It’s Over: Yuck
From CNN, one prominent Republican described Senators’ questioning Gonzales as “clubbing a baby seal”—that would be a lying, weasel-like baby seal.
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- Reconvening at 2:30 central -
Need to log off to attend to pressing needs; recommend TPMuckraker and C-span 3 to keep abreast. But a parting comment on this shameful and lying performance by the AG:
This wasn’t Eddie Haskell lying to Mrs. Cleaver about the real intentions of Wallace and Eddie to sneak off to a party to chase girls.
Today’s testimony is about the fundamental corruption of the federal Department of Justice.
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales did nothing to restore confidence in his administration of the DoJ, quite the opposite.
The perhaps 30-so far uses of the phrases “not recall” and “not recollect” do nothing but to call into question the man’s fitness.
As for US Atty Steven Biskupic, whether his decision-making on the Georgia Thompson prosecution and numerous voter fraud prosecutions cases took place via the heat of Milwaukee media — as some perceptive bloggers and Dem Chair Joe Wineke have noticed — is immaterial.
They were bogus prosecutions, and they were consonant with Karl Rove’s plan to corrupt the judiciary and consolidate Republican power.
Biskupic should follow in Gonzales’ footsteps out the door.
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11:48:43 AM
Katherine M. Skiba at Journal Sentinel on Biskupic
"Can you understand why many citizens of my state question whether the U.S. attorney in Milwaukee could have brought that (Thompson) case for political reasons?" Feingold asked.
Gonzales did not answer directly. He noted Biskupic made the charging decision in consultation with a then-Democratic Wisconsin attorney general and Democratic local prosecutor.
11:39:07 AM
Lunch until 2:00 Eastern
“Liar, liar, liar, liar…,” yells crowd.
Josh Marshall:
“Sen. Feingold (D-WI) had one of the clearest and most damning exchanges with AG Gonzales earlier this morning. He made a clear and devastating point. The AG says not he's really aware of what input, advice and views went into compiling the list of fired US Attorneys. He fired the US Attorneys based on that list. But he's certain that no improper motives went into the compilation of the list, even though he's not aware of how the list was assembled or why different people's names were put on it. That's a logical contradiction.“
Thanks Josh, missed most of Russ' questioning.
11:33:59 AM
Did you have conversation w/ Karl Rove?
Rove said something about “voter fraud”.
11:30:48 AM
Richard J. Durbin (D-ILLINOIS) asks about high-profile US Atty Patrick Fitzgerald. There was an evaluation made about Fitz. — “has not distinguished himself…”
“I don’t recall seeing (evaluations about Fitz),” though AG thinks Fitz is “outstanding.”
More “I don’t recall…”
11:27:18 AM
Sen. Graham: “Most of this is a stretch.” But Graham says it’s a “personality” conflict thing, no mention of political, electoral considerations.
11:22:47 AM
Sen. Graham asks about change in appt. of US Atty per Patriot Act, but response by AG is intellible.
Also, the decision to replace US Attys was based on "trust" of AG staff.
11:17:48 AM
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SOUTH CAROLINA) up.
11:15:47 AM
Schumer reads the “run out the clock” e-mail RE: US Atty in Arkansas replacement; shows e-mail as a placard.
AG says he did not like the firing plan. Who is running the department, asks Schumer. More “do not recall…”
Schumer says AG’s response “defies credulity…”
11:11:09 AM
Schumer reads the words of Sen Pryor (Arkansas).
“The AG lied to me…”
11:09:51 AM
It’s Schumer time. US Atty Carol Lam heard nothing about alleged immigration concerns RE firing, says Schumer.
AG says that, “I believe” that she “had knowledge” and “interest” of administration about immigration concerns.
AG looks foolish and weak in response, “We should have done a better job in communicating with Ms. Lam.”
10:58:19 AM
Sessions “troubled” by lack of recollection by AG.
10:54:39 AM
Sen. Sessions now. Skip it. AG has “no recollection” of meeting RE Sampson and US Atty firing list.
10:52:36 AM
Russ presses on after-the-fact justifications for US Atty firings.
10:51:08 AM
AG: “Wants to get to bottom of this.” The firing list.
10:48:37 AM
Here’s Sen Russ Feingold.
