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Gonzales before Congress, Round 3
Congress won by T.K.O. two rounds ago, but Alberto Gonzales keeps coming back. He'll be testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow for the third time since the U.S. attorney firings controversy blew up in March.
This time around, in addition to the usual battery of questions about the firings, he'll have to respond to Monica Goodling's revelation that Gonzales talked to her about her recollection of the firing process shortly after Congress launched its investigation. The Justice Department's internal probe of the firings has expanded to include whether Gonzales might have been improperly trying to shape Goodling's future testimony. He's also sure to get questions about why he falsely testified to Congress that he didn't know of any counterterrorism abuses by the FBI.
Beyond that, you can be sure he'll come armed with the usual I-think-I-may-be-aware-of-thats.
For those who can't wait, here are some highlights from prior hearings.
Comments (39)
Jake D. wrote on July 23, 2007 6:44 PM:BREAKING: Cindy Sheehan arrested in John Conyers office . . .
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/4991765.html
RUN, CINDY, RUN!!!
George Hayduke wrote on July 23, 2007 7:18 PM:STFU Troll.
Jake D. wrote on July 23, 2007 7:30 PM:No thanks, George (I take it the "F" stands for "fuck"?). You don't think it's a bit curious that TPMmuckraker has not brought up "Cindy Sheehan" once since January 12, 2007?
Jessica wrote on July 23, 2007 7:59 PM:I wish our poltiical leaders would realize that today national boundaries no longer define our world. We face common problems and must work together as a world community to fight them. The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, which call for cutting world hunger in half by 2015 and eliminating it altogether by 2025, are a good place to start thinking and acting with a global mindset. It is estimated that the expenditure of a mere $19 billion would eliminate starvation and malnutrition worldwide. In a time when the United States’ current defense budget is $522 billion, the goal of eradicating world hunger is clearly well within reach if we act together as one world.
Mstessyrue wrote on July 23, 2007 8:57 PM:Despite all the media attention on scandals in the Bush Administration, there are other critical issues this government and this country need to focus on. Global Poverty is one of those issues. According to the Borgen Project, whose goal is to fight global poverty, US is one of the nations pledged in the Millennium Development Project. MDP is aimed at eliminating world poverty in half by the year 2015. However, this country has done anything but reducing poverty. The war on “terror” has created more poverty, more hunger and more violence within Iraq and the United States. It is time for this country’s president to rethink the direction where this great nation is going.
Mstessyrue wrote on July 23, 2007 8:58 PM:Despite all the media attention on scandals in the Bush Administration, there are other critical issues this government and this country need to focus on. Global Poverty is one of those issues. According to the Borgen Project, whose goal is to fight global poverty, US is one of the nations pledged in the Millennium Development Project. MDP is aimed at eliminating world poverty in half by the year 2015. However, this country has done anything but reducing poverty. The war on “terror” has created more poverty, more hunger and more violence within Iraq and the United States. It is time for this country’s president to rethink the direction where this great nation is going.
Mstessyrue wrote on July 23, 2007 9:06 PM:Despite the record low approval ratings, President Bush and his administration are still arrogant and blinded by the Iraq War. The people of this country are fed up with Bush’s senseless war and the lack of domestic policies. There are much more important issues in this world that the US should be taking part in, such as global poverty. According to the Borgen Project, whose goal is to fight global poverty, US is one of the nations pledged in the Millennium Development Project. MDP is aimed at eliminating world poverty in half by the year 2015. However, this country has done anything but reducing poverty. The war on “terror” has created more poverty, more hunger and more violence within Iraq and the United States. It is time for this country’s president to rethink the direction where this great nation is going. Perhaps the second lowest approval rating since Watergate will be a wake up call to President Bush.
johnnydoughey wrote on July 23, 2007 9:14 PM:Jessica...
Samsara wrote on July 23, 2007 9:36 PM:We're spending 1/2 of the world's entire defense budget...$400 Billion/year. If we took 1/2 of that, leaving us with 25% of the world's defense budget, we could have 100% of our houses on solar power in 12 years, and could then produce hydrogen for autos at home.
