-1 Bomber, from San Diego. But there's other ways to get laughs. And, he wasn't returned to congress, for all his antics on TV.)

Oh, here? You don't have that many fans, where you're changing their minds. You'd be surprised at the laughter you'd hear where republicans are actually popular.

Posted by Jay | August 27, 2007 1:22 PM

Another case of TB from an illegal alien from Mexico - the 17 yr old kid.

The legacy of open borders fanatics, Jorge Bush and Alberto Gonzales.

What next? Will we hear that the Border Patrol chiefs don't want to enforce immigration laws? Wait, that's the new story in the Wash. Times.....lol.

Jorge's "No Mexican Left Behind" plan.

Posted by owl2 | August 27, 2007 1:25 PM

Posted by The Yell | August 27, 2007 10:07 AM

I suggest Sen. Arlen Specter be the replacement.

He headed the charge to remove Gonzales and so has "street cred" to be AG.

His appointment would also be an olive branch to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

And once his Senate seat is filled, Bush can fire him and that's done with the clown.

Yell's plan of action seems just right to me.

President Bush summed it. It is very sad when decent people are pulled through the mud.

My 2cents? It could not have happened without all these new smart Pug Pundits and the King Supervisors. Let's face it.....we all expect to see Slick Willies and this Texan crew just doesn't cut it. They just came to town to work. Not fake enough...not smooth where it counts. Croynism to incompetence is the word I hear.

President Bush does not worry about his legacy. Anyone paying attention would see that a man with that kind of backbone would consider that a very silly thing. Have you ever heard anything 'political' coming from Gonzales or Bush in comparison to what gets thrown at them? No, their crime is the fact that they don't subscribe to the fakes and the worldly snobs. As Bush said....sad.

The Dem's part I understand. I think the Pugs participation is shameful.

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 1:27 PM

Betty bb, can't Busy make Chertoff his recess appointment?

Not that I know the full plate of choices, here. But Chertoff was CONFIRMED as head of Homeland Security.

If this were a tennis match, instead of politics, Bush just served one into the Bonkey's court, that no matter how they run, they can't return it, anywhere inside the court's lines, or borders.

Wild return? Why not? Doesn't do much for your score, though. And, it's worse if you trip, and flop into the net. And, then? Even bigger, and better, and more clownish, if your racket flies out of your hands, and bops a referee.

Posted by Carol Herman | August 27, 2007 1:37 PM

Looking at LEGACY.

Bush #43 will come out higher up the list, than his dad, Bush #41. (Including on the scale of electibility. Because Bush #43 got re-elected.)

At the bottom of the barrel? Jimmuh Carter.

And, Mr. "Legacy clown," himself? Bubba? Sorry, folks but he's gonna be remembered as a liar. A fabricator. And, a man without taste when it comes to wiggling his willie in front of fat broads. A CAD. So, this President has already out-classed him, too.

And, I think "history, ahead, will be kind."

Congress?

SOmeday, someone's gonna make a list. And, point out its flaws. You could check out Lincoln's story. Your eyes would pop out of your heads! Why? Congress made things worse. They did nothing when the South's "7" resigned. Nada. And, the incompetency was rife, in the Military, as well. Heck, James Bucannan left office saying "he was the last president of the union." Lincoln pulled miracles out of his stove pipe hat.

And, America's real enemy, here, is Saudi Arabia. All those shnooks had was oil. And, the shieks were jokes to the Brits, who made these "deals" without asking for anything in return. So, the Saud's, on their profits, have gone wild. And, into the terrorism business.

Bush won't be faulted for "going slow." Heck, it took General Douglas MacArthur a full five years, after the Japs signed their surrender, to make them qualify as a democratic state. It wasn't overnight. And, Truman hated what he saw! He kept ordering MacArthur "back to the states" for parades. ANd, MacArthur kept telling him, "no,' not yet.

Why did Truman fire MacArthur in 1951? He was terrified the GOP would nominate him to run for the presidency. And, MacArthur was POPULAR. So, instead, Truman saw Ike run in and grab the prize. Truman ran home. Didn't want to face the music. Typical of dems.

Posted by Lightwave | August 27, 2007 1:42 PM

GOP Senator John Cornyn of Texas sums this whole situation up the best:

"That’s exactly what I’m predicting. This Congress has sunk to one of the lowest approval ratings in recent American history. And I think the reason is because people feel like it’s not working. It’s become too partisan. Too much focus on the next election and not enough focus on getting the job done for the American people. And I think this hounding of Al Gonzales from office is symptomatic of that underlying, chronic problem. And so I do think this is not going to bring peace. This will bring more chaos."

