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How Dems should proceed on new AG

Glenn Greenwald's perspective on this is a helpful guide to Senate Dems.

This is a real moment of truth for the Democratic Congress. Democrats, who have offered up little other than one failure after the next since taking power in January, can take a big step toward redeeming themselves here. No matter what, they must ensure that Gonzales' replacement is a genuinely trustworthy and independent figure.

That means that Democrats must not confirm anyone, such as Michael Chertoff, who has been ensconced in the Bush circle. Instead, the DOJ and the country desperately need a completely outside figure who will ensure that the prosecutorial machinery operates independently, even if -- especially if -- that means finally investigating the litany of Executive branch abuses and lawbreaking which have gone almost entirely uninvestigated, as well uncovering those which remain concealed.

Read on.

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Mugsy's picture

The fact that Chertoff is even being considered says something:

Just like with Brownie, Harriet Meyers, Gonzo and now Cherry, Dubya doesn't like to have to look further than just outside his office door in his search for "the best man for the job."

notreallyabadguy's picture

Could they appoint Fitzgerald? He has proven himself to be impartial.

LibertyLover's picture

Please, yes, do a little oversight. Something besides the usual rubber stamp.

Orwell's Illegitimate Son's picture

Yep, the Dems will protect us from those wascally Wepublicans.

If you failed to see my post on the previous thread, go read it. It's quite late in the thread, but it is of serious importance.

In short, $4.5 BILLION has been pumped into options that will guarantee a return ONLY if the US stock market DROPS by 30 to 50 per cent by September 21.

jr's picture

Another unitary executive theorist better not be confirmed

Ruthless People's picture

The Democrats are getting their pens ready for another stern letter.

CarlZ's picture

Wanna bet that Bush makes a "recess appointment," without the need for Senate confirmation?!

oldtree's picture

a precise evaluation, spot on. But, does this administration have anyone that they can hire that either:
1. looks like they aren't a part of the criminal element, but are
2. looks like they aren't a part of the criminal element, and isn't

the first should be easy to find
the latter is not possible. joining this cast near the close of the show is what, a prosecutor that is going to be responsible for removing the government and exposing treason, war profiteering, spying on all americans to get dirt. No one but a stooge is going to accept this job unless congress nominates the person. then it will be a person working toward hiding the crimes of both parties

no matter what, we lose again, for there is no law in this land. those responsible have all proven they are criminals by word and actions. funny stuff this democracy

mistletoe's picture

I have no confidence that the Dems will step up and do the right thing. With the way Bush operates he will be bring back old Harriet or promote Chertoff.....Its possible Cheney will give himself the position.

justabill's picture

Couldn't agree more, but no way bush will appt anyone who isn't already in his bubble, and the Dems will likely roll over and confirm whoever Bush appts (assuming he isn't able to recess appt someone) just like they did after Rumsfeld resigned.

Thay don't call them the Democratic Leadersheep for nothing.

pissed off patricia's picture

I saw Glenn Greenwald on tv this morning. It was a rerun on c-span of he and some other guy talking about the bush administration. I was big time impressed with Glenn's knowledge and the way he handled himself under tough questioning. Great guy and I agreed with everything he said. I agree with him on this too. It's too important to our country to act all warm and fuzzy. The Dems have to do what they know is best. Schummer has already stated they don't want to pick a fight they just want to be sure the right person gets the job. That's a good beginning.

Demosthenes's picture

Well, Bush is not going to nominate anyone he doesn't trust - eventually, the Democrats are going to have to confirm someone or face a recess appointment. This means that they will have to confirm a Bushie of somesort, and the blogger community is going to collectively give birth to a herd of cows, and call for the ouster of half-to-three-quarter of the D-side of the Senate... which will not accomplish diddly.

Please tell me that this is not how it plays out.

naschkatze's picture

CarlZ @ 7:

Wanna bet that Bush makes a "recess appointment," without the need for Senate confirmation?!

Exactly my concern. With a vacancy so high up in the government would a recess appointment be legal and for how long?

Georgette Orwell's picture

The Dems *ought* to return from recess early to prevent a recess appointment. I'm not placing much hope in that scenario, however....They *should* have stayed in session to begin with to deal with some of the pressing matters that need to be addressed immediately.

pissed off patricia's picture

I actually heard Orin Hatch's name mentioned on tv. That gives me chills.

mudkitty's picture

Preventing recess appointments...what a novel idea!

justabill's picture

CNN is floating as possible replacements for Gonzales, Michael Chertoff, Ted Olson, Frances Townsend, and Larry Thompson, and the AP is saying a temporary replacement for Gonzales likely will be Solicitor General Paul Clement.