No need for new refineries, no need for more telephone poles, no need for more nuclear power.
We could, but like feeding starving children, there just isn't any money in it...
Remember the excitement when he first testified? This was going to change things. the truth would be reveled and the guilty would be punished.
Ha!
I don't know what the point of even having him testify is. He will lie and stonewall, not a single Senator from either party will believe a word that comes out of his skull, and there will be no consequences because he is doing what GWB wants him to do.
The Democrats shouldn't even ask any questions. They should simply say that they have no confidence in any answer he may give, make clear statements detailing the damage this administration has done to the rule of law, and yield back their time.
Bad Troll wrote on July 23, 2007 9:52 PM:JakeD, why can't you get a job in this great Bush economy ?
20 large to go fight the good fight in Iraq, babe !
willyloman wrote on July 23, 2007 10:31 PM:I agree. Forcing Fredo to lie to Congress yet again is simply stalling. They give the impression that they are going after the Administration while they are doing nothing. They should address Kucinich's call for a new investigation into 9/11 and begin impeachment as soon as possible.
interested litigant wrote on July 23, 2007 10:49 PM:Wait for it. Deep breath coming.
OhSnap! wrote on July 23, 2007 10:52 PM:Oh, I fear this is going to be another waste-of-time inquiry. Gonzalez will not remember/recall/etc. The D-Senators will ask lame-ish questions (aside from Whitehouse) and the R-Senators will bloviate about other issues or how this is a waste of time.
Fact is, we're stuck with Gonzalez. It's sad, but true until January 2009.
All the Senators should do is ask him specific pointed questions:
Did you say X about Y on this date?
--Don't follow-up. Just get him on the record with the shortest answer possible.
Did you meet with Monica Goodling on March 18th in your office? Who was present? For how long was this meeting? Did Ms. Goodling accurately describe this meeting?
Did you issue the super-secret order of date X delegating to Kyle Sampson and Monica Goodling? Was your Deputy AG present? Did you tell him of this order? Forget even asking the purpose of the order.
Etc.
Make the questions short, sweet and pray the Senators do not bloviate.
Personally, the only way a hearing like this will have any bones if it is done in panel form with the like of Gonzales, Comey, Sampson, Goodling, Battle, Moschella, etc. sitting side-by-side as questions are asked.
But that is only a dream...
So I hope the questions are very pointed, specific and without depth. Keep Gonzalez primarily to yes/no answers. Forget asking him to "explain" anything. He won't.
(My other dream is for all Dem time to be given to Whitehouse. Hopefully, he'll have some sort of chart...)
Pete wrote on July 23, 2007 10:58 PM:I wonder if they will ask 'Berto about this story;
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/18223.html
I'm certain that he will have not remember this as well.
Jake D. wrote on July 23, 2007 11:56 PM:OhSnap!
You mean Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) who asked Sara Taylor the following "brilliant" question?
"Is it your opinion, based on your experience as a long-time observer of government, that a mid-term firing of nearly 10% of the U.S. Attorney corps is a customary practice of American Presidents?"
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003655.php#comments
James Pappas wrote on July 24, 2007 12:28 AM:This testimony is amazing- GONZO has to stay in charge to REPAIR the DoJ's image !!- now that Mike Vick has been told by the NFL to stay away, maybe he can be a spokesman for PETA ......
OhSnap! wrote on July 24, 2007 12:45 AM:Yes BartD/JakeD, that same Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Junior senator from RI. Replaced Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) in 2006 midterm elections. Former US Attorney. Guy who make that sweet chart about access to the DoJ from the WH (Clinton v. Bush).
http://www.slate.com/id/2164652/pagenum/2/
Oh, btw, loved how on that link you sent you continually harped on the "brilliant" question as opposed to Ms. Taylor's refusal to clarify her own email referring to Bud Cummins as lazy.
((Anyone else here besides Jake D. not know that Whitehouse = Senator and not that residence on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?
Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?))