Remember, it's not the GOP making this Congress the most partisan and the most despised in history. Once again the Democrats got exactly what they wished for, and once again it will blow up in their faces as they continue to make it a partisan witch hunt.

10% approval ratings or less for Congress by Thanskgiving, that's my official prediction. We're at 18% and falling.

Posted by mw | August 27, 2007 1:54 PM

Speaking of "legacy" ...

Huh. Contrary to some commenters here, I guess it is not just Dems that think in those terms. Looks like Conservative gadfy Richard Viguerre also has some legacy advice for GWB. This just arrived in my inbox (and probably yours):

President Bush Should Confront Democrats, Not "Reach Out" to Them (Manassas, Virginia) The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause (Bonus Books, 2006), regarding the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales: “With the resignation of Alberto Gonzales, President Bush has an historic opportunity to recover from some of his self-inflicted injuries. He can do this by nominating a principled conservative to be the next Attorney General. Confront the Democrats, don’t ‘reach out’ to them as liberal commentators are urging. “For decades, polls have shown that the American public takes conservative positions on judicial and legal issues and appointments. If Democrats refuse to confirm a true conservative as Attorney General, that is an issue the Republican presidential candidate—whoever he is—can carry all the way into the White House. “Confronting the Democrats and rallying the conservative base is also a way for Bush to raise his approval ratings from the 30s, perhaps even into the 50s. And that would help him and Congressional Republicans on their entire agenda. “To do this, he has to ignore the siren calls of the liberal media. It took less than five minutes after Gonzales’s resignation speech for CNN to suggest that this gives the President a chance to ‘reach out to Democrats.’ And less than 15 minutes after Gonzales’s resignation speech, MSNBC put Democratic strategist Richard Goodwin on the air to suggest that Bush pick ‘a moderate Republican or even a Democrat. That would not be a bad idea at this point.’ “Mr. Bush: That’s not a bad idea if you’re pushing a liberal Democratic agenda. It’s a terrible idea if you want to improve Republican chances for 2008 and retrieve your legacy. The Democrats will not be appeased by anything you do, so do the right thing and give the American people an opportunity to support a conservative as Attorney General. “Exactly four months ago—April 27, 2007—I warned of the dire consequences for the GOP of not firing Gonzales. Well, President Bush just circled the wagons, and the Congressional Republicans did nothing. And today, Gonzales is leaving. What has been gained by dragging out the agony for four months? Nothing. “Confronting the Democrats with a highly qualified, truly conservative nominee for Attorney General is the only way to repair some of this damage.”

Posted by Deb | August 27, 2007 2:14 PM

et tu, Bettybb?
slander AG with the term "perjury"?? in fact, Congress realized that Mueller and Gonzales were talking about different TSP, and so there was no contradiction there. Pay attention! Thus, they have dropped talk of perjury charges, as obviously, it would not stick. Rather, the current Dem tactic seems to be to continue to throw enough dust, confusion, and slanderous terms around to create an aura of mis-deeds in the minds of voters.
As for your assumption that White House refusal to release any and all emails is indicative of illegal malfeasance, well think again. The WH is arguing that some of its communications are protected under executive decision-making, not subject to legislative review. To flip the coin, imagine the WH demanding copies of all emails to and from the Dem caucus members, to probe for "political" decisions by the legislature. Congress is out of bounds here, and will likely find out, if it should go to the Supreme Court. Of course, again, Congress is not truly interested in judicial review. Rather, they are just fishing around, and muddying the waters, for political gain.

Posted by MaryT | August 27, 2007 2:32 PM

How many attorneys did clinton fire. I read once that hillory made the decisions, is that right. How many attorneys are on her hit list if she gets elected. Are any candidates asked that question, How many attorneys do you plan to fire?
Will any of those fired by clinton come on cnn to explain why they were fired.
And, will hispanics decide to take this out at the ballot box, on democrats, for getting rid of one of them, and saying a Hispanic is not fit for high office.

Posted by Del Dolemonte | August 27, 2007 2:35 PM

Speaking of "legacies", I would rather have Gonzo's than the legacy of another Attorney General, namely Janet Reno. Compared to her, Albert comes out looking like a saint.

Posted by ibfamous | August 27, 2007 4:33 PM

quick question... if no one did anything wrong with the firing of district attorneys, then why all the lying and cover up? executive privilage is a poor substitute for the truth.

and reddog, you need to up your meds

Posted by Terrye [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 5:06 PM

To be truthful without the right leading the charge I doubt that the Democrats could have pulled this off. But then again, Gonzales was never one of them, not really. Being a Republican is not enough, you have to be the right kind of Republican. Otherwise expect a knife in the back.

Gonzales did his job, maybe he wasn't perfect but then neither are the people who set out to ruin him. But the difference is most of them don't have to do that job. All they have to do is pass judgment.