Yellow Elephant Safari's picture

US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Write your Congress critters.

Mugsy's picture

naschkatze @ 13:

CarlZ @ 7:

Wanna bet that Bush makes a "recess appointment," without the need for Senate confirmation?!

Exactly my concern. With a vacancy so high up in the government would a recess appointment be legal and for how long?

The August recess is nearly over. G-Dub would only have about four days to make a recess appointment before enough Democrats can return to Congress and stop him.

Even if he does try and recess-appoint someone, you only need a quorum of Congresspeople to hop the next flight back to DC and block it.

justabill's picture

Reid supposedly stopped Bush from being able to recess appt anyone.

Dems Work to Foil White House Recess Ploys
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003913.php

Reid’s plan to block Bush’s recess appointments.
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/20/reids-plan-to-block-bushs-recess-app...

That better be the case.

Orwell's Illegitimate Son's picture
justabill's picture

Yellow Elephant Safari @ 18:

US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Write your Congress critters.

Um, Congress doesn't get to pick. They have no say so except to confirm or deny whoever Bush picks.

Dan Nona's picture

Here's a real Viet Nam history lesson for Mr. Bush: When the Justice Department was in a similar state of shambles, as a result of Watergate and Viet Nam irregularities/illegalities, including the disasterous tenure of Attorney General John Mitchell (who subsequently served jail time), President Ford, as a part of the disinfection of the DOJ, named Edward Levy, former Dean of the University of Chicago Law School, and president of the University. He had no previous, or formal, relationship with Mr. Ford. He proved to be an excellent Attorney General, restoring prestige to the department of justice, and, even, began to reform the system for selecting attorneys and judges. In fact, we owe the presence of Justice John Paul Stevens (also from the U of Chicago) to Attorney General Levy. Maybe Mr. Bush, for once, could forego the appointment of a guy like Brownie-Chertoff. Althought, Chertoff would be a classic, got-you, appointment of Bush to mark the anniversary of Katrina. Maybe, just maybe, Mr. Reid, can find the right way here. He cannot use the "we do not have the votes" excuse on this one.

Mugsy's picture

pissed off patricia @ 15:

I actually heard Orin Hatch's name mentioned on tv. That gives me chills.

Lehey brought up the possibility in their last appearance together on Meet the Press a few weeks back. I've heard others float Hatch's name as well.

The only thing stopping G-Dub from nominating Hatch is that they'd lose a solid loyal R vote in the Senate. Dunno Utah's rules on appointing a replacement.

AntiFed1791's picture

Good luck getting the Democrats to do anything but roll over. They have a pretty consistent record of that.
This is what happens when you compromise on the important things. We should be hammering them mercilessly, day and night on their cowardice to confront Bush on the War. I want to see congress coming to blows daily on this issue. there should be nothing done in congress until we see some Justice.
This is life and death for our Republic. Anyone who says different hasn't been paying attention.

nigel's picture

CarlZ @ 7:

Wanna bet that Bush makes a "recess appointment," without the need for Senate confirmation?!

This was the first thing that I thought upon hearing the news. The resignation during the senate recess just seems suspicious to me.

Apparently there is a gentleman's agreement between president Bush and majority leader Harry Reid that Bush will not make any recess appointments so Reid would not have to have mid recess sittings. Let's see if Bush keeps his word.

harry's picture

I'm not the first but I'll say it again:
Patrick J. Fitzgerald!!

Demosthenes's picture

Look, Bush is going to get whomever he wants, unless he nominates someone who is wholly odious to the public (as in, negative name recognition). For us to cry foul and call for the heads of the Dem "leadersheep" is not going to help the cause one iota.

Blue Buddha's picture

Orwell's Illegitimate Son @ 4:

Yep, the Dems will protect us from those wascally Wepublicans.

If you failed to see my post on the previous thread, go read it. It's quite late in the thread, but it is of serious importance.

In short, $4.5 BILLION has been pumped into options that will guarantee a return ONLY if the US stock market DROPS by 30 to 50 per cent by September 21.

$4.5 billion... pfft. Dude, that's peanuts. That's roughly the amount of one out of thousands of hedge/mutual funds. You're reading a little too far into this.

Orwell's Illegitimate Son's picture

First Rove. Then Snow. Now Gonzalez.

Add to that a Fed meeting at the COG (Continuity of Government) home in Jackson Hole, WY on Aug. 31 and a bizarre options trade that can only benefit the trader if the US stock market DROPS between 30 and 50 per cent before 9.21.07.