OhSnap! wrote on July 24, 2007 12:47 AM:Yes BartD/JakeD, that same Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Junior senator from RI. Replaced Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) in 2006 midterm elections. Former US Attorney. Guy who make that sweet chart about access to the DoJ from the WH (Clinton v. Bush).
http://www.slate.com/id/2164652/pagenum/2/
Oh, btw, loved how on that link you sent you continually harped on the "brilliant" question as opposed to Ms. Taylor's refusal to clarify her own email referring to Bud Cummins as lazy.
((Anyone else here besides Jake D. not know that Whitehouse = Senator and not that residence on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?
Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?))
Johnsnottoodistracted wrote on July 24, 2007 12:58 AM:Don't forget this guy has been doing exactly the same thing for 15 years only his title has changed.
Jake D. wrote on July 24, 2007 1:17 AM:He not only knows the mess he is standing in now but the entire history of this sewage movement.
That is a whole lot of..........that must be contained.
For him, not knowing anything is his best/least worst choice.
His boots already go up to his neck.
Are you kidding me, OhSnap!? There was an entirely different thread about Sara Taylor's apology re: the "lazy" remark -- the link I provided was in direct response to your comment about Whitehouse and whether Clinton got away with the same thing -- no "brilliant" attorney asks a question like that when he doesn't even know the answer.
poggy wrote on July 24, 2007 1:30 AM:I think Leahy and co. have already conceded. The "justice" dept can now do any thing they want.
Jake D. wrote on July 24, 2007 1:48 AM:They decide what is law and how it is enforced.
Leahy and those other losers can whine can complain, but they are useless. Can someone tell me this is the country I grew up in?
I agree with poggy that Leahy and those other losers are useless.
Jake D. wrote on July 24, 2007 1:53 AM:MIDNIGHT CAME AND WENT.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/4991765.html
RUN, CINDY, RUN!!!
Harriet in the MIre wrote on July 24, 2007 3:18 AM:I love your doo-doo, Jakie Poo.
AJ wrote on July 24, 2007 8:44 AM:Shorter AG:
I started the fire and I wanna pee on it!
joejoejoe wrote on July 24, 2007 9:16 AM:Here is a link the the Senate Judiciary Committee feed if you want to stream the lies of Abu G..
http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearing.cfm?id=2842
tbhull wrote on July 24, 2007 9:30 AM:Why even waste time on this horse shit. The only truthful testimony Alberto has given in his ten or so bally-hooed appearances before Congress is a no uncertain "F^%$&k You!" and you should like it.
Despite Alberto's executive branch butt kissing lack of respect, Congress sits back and takes it like the paid whores that they are. I do not know what depresses me about these inane hearings, Alberto's supplicant corruption and attendant smarmy dishonesty or the inability of the Senate Judiciary Committee to do anything about this.
If the Senate bemoans impeachment because important matters must be dealt with, these hearings provide ample examples of how the Senate regularly waste their time diddling themselves without results.
Austin Cooper wrote on July 24, 2007 9:55 AM:Another chance for Gonzales to whine, evade, and evade, and whine. He's a liar, and a punk.
I wouldn't allow this miserable excuse for a manager to run a franchise store -- and he's only been successful as a conspirator because he's enabled to -- by people who would destroy him if he opened his mouth.
But, then, to speak the truth you have to know what it is. Gonzales is a liar -- a liar, and a punk.
Orwell's Intuition wrote on July 24, 2007 9:59 AM:What we need is for the incompetent AG to answer questions submitted by American citizens via YouTube.
Let him lie to the people on prime time, as opposed to being ensconced with his peers who brush off his BS like dandruff from their shoulders.
code word, wrong, as in everything is going wrong
Official A wrote on July 24, 2007 10:32 AM:Jake D. has picked the wrong target: he is ridiculing Cindy Sheehan, and that's wrong, but his derision of the weak-kneed Democratic leadership is hitting mighty close to home.
At least Cindy Sheehan is standing up for her principles. I plan to be in Washington with her on September 15.
www.impeachbush.org
Official A wrote on July 24, 2007 10:37 AM:And while you're at it, send Ms. Sheehan a few dollars that would otherwise be spent by your Democratic candidate supporting the status quo. If there's one thing our elected "representatives" understand, it's money, and they understand it better when someone else is getting it..