I think Dafydd said it better than I can.

Here is an excerpt:

Now that so many conservative Republicans (especially bloggers of the Right) have got their wish, and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is out the door, I eagerly await the rest of their promised scenario: I now wait with bated breath for the strong, conservative, take-no-prisoners Attorney General nominee who will take firm control and start enforcing the conservatives' favorite laws with vigor and enthusiasm!

Yes sir, I'm ready for that change. Conservative pundits and bloggers have argued that if only President Bush would dump Gonzales, we could get someone really, really good in his place: we will get an Attorney General who will:

* Sail through confirmation hearings on the strength of his or her personal honesty, loyalty, and solid conservative credentials (not just some interim, acting Attorney General who is crippled by his inability to be confirmed);

* Strongly oppose all "affirmative action," racial preferences on principle;

* Crack down hard on employers who hire illegals and swift deport any illegals who commit crimes in this country;

* Go after anyone who commits voter fraud or accepts bribes, even if he happens to be a Democratic congressman;

* Defend the presidential prerogative to fire employees who have their own, more liberal agenda than the administration;

* Run the Department of Justice with a firm and stalwart hand;

* Use the office of the Attorney General and all Justice Department resources to thoroughly investigate and track radical Moslems in this country via the FBI, CIA, NSA, with warrantless eavesdropping and surveillance of radical mosques as necessary;

* And especially strongly enforces the new ban on partial-birth abortion.

So let's see it; let's see the next John Ashcroft who will be easily confirmed by the Democrats in the Senate... because he's so darned good, even Majority Leader Harry "Pinky" Reid (D-Caesar's Palace, 90%) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY, 100%) cannot deny him.

I'm sure the Democrats will cooperate. They would never demand that the president pick from a short list prepared by Sens. Schumer, Ted Kennedy (D-MA, 100%), Carl Levin (D-MI, 100%), and Russell Feingold (D-WI, 100%). Now we're sure to get someone who will make it his priority to round up all the illegals and deport them, clean up Democratic corruption, press forward strongly with updating and defending the Patriot Act, strongly enforce the ban on partial-birth abortion, land on voter fraud like a ton of bowling balls, and authorize all current and future intelligence operations against terrorists. After all, the Democrats only want what's best for the country, too.

Posted by Fight4TheRight | August 27, 2007 5:10 PM

What if President Bush nominated Hillary Clinton for the new AG? That would be considered a nice olive branch, wouldn't it?

And it would give Republican Senators a chance to grill her on her role in "ChinaGate" while she was First Lady.

Besides, after confirmation she'd only have about 12 months to mess with things. Who knows, maybe she's got some grudges with her own. It might be fun to see her put out a warrant on her fellow Senator from New York for his illegal pilfering of potential Senators' financial records and credit reports.

One last note. I think we ought to, just to be safe, make a complete record of the entire proceedings against AG Gonzales...that way, if Hillary Clinton is elected President and she appoints an AG who fires every U.S. Attorney in February of 2009, that when the Republican Senators bring him/her up before them on charges and that new AG is either Asian, Hispanic or Black, we don't hear..."Neocon racist Senators call for AG's resignation."

Posted by Terrye [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 5:40 PM

Gee why doesn't he nominate Newt Gingrich? I am sure the Democrats would just jump at the chance to confirm him. That makes as much sense as HC.

Posted by Fight4TheRight | August 27, 2007 6:07 PM

Apparently, I need to start using sarcasm tags here.

/sarc off

Posted by Ken Oglesby | August 27, 2007 6:30 PM

Good flaming riddance.
I have supported President Bush through thick,thin and immigration fiascoes,but not this one.
One of the few truly incompetents in the administrations.
GOOD FLAMING RIDDANCE!!!

Posted by poodlemom | August 27, 2007 8:47 PM

Regarding some of the suggested replacements:

Chertoff NO!!
Specter Hell NO!!
Danforth He bailed on his UN appointment, I don't think he has the stomach for it.

Posted by R L | August 27, 2007 9:03 PM

NO ONE REALLY CARES.

Posted by CJW | August 28, 2007 12:50 AM

Any official who kept $90,000 in his freezer should have resigned immediately. I'm afraid all of this bad press is going to ruin the re-election possibilities for Dubya in '08. tic

Posted by PatD | August 28, 2007 11:24 AM

"No one did anything illegal in terminating the federal prosecutors"

Just how is it that you know this to be a "fact" ?

As near as I can tell the issue is, although the indications are rather damning, still under investigation. Are you in possession of special knowledge ? Or is partisanship obscuring your perception of events that have taken place inside the most secretive administration ever ?

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