Something big is in the pipeline.

tyree's picture

harry @ 27:

I'm not the first but I'll say it again:
Patrick J. Fitzgerald!!

yeahhhhh patric fitzmass, fitz fought tooth and nail to bring us justice ,too bad he let rove skate let cheny skate and brought a low life like libby to justice, fuck this stupid shit and merry fitzmass as allways just a bunch of stupid shit any repigs just a repig!

King of Mean's picture

In his touching farewell address, he said he has all this "admiration" for all the attorneys general. Does that include the ones he fired for political reasons?

SoSickOfIt's picture

If Chertoff is the new AG, then Rove can takeover the DHS. :) It’s in the best interest of the country to be Republican, donchaknow.

Orrin Hatch? O.M.G.

Like I said before, doesn't matter who the new AG is. Either way, the People are screwed.

Angry Black Man's picture

Oh, please!! Even if the Dems asked for a strong, independent, competent AG, couldn't Bush just wait to they go on recess to appoint his own flunky AG?

ScrewBush's picture

Did you all see that WORM?

Here's the presser: "I want to thank my wife and kids, King George is soooo cute, and that's it. I'm outta here"

Gonzo spoke for just over one minute and briskly walked out of the room without responding to questions being shouted by reporters.

Incredible !!!

justabill's picture

No way in hell bush will appt Fitzgerald. You might as well get that out of your head right now.

DK @ TPM has this news:

The AP is also reporting that a permanent replacement for Gonzales may not be announced before the President leaves for Australia next Monday, which at least suggests that the White House does plan on sending a nomination to the Senate for confirmation, rather than attempting some sort of recess appointment or other vacancy shenanigan.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/051624.php

Gonzo just spoke and said he gave his resignation yesterday to the prez. According to all reports the resignation came Friday. Did he forget when he resigned? Damn, his memory really is short.

andy's picture

yes let those responsible dems make the choice.

WHY DO PEOPLE ON THIS SITE NOT GET IT ? BOTH PARTIES BOUGHT AND PAID FOR, THE WARS WILL NOT END WITH HILLARY OR BARACK IN POWER.

pissed off patricia's picture

This resignation is being spun that it's a great thing for repubs and a bad thing for dems. It's being said that it removes one applause line from dem candidates speeches.

Weaseldog's picture

Demosthenes @ 12:

Well, Bush is not going to nominate anyone he doesn't trust - eventually, the Democrats are going to have to confirm someone or face a recess appointment. This means that they will have to confirm a Bushie of somesort, and the blogger community is going to collectively give birth to a herd of cows, and call for the ouster of half-to-three-quarter of the D-side of the Senate... which will not accomplish diddly.

Please tell me that this is not how it plays out.

That is very logical.

If the Dems oppose enough candidates, Bush will just appoint a recess candidate. Bush automatically wins this round.

Maybe Heckava Job Brownie can make a comeback? Or we can get Torture Squad John Negroponte?

justabill's picture

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) on Gonzo's resignation:

"This will not bring peace. This will bring more chaos."
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004004.php

Cracker's for Christ's picture

I nominate Monica Goodling, with that freshly minted Law Degree from Pat Roberson's Regent University she'd be a shoe-in

justabill's picture

I guess Chertoff getting the job is all but a done deal.

CNN: Bush Plans To Install Inexperienced, Bush Loyalist Clay Johnson At Homeland Security
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/08/27/clay-johnson-dhs/

Weaseldog's picture

Cracker's for Christ @ 43:

I nominate Monica Goodling, with that freshly minted Law Degree from Pat Roberson's Regent University she'd be a shoe-in

Heh, yeah toss her a bone after letting her twist in the wind? I bet she'd feel conflicted.

SoSickOfIt's picture

pissed off patricia @ 40:

This resignation is being spun that it's a great thing for repubs and a bad thing for dems. It's being said that it removes one applause line from dem candidates speeches.

Removing one applause line from dem candidates... that's the best "bad thing" they can come up with? How pathetic.

“The administration is sticking with the line that Gonzales did nothing wrong. An anonymous official is quoted as saying, ‘The unfair treatment that he’s been on the receiving end of has been a distraction for the department,’ the official said.”

Poor baby.

Amazing how no one in this administration ever does anything "wrong". There's only the Right way. ;-)

Angry Black Man's picture

I nominate Michael Vick. He knows nothing about the job and he's in trouble with the law. He's a perfect shoe-in.

SoSickOfIt's picture

justabill @ 44:

I guess Chertoff getting the job is all but a done deal.

CNN: Bush Plans To Install Inexperienced, Bush Loyalist Clay Johnson At Homeland Security
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/08/27/clay-johnson-dhs/

Darn. I thought for sure Rove would be awarded DHS. Being Republican is the only way to protect this country donchaknow.