Sharon A wrote on July 24, 2007 10:44 AM:It's important, I think, that the covert behavior of BushCo and Gonzo have been exposed, which effectively brings their dirty tricks to an end.
Karl Rove and Alberto Gonzales and their pals are like cockroaches operating in the shadows and crevices. That's all they are -- big ugly bugs in expensive suits.
If Leahy's investigations have prevented even one more career from being trashed, prevented one more cockroach from being installed in our justice system, then I count that as success -- or at the very least -- a very good beginning.
Cheer up, folks!
Official A wrote on July 24, 2007 10:48 AM:"It's important, I think, that the covert behavior of BushCo and Gonzo have been exposed, which effectively brings their dirty tricks to an end."
It brings them into the open, but does not bring them to an end. They are flouting their law-breaking now, and need a serious smack-down. Who will administer it? Congress? LMAO.
Official A wrote on July 24, 2007 10:52 AM:"Cheer up, folks!"
We need good old-fashioned 1776-style anger, not good cheer.
foggylady wrote on July 24, 2007 11:19 AM:Leahy having impromptu press conference during the break..lots of interesting comments...he is pretty pissed.
Austin Cooper wrote on July 24, 2007 11:42 AM:"It's important, I think, that the covert behavior of BushCo and Gonzo have been exposed, which effectively brings their dirty tricks to an end."
Sharon A., I can't agree. Bush has continued to press his agenda, in the Middle East and in America, as if there are no checks or balances; no stops whatsoever on his actions.
Even though the FBI abused the use of security letters, has it curtailed or brought additional oversight restrictions to their use? Not really.
The full scope of the wiretapping and surveillance program (the one which Card and Gonzales attempted to pressure Ashcroft to approve), we still don't know about. Has it been discussed even in closed session with the responsible committees in a Democratically-led Congress? No. Any real restrictions? Not really; the Federal Intelligence Court review is an effective smokescreen.
Bush continues to sign Executive Orders which place more and more power in the hands of -- himself, and Cheney. Any checks or balances to them? No. The House Committe Chair on Homeland Security recently requested to review the DHS plans for Continuity Of Government -- what steps are to be taken in the even of a catastrophic war or terrorist attack on the United States. He was *denied* by the 'administration.
We're told that Petraeus' report on the Iraqi "situation" in September will be the telling moment; that's when we decide to stay or leave... but news reports today describe 'administration' plans for U.S. forces to remain in Iraq well into 2009... because the 'surge' wasn't the last trick; it was only the tip of the iceberg of Bush's plan. He lied, again; he'll Stay The Course, no matter what *anyone* thinks or says. Has he been stopped? No.
And there's the little matter of Iran. More serious people than you or I believe that Cheney is crazy enough to create the circumstances where Our Sainted War Leader, the Sock Puppet, will order an attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
Who would stop that from happening? Gates, Rice? Rumsfeld still has an office in the Pentagon; he still has access to classified material.
All these things continue, no matter what is revealed in a still very compliant corporate media.
We can continue to gawk at the unmitigated arrogance of these people with each new revelation -- and the hits just keep on coming -- but there's no cause for good cheer here. Nothing's being curtailed; it's only being hidden more carefully, and the shredders at Cheney's official resience are still probably working overtime.
Gonzales has been left in his position by Bush -- because he needs an absolute, unquestioningly "loyal Bushie" as Attorney General to command the Justice Department. An independant AG wouldn't be so compliant -- there's too much still going on, and there's more to come, in Cheney and Bush's bag of tricks.
Robert Odell wrote on July 24, 2007 12:25 PM:The Judiciary Committee is truly a murderer's row for Gonzo, or as I prefer to call him, "Pinata". These are as a group without doubt the sharpest interrogators in the Senate. And Specter is no pushover either. They should have a doctor in waiting when Pinata goes on the Hill. Maybe Kevorkian would volunteer
foggylady wrote on July 24, 2007 12:56 PM:Austin Cooper....
anal butt sex free wrote on December 21, 2007 6:41 PM:Your summary is clear as a bell, well stated, and
bears frequent repeating, I should think.
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