10:37:47 AM
Sen. John Cornyn tosses long, softball question bringing up Clinton’s replacement of US Attys at beginning of his administration.
AG remembers that one, although noting the “performance” aspect, specifically “leadership” and “management” concerns should have been more clearly communicated.
10:34:10 AM
AG says he should have advised Sampson et al better RE US Atty firing process.
10:32:32 AM
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TEXAS) begins.
10:31:28 AM
Back. Leahy: “Committee will be in order.” Warns again against disruptions.
10:18:18 AM
In recess.
What a joke. But at least AG is making a complete fool of himself in public. I feel sorry for the guy.
10:14:55 AM
Sen. Schumer’s request for little use of “not recall” statements laughingly addressed in AG’s repeated use of the phrase in his testimony. No one is this dumb.
10:10:02 AM
Not keeping track of the AG’s use of the word “recall,” but it must rival the use of the word “the” or “I”. "Senator, I don't recall..." over and over.
10:07:34 AM
Feinstein: Whose idea was amendment to Patriot Act replacing US Attys without Senate conformation?
AG does not “recall.” AG has no “recollection of mechanics.” AG accepted decisions of "staff," though he did not make decisions.
10:05:03 AM
Former chief of staff Kyle “Sampson was coordinating.”
Dianne Feinstein (D-CALIFORNIA) up now.
10:03:23 AM
AG says US Attys are “accountable to president” through AG. Then why is AG so ignorant of what he knows?
9:58:27 AM
Hatch is pitiful in his bald disingenuousness. I miss Senator Brownback.
9:56:35 AM
Kohl keeps on AG about resigning should American public lose confidence in AG. Blather from AG. Kohl looks annoyed. Kohl done.
Leahy asks audience to refrain from displaying signs.
Now Orrin G. Hatch (R-UTAH)
9:50:04 AM
AG says “Other people who would have that information.” Try Kyle Sampson, Gonzales' resigned chief of staff, says AG. Kohl sounds good and determined.
9:47:22 AM
Herb Kohl (D-WISCONSIN) begins on voter fraud and public corruption, and US Atty Biskupic. "Why was he taken off the list?" AG babbles and does not "recall."
9:43:48 AM
AG blather and no follow-up from Brownback. Exchange is a joke.
9:38:43 AM
Sam Brownback (R-KANSAS) tosses lightweight questions RE each fired US Atty. AG says “close call” on one fired US Atty though he does not “recall…” Does not know much about what he knew.
9:31:41 Playing on C-span 3 now. Sen Edward M. Kennedy (D-MASS) grilling AG. AG says he had a “good process” RE US Atty evaluation. Unconvincing man.
9:05:47 AM
C-span coverage skips to US House. Cable news networks not covering. Keep you posted as possible
9:02:23 AM
AG recognizes “his limited involvement” in US Atty firings.
8:59:55 AM
AG says eight fired US attys “deserve better.” Attacks on AG’s integrity “painful.” Says he has been "forthcoming" to Jud. Comm.
AG begins his statement.
8:57:46 AM
Jeff Sessions (R-ALABAMA) AG is good person, but ability to lead DoJ is “in question.”
8:54:46 AM
Schumer: Calls for no “I don’t recall” statements from AG. Caustic and mean. Go.
- end Schumer -
8:52:46 AM
Sen. Chuck Schumer begins.
8:51:33 AM
Specter notes contradictions of Gonzales statements and other DoJ staff. Offers “opportunity” of AG to reestablish credibility, and respond to allegations of improper firing of US Atty . David C. Iglesias and others. Specter looking for “hard facts.”
Says AG has “come a good distance” from the AG’s “overblown personnel matter” op-ed.
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4/19/2007 8:44 AM
Arlen Specter, RANKING MEMBER, R-PENNSYLVANIA, begins.
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4/19/2007 8:43 AM
Spilt-screen on C-span of Leahy and Gonzales. Must be humiliating to listen this opening statement.
Leahy asks for documents and sworn testimony. “If nothing to hide, the WH should stop hiding it.”
Leahy going on and on for the "facts" and the "truth," and how AG "undermines public confidence."
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4/19/2007 8:37 AM
Senator Patrick Leahy, Chair (D-Vermont): DoJ should not be a “political arm” of the White House. Confidence in DoJ should be restored.
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