WC's picture

Yes, but if the Dems put up too much of a fight and look like they aren't going to give temper-tantrum Bush who he wants as AG, we might be attacked by terrorists or something.

(snark)

steve davis's picture

Uhm....congress DOES get to pick. The Democrats in the Senate are fully entitled to send up a prospective list of replacements, and to tell the president that any of them would be acceptable. Republicans don't want to be 9 months out from an election while a succession of Bush cronies are getting grilled by the Judiciary Committee.

pissed off patricia's picture

Mugsy (24) Thank you! Your comment made me feel a little better.

nick's picture

From the NYT article about the announcement:

Senator Schumer said that “Democrats will not obstruct or impede a nominee who we are confident will put the rule of law above political considerations.”

Schumer is already setting himself up to capitulate to some marginal candidate.

And I can think of only one department that has displayed mismanagement, incompetence, and lack of focus on a par with the Justice department for the last few years: the Department of Homeland Security. I'd rather have Gotti as AG than Chertoff. At least he was competent. Corrupt and incapable is an awful combination.

TripMaster Monkey's picture

Orwell's illegitimate son sez:

In short, $4.5 BILLION has been pumped into options that will guarantee a return ONLY if the US stock market DROPS by 30 to 50 per cent by September 21.

Yes, I actually did notice that. That sort of stock market drop could only be caused by another catastrophic incident (like another 9/11).

And, when that does happen, Chimpy will invoke NSPD 51 and do whatever the hell he wants.

Orwell's Illegitimate Son's picture

andy @ 39:

yes let those responsible dems make the choice.

WHY DO PEOPLE ON THIS SITE NOT GET IT ? BOTH PARTIES BOUGHT AND PAID FOR, THE WARS WILL NOT END WITH HILLARY OR BARACK IN POWER.

Because, dear andy, they still play by the Hegelian dialectic that has been omnipresent in this society since the days of Lincoln. "Right vs. Left" is merely a contrivance meant to divide and thus conquer the people by a well-engrained Elite.

justabill's picture

Whoever replaces Gonzo will have to be privy to all of the skeletons in Bushco's closets, and that's a whole lot of bones. wiretapping/domestic spy ops, renditions, torture, detainees, ... No way anyone outside of the bubble gets a nomination.

Having gut feelings must be contagious because now I'm starting to have one and it's not good. Something about this scares the hell out of me. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but it's just strange.

tweakerbell's picture

What will really happen?

This: Bush will offer up some right wing ass munching dork. He will testify that his sole purpose is to rip the constitution into tiny little pieces, and then burn them. He will testify that he believes in the American Empire and a unitary executive, and some racist crap that black people are stupid simians and Mexicans should be invited into the country to do the dirty work that whites won't do and blacks are too stupid and lazy to do. He'll then go on a rip of how everyone with a Moslem name should be interned in some prison camps in Wyoming, and gassed.

The Democrats will say "HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH THINGS?" And they will grill him for a couple of weeks. And he will say whatever ignorant brain fart comes into his pointed little head, and the Democratic Congress will huff and they will puff and they will stamp their little feet and said racist fascist idiot will get approved by a margin of three or four votes, thanks to the gutless, spineless, bluedog DLC morons in the Congress. The Republicans will vote for the Presidents nominee, because they lose nothing - their constituents are retarded ignorant sheep and their party is fascist.

And THAT'S what's going to happen. The Democrats will roll. As usual. Guaranteed.

See The Big Picture's picture

1) As previously stated, Congress doesn't nominate people for the position, the President does. Congress's job is to confirm or deny the President's nominee.

2a) If Congress confirms the President's nominee, then the "Democratic Leadersheep" are "a bunch of rubber-stampers who roll over for the President."

2b) If Congress denies the President's nominee(s), then "the Democrats are failing their promise to get things done now that they're in power," and the President will wait until a Congressional Recess and make a Recess Appointment. (And, the longer it takes, the longer the country is without an Attorney General, and the longer the administration can do whatever it wants without worry of judicial oversight.)

Therefore, no matter what happens, (1) the President eventually gets whoever he wants, and (2) the Democratic leaders in Congress look bad. In conclusion: politically speaking, losing control of Congress in 2006 was the best thing that could have happened to the President and the Republican Party.

Also, just as a note:
King of Mean @ 32:

In his touching farewell address, he said he has all this "admiration" for all the attorneys general. Does that include the ones he fired for political reasons?

Gonzalez didn't fire any Attorneys General.

Asiren's picture

Hey, here's a thought (following on from the options numbers and resignations):

Everyone's resigning to take up positions in contracting firms in preparation for an invasion on Iran. It (kinda) adds up:

1: MSM has been howling and shouting for blood, building up the same kind of rhetoric as pre-Iraq.

2: Iraq looks like it's going to be SNAFU for a while, so to distract, blame/bomb someone else just as the report comes out.

3: With Congress in recess, no good news can be made through legislative proceedings.

4: Bush needs to do something drastic to not be a complete liability come primaries/elections. sane person, but name one sane person in the current admin...

Scary bears...

pissed off patricia's picture

tweakerbell, do you have a strong opinion about this? ;)

Dr. Acula's picture

Orwell's Illegitimate Son @ 21:

http://www.wakeupfromyourslumber.com/node/3187

Ooga booga!!!! Doomsday is near! Everyone start cowering!

Weaseldog's picture

I would like to see Congress reject nominations quickly. I would prefer that they not rubber stamp a lackey.

Bush will win regardless, but force him to choose a recess appointment.

At least then, Congress won't be Bush Penile Puppets in this Punch and Judy Show.

pissed off patricia's picture

Gonzo's resignation is effective in Sept. I believe it said the 17th of Sept. Could bush legally make a recess appt before he actually is gone? If not, won't congress be in session before he leaves?

justabill's picture

For the Dems to deny one of Bush's nominees they will need to make the case that the person is not qualified for the job for some reason. Sadly, even though the govt's own watchdaog agency the GAO placed the blame for the Katrina debacle squarely on Chertoff's shoulders, he will still likely win confirmation. It will be really hard to argue the case to the public that he was good enough to run DHS but he's not so for AG.

But justabill, that's just the point the public knows that Chertoff was not good enough to run DHS. Look at the mess he made of the Katrina disaster.

ysbaddaden's picture

Doesn't Ann Coulter have a law degree?

She agreed not to sleep with any of her professors.

Weaseldog's picture

justabill @ 64:

For the Dems to deny one of Bush's nominees they will need to make the case that the person is not qualified for the job for some reason. Sadly, even though the govt's own watchdaog agency the GAO placed the blame for the Katrina debacle squarely on Chertoff's shoulders, he will still likely win confirmation. It will be really hard to argue the case to the public that he was good enough to run DHS but he's not so for AG.

They are forced to automatically approve qualified candidates?

Is this political process documented somewhere? This sounds like an invented argument.

Is this what the MSM and Rush Limbaugh are arguing today?

Professor Farnsworth's picture

tweakerbell @ 57:

What will really happen?

This: Bush will offer up some right wing ass munching dork. He will testify that his sole purpose is to rip the constitution into tiny little pieces, and then burn them. He will testify that he believes in the American Empire and a unitary executive, and some racist crap that black people are stupid simians and Mexicans should be invited into the country to do the dirty work that whites won't do and blacks are too stupid and lazy to do. He'll then go on a rip of how everyone with a Moslem name should be interned in some prison camps in Wyoming, and gassed.

The Democrats will say "HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH THINGS?" And they will grill him for a couple of weeks. And he will say whatever ignorant brain fart comes into his pointed little head, and the Democratic Congress will huff and they will puff and they will stamp their little feet and said racist fascist idiot will get approved by a margin of three or four votes, thanks to the gutless, spineless, bluedog DLC morons in the Congress. The Republicans will vote for the Presidents nominee, because they lose nothing - their constituents are retarded ignorant sheep and their party is fascist.

And THAT'S what's going to happen. The Democrats will roll. As usual. Guaranteed.

We'll see. I'm not in the business of predicting the future.

senoritchy's picture

Harriet Meyers for AG

justabill's picture

Will Sen. Johnson be back before confirmation hearings? When's he due to return? If so the Dems might have enough votes to deny a Bush nominee like Chertoff. Maybe. Without him the Dems don't really have a majority to be able to stymie any Bush nominee, not unless you're counting Lie berman and that would be a mistake.

justabill's picture

Weaseldog @ 66:

It's not a set in stone rule, but that's how it works. The President gets to appt whoever he wants and barring him or her not being qualified for the job he or she gets the job. Politically speaking I seriously doubt the dems will be able to hold the entire party together including Lie berman to block any bush nominee.

Professor Farnsworth's picture

justabill @ 70:

Will Sen. Johnson be back before confirmation hearings? When's he due to return? If so the Dems might have enough votes to deny a Bush nominee like Chertoff. Maybe. Without him the Dems don't really have a majority to be able to stymie any Bush nominee, not unless you're counting Lie berman and that would be a mistake.

There's nothing set in stone, and no announcements made, that I've found. Though, looking at pics of him, he's looking good, so maybe in the next few months?

Weaseldog's picture

justabill @ 71:

Weaseldog @ 66:

It's not a set in stone rule, but that's how it works. The President gets to appt whoever he wants and barring him or her not being qualified for the job he or she gets the job. Politically speaking I seriously doubt the dems will be able to hold the entire party together including Lie berman to block any bush nominee.

I agree with you. I was just expressing a strategy that would give me some hope that the Dems are not mostly sellouts. I still hope that one day, they'll leave the dark side.

The Republicans are a lost cause as far as hoping that they'll act in a moral or ethical manner. They just love money and war too much.

Weaseldog's picture

justabill @ 71:

Weaseldog @ 66:

It's not a set in stone rule, but that's how it works. The President gets to appt whoever he wants and barring him or her not being qualified for the job he or she gets the job. Politically speaking I seriously doubt the dems will be able to hold the entire party together including Lie berman to block any bush nominee.

I understand your point now.

justabill's picture

I found this.
"Harry Reid said he expected Johnson to return to the Senate in September, if not earlier. ..."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-06-11-1627203365_x.htm

I sure hope so.

Angry One's picture

Gonzales may be gone, but his crimes are not forgotten.

Here's a look back at The Top 10 Reasons Gonzales Had to Go:
1. Lying Under Oath
2. Purging Prosecutors
3. Misusing the Patriot Act's National Security Letters
4. Authorizing Illegal NSA Domestic Surveillance
5. Enabling John Yoo and Unchecked Presidential War Powers
6. Rendering the Geneva Conventions "Quaint"
7. Supporting Military Commissions and the End of Habeas Corpus
8. Blessing Unprecedented Expansion of Presidential Signing Statements
9. Facilitating a CIA Leak Cover-Up
10. Gutting Minority Voting Rights

StirFry's picture

"..That means that Democrats must not confirm anyone, such as Michael Chertoff,.."
Abso-fucking-lutely
I still have hopes in the "demos" in congress. If they fail here, then they are on stirfry's shit list...then im voting republican..wait. no i can't do that... shit! i'll think of something.

Slaw's picture

justabill @ 10:

Couldn't agree more, but no way bush will appt anyone who isn't already in his bubble, and the Dems will likely roll over and confirm whoever Bush appts (assuming he isn't able to recess appt someone) just like they did after Rumsfeld resigned.

Thay don't call them the Democratic Leadersheep for nothing.

The Dem leadership will put up a good show for a day or two and then will fold when Bush demands an up/down vote. Any other way would depart from the precedent.

Perhaps Bush could nominate Santorum or first pardon and then appoint Cunningham. They would certainly be worthy successors to Gonzo.

JohnnyThief's picture

mistletoe @ 9:

I have no confidence that the Dems will step up and do the right thing. With the way Bush operates he will be bring back old Harriet or promote Chertoff.....Its possible Cheney will give himself the position.

Good. I'm glad I'm not the only one pissed off at the stupidity of this article: "can take a big step toward redeeming themselves here."

REDEEM themselves? From NOT ending the wars?! For not impeaching, for several different reasons? Or making some arrests? Ugh,...

The only way they could 'redeem' themselves, is do the same thing Gonzales did, RESIGN & go the fuck home. Leave the country to us.

justabill's picture

The Dems don't really have a majority in the senate to be able to stop any nominee. Whoever Bush appts will get an easy confirmation unless one or more republicans also oppose it. Realistically I just can't see how Chertoff wouldn't be able to get confirmed unless the Dems can kill it in committee before it ever gets to the floor.

LongTooth's picture

Gonzales did not resign for the good of the country. My hunch is that something is cooking, that will soon enough be made public, and will have driven the G man from office in any event. When that shoe does drop, it will go a long way in determining whether an otherwise acceptable partisan hack will be confirmed by a complacent congress, or whether an individual possessing a at least a degree of integrity will be forced upon the administration.

justabill's picture

JohnnyThief @ 79:

Do you ever get anything positive out of tilting at windmills?

enigma4ever's picture

I am confused HOW Paul Clement who is WH Counsel can "fill" in even- isn't that how this whole mess started- with Gonzo leaving his position to step in over at AG when Asscroft RESIGNED AT 11 AM ON ELECTION DAY...AND WHY HAS NO ONE EVER QUESTIONED THE TIMING OF THAT EVENT AND WHAT IT REALLY MEANT?

rain's picture

mistletoe @ 9:

I have no confidence that the Dems will step up and do the right thing. With the way Bush operates he will be bring back old Harriet or promote Chertoff.....Its possible Cheney will give himself the position.

Didn't Cheney intimate himself as GW's running mate? Maybe he'll get one of his daughter's to take the rest of the term. No need to worry about the education for that position, just be a bushie.

Weaseldog's picture

StirFry @ 77:

"..That means that Democrats must not confirm anyone, such as Michael Chertoff,.."
Abso-fucking-lutely
I still have hopes in the "demos" in congress. If they fail here, then they are on stirfry's shit list...then im voting republican..wait. no i can't do that... shit! i'll think of something.

Ok, now cross this line!

justabill's picture

Jeebus, the chimperor is on my tv. I had to turn it off. I just can't stand to hear him talk about anything anymore.

CitizenX's picture

Jerry Brown would make a fine, independent AG.

tim osman's picture

Fitzgeralds' boss is a Skull and Bones creep. His name is McNulty.

Weaseldog's picture

McNulty has already resigned.

A Richard Head's picture

This Republican junta will not put anyone forward for confirmation that doesn't have there head 3 feet up the Chimps ass. Pretty simple really. It has nothing to do with who the Congress would confirm, although both partys will spout that crap for now. I ask you, when has these assholes(Bush-Cheney) ever done anything that has benefited anyone other than themselves? Never.

Most likely what will happen is Bush will trot out some tool that has shown ultimate loyalty, America be damned. Then the Dems in Gongress will bitch and moan about it before giving in and finally confirming another moron would doesn't know his ass from the hole in New Orleans.

One person I'm sure would never be nominated is Patrick Fitzgerald. He clearly is not your typical Republican considering he tried to put one in prison. But of all Repubs. he's the only one I trust(just barely).

justabill's picture

Josh Marshall seems to think a recess appt is likely.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/051637.php

ysbaddaden's picture

Howzabout Larry Flynt?

In like Flynt.

myiq2xu's picture

Whoever gets nominated will be a loyal Bushie. The Senate can keep rejecting zombies but Der Chimp will keep nominating them.

Anyone want to bet he'll run out the clock before he nominates a truly worthy candidate?

Dr. Acula's picture

Clement IS acting AG -- just heard it on NPR.

ysbaddaden's picture

The perfect replacement for Gonzo

http://mynameisearlkress.com/weblog/gonzo.jpg

Weaseldog's picture

Hrmm, Bush doesn't have to nominate anyone...

Radically Moderate's picture

Dr. Acula @ 94:

Clement IS acting AG -- just heard it on NPR.

Faux Noise called it first.........Hmmmm, how did that happen.......Phffft!

Dr. Acula's picture

Busholini is (of course) ripping Dems because of how they treated his butt boy Gone-zales.

Of Fredo's resignation: "It's sad...he's a talented and honorable person...a good man dragged through the mud for political reasons..."

George, you are one THE most myopic, self-centered, ignorant schmuck ever to hold selected office!

Dr. Acula's picture

Radically Moderate @ 97:

Dr. Acula @ 94:

Clement IS acting AG -- just heard it on NPR.

Faux Noise called it first.........Hmmmm, how did that happen.......Phffft!

Tis all part of the plan.

sassafra's picture

watch it be a recess appointment of chertoff, or someone even more odious like john bolton.
bush is going to stick his thumb in congress' eye over the gonzo resignation.

justabill's picture

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux, who's been reporting all morning that senior administration officials tell her Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff will be Gonzales' replacement, now says White House sources are "waving us off." No announcement came from Bush about who he'll tap as the next attorney general.
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004008.php

Hmmm?

Bill Donahue's picture

I hear a lot about weak Democrats.

Keep in mind in a very short time,

Rumsfeld gone, Rove gone, Gonzales gone

Not bad

Legalize's picture

Sorry. I have zero faith in the Democrat Congress to stand up to any Bush lap-dog. They will roll over yet again.

enigma4ever's picture

Someone answer how can Clement Be "acting " AG ?
doesn't bush have to NOMINATE someone?

Weaseldog's picture

enigma4ever @ 104:

Someone answer how can Clement Be "acting " AG ?
doesn't bush have to NOMINATE someone?

Rules and laws do not apply in the White House.

the square's picture

"Democrats...can take a big step toward redeeming themselves here."

Sorry, ain't gonna happen.

crazylove's picture

I hope bush picks Skeletor, they'll rip him to shreds at the nomination hearing.
'

andy's picture

[Deleted. Off topic]

blackjack's picture

DID? H.Read make a secret deal with Bush and his crime family on the next AG or will Bush and his crime family make a RECESS APPT:,?

expat's picture

Professor Farnsworth @ 68:

We'll see. I'm not in the business of predicting the future.

You don't need to be some kind of freakin' Nostradamus to puzzle this one out Farnsworth. The Democrats were ELECTED TO STOP THE WAR. What did they do? Roll on it. By comparison, Gonzo is very small potatoes, and they will approve whoever Reichsfuehrer Bush picks. Guaranteed. I'm willing to bet my shoelaces on it.

Liberal AND Proud's picture

expat @ 110:

Professor Farnsworth @ 68:

, and they will approve whoever Reichsfuehrer Bush picks. Guaranteed. I'm willing to bet my shoelaces on it.

I wouldn't do that. You may need those shoelaces to hang yourself with! LOLOL!

crazylove's picture

andy @ 108:

I'll bet anyone on this list that the traitor Democrats let Chertof slide right in.

The two-party thing is a complete scam, there hasn't been an honest election in your lifetime.

Read this: http://mparent7777-2.blogspot.com/2007/08/45b-bet-on-another-911-within-... Then think about Chertof now as AG.

We are fucked.

Agree with the common speculation bush could engineer a fake attack...that's what just about everybody expects. The rest of the site is pure conspiracy theory that does nothing but trash an otherwise good day. Hundreds of spooky tooth sites like this that play into the fear factor (preznit's favorite all-purpose tool in his kit). Think about it.

myiq2xu's picture

Bush will have a hard time finding someone as corrupt and incompetent as Fredo, unless he appoints himself to the job.

a guy's picture

I understand that Bush was very upset that Mud's name had been dragged through Alberto Gonzoles...

Doggiebobo's picture

justabill @ 101:

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux, who's been reporting all morning that senior administration officials tell her Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff will be Gonzales' replacement, now says White House sources are "waving us off." No announcement came from Bush about who he'll tap as the next attorney general.
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004008.php

Hmmm?

Look for bush to select Frances Townsend as replacement...She, as far as I know, can
pass confirmation hearings.

Weaseldog's picture

Alex DeLarge for AG!

Agent Provocateur's picture

When is congress back in session? Do all the hearings they were having start right back up or does it take em a while to get back into the swing of things?

myiq2xu's picture

Rahm Emmanuel on Gonzales:

"Alberto Gonzales is the first Attorney General who thought the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth were three different things."

Weaseldog's picture

myiq2xu @ 118:

Rahm Emmanuel on Gonzales:

"Alberto Gonzales is the first Attorney General who thought the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth were three different things."

Was the first Attorney General to answer, "I State Your Name with, "I don't recall".

donkey's picture

"I think he's a first-rate prospect." — Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., asked whether Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff would be a good candidate for attorney general.

heh...

Tim's picture

Not fair to call the congress "The Democratic Congress" or having failed over and over, when the truth is that they don't have the votes they need to affext major changes at the moment. They still passed Ethics Legislation, the 911 commission reforms. Let's not go with the right-wing talking points here.

They really f*ed up on war funding and FISA, though. And Greenwald is right about how they need to go with the next AG.

The more they stand up to Bush, the better their poll numbers will be. Not sure why they don't get this one.

Weaseldog's picture

Tim @ 121:

Not fair to call the congress "The Democratic Congress" or having failed over and over, when the truth is that they don't have the votes they need to affext major changes at the moment. They still passed Ethics Legislation, the 911 commission reforms. Let's not go with the right-wing talking points here.

They really f*ed up on war funding and FISA, though. And Greenwald is right about how they need to go with the next AG.

The more they stand up to Bush, the better their poll numbers will be. Not sure why they don't get this one.

The money is the same, either way.

Helena Montana's picture

The Democrats are not going to suddenly grow a spine and a plan at this late date.

mongo's picture

The confirmation hearings need to ask very specific questions:

Will you cooperate with congressional oversight hearings in ensuring that requested witnesses are made available for testimony?
Will you immediately provide all the documentation that has been requested of the previous ag but not yet provided?
Etc....

nsr's picture

pissed off patricia @ 11:

...Schummer has already stated they don't want to pick a fight

Oh good grief. What does he think has been going on for the last 7 years, a tea party?

I predict Fred Thompson. Bush thinks Law and Order is a documentary.

Agent Provocateur's picture

nsr @ 125:

Bush thinks Law and Order is a documentary.

...and probably The Flintstones as well.

pk's picture

umm, what evidence do we have that the Dems will do anything but rubber stamp Bush's selection? Anyone?

poggy's picture

Congress should not only refuse to approve a Bush crony for AG, they should refuse to interview anyone until Bush complies with the law and cooperates with all of the criminal investigations into his cabal.

natas's picture

the weak and impotent dems will roll over as they always do. they will sell out the people who support them,

ysbaddaden's picture

pk @ 127:

umm, what evidence do we have that the Dems will do anything but rubber stamp Bush's selection? Anyone?

I hope no stamps my rubber whilst I'm wearing it.

olfrt's picture

Sandy Burgler would be a fine person that I am sure the dems could confirm.

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