Going, Going...Gonzo

Posted: Monday, August 27, 2007 8:55 AM by Countdown

That's right, no question mark after Gonzo. The date must be the Twelfth of Never here at the News Hole, because multiple news organization are reporting that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned. Just picked up the phone on Friday and called the president. Just like that. (Kinda makes sense though that President Bush still never pulled the trigger;
the decision seems to have been Gonzo's and Gonzo's alone.) We haven't felt this way since we woke up the morning after the Midterm Elections to learn that Rummy would soon be departing.

The folks over at U.S. News piqued our interest to this possibility over the weekend, but to be truthful, we've heard these kind of rumors before only to see them never pan out. Here's the part of U.S. News's reporting we still think might not pan out: that Mr. Bush is planning to replace Mr. Gonzales with - wait for it - Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
How could the White House expect to get Chertoff's nomination through Congress? We'll look for the answer to that, and other questions, like, oh yeah... WHY NOW?... tonight on Countdown.

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Comments

Ding Dong! FREDO'S GONE! I nominate Jonathan Turley for Attorney General. WHAT SAY YOU ALL?!

Ding Dong...Fredo's gone...ding dong...Fredo's gone...ding dong...Fredo's gone... :D

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:10 AM)

Good news for Republican's, bad news for liberals.

Larry Charleston (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:11 AM)

Don't get to happy about this... This is to take the heat off of Bush and Cheney! It shouldn't stop here.. it must carry on... Chertoff is taking his place.. the guy with the GUT FEELINGS about Terrorist Attacks.. PAAAAAAAAALEASEEEEEE! All of them have to GO!!!!

Brenda Deltona FL (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:11 AM)

Can anyone say "let's make a clean sweep"?

sylviasdaughter (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:21 AM)

Good news for our country. . . . . ya see, Larry, not all people think of themselves as "Republicans" or "liberals." There are many of us who consider ourselves AMERICANS and don't give a rat's rear about the other.

junebug (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:29 AM)

Just waking up to the good news.

I'm with you Brenda, as I figure they'll just find someone who can stomach their shenanigans until next year. I also agree that it should be a clean sweep....

....wishful thinking.:)

Okay, back to my coffee.

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:35 AM)

Larry in Charleston, just curious: why is the AGs resignation "good news for Republicans" and "bad news for liberals"?

Flipkid (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:36 AM)

One pinhead down (Jon Stewart's description), way too many left to go. Is there any one qualified for their job in this administration who is not an industry shill?

There are 512 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 435 days until election day -- 11/4/2008
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:38 AM)

Chertoff is taking his place.. the guy with the GUT FEELINGS about Terrorist Attacks.. PAAAAAAAAALEASEEEEEE! All of them have to GO!!!!
Brenda Deltona FL (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:11 AM)

Michael Chertoff talked about a gut feeling, only because there was increases in chatter among the terrorist organizations. His job is to worry about threats and to stop them before they are realized. I would have to say that if I was in that position, I would have that gut feeling quite frequently. I think you are making too much out of that statement.

I believe that it was time for Gonzo to leave a month or so ago. He was harming the administration's credibility. If I remember correctly, Chertoff was a US attorney, and has alot of experience in the legal system, more than in homeland security. So perhaps, Attorney General is a better fit for him, with someone else in his place as HS director.

Keith, Allentown PA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:41 AM)

"He was harming the administration's credibility."

What credibility would that be?

As for the rest of your post regarding Chertoff . . . the head of "homeland security" should not be making ridiculous statements about "gut feelings" based on "chatter." The head of homeland security should only make statements regarding threats when there are actual threats. "Gut feelings" don't mean a danged thing.

junebug (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:47 AM)

It's recess appointment time. The rumor is Chertoff but I'm betting on Harriet Miers.

nuanced (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:50 AM)

Hey, maybe Gonzales can take Chertoff's place. Maybe that'd be "good news for Republicans", too.

Richard in Kansas (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:52 AM)

Flipkid, I think Larry means the AG resignation is good news for Republicans in the same way that Bush and Cheney's resignation would be good news. Makes you think.

nuanced (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 9:53 AM)

Are we sure he's not lying about this too??

DebbieG, nyc (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:00 AM)

Keith, Allentown PA

Hopefully, for this country, Michael Chertoff will remember that he works for the entire country, and not just '43', and hopefully he will serve this country with honor and dignity as the new Attorney General. He seems to be qualified to 'clean up the messes' of the people he replaces.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:01 AM)

Congress is on vacation (just like the Iraq parliment). Bush can make another recess appointment that bypasses Congress. Did you really not see this coming?

Mike, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:06 AM)

Great job Keith, Jonathan Turley, John Dean, etc. on never letting up on this guy. I was so sure Gonzales would stick it out just so he could give the finger to Congress once this Administration's term was over.

Another victory for democracy.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:07 AM)

Congress can still go after Fredo for perjury, correct? His resignation isn't a "get out of jail free" card, is it??! HOPE NOT!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:11 AM)

I'm listening to NPR, and they're going to carry Fredo's resignation live. Should be good!! NPR is also reporting that Chertoff is not going to be the fill-in; it's going to be the current solicitor general [sorry for botched spelling if I botched it!].

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:13 AM)

Bad for bush, good for the constitution.

jen,il (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:16 AM)

So who is Bush's recess appointment??? Wolfowitz? Dumsfeld? Bolton? etc....

george, hammonton, nj (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:17 AM)

Larry: This is good news for our COUNTRY. He was an incompetent boob in a high level position making critical decisions. EVERYONE is glad he is gone.

I'm waiting to hear the "I want to spend more time with my family."

LA, Seattle (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:18 AM)

He seemed overmatched by the job, whether you supported him or not. He was absolutely a drag on the adminstration, but the cynic in me sees this as a positioning move by the RNC to remove the lightning rods, Rove, Rusmfeld, Gonzalez to a more behind the scenes profile, and see if they can get the potential Republican candidate into a better position for the election.

Frederick Sweeney, Brooklyn (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:24 AM)

Is it just me, or is anyone bothered more by the alleged replacement than by the end of the most unConsitutional and unsafe legal era since the US Civil War? I should have known something was up when the replacement shaved off the awful 'stache. Did anyone else ever notice that, with the 'stache, he was only an inch or so off each side from looking exactly like a bald-headed Adolph?

wacobloke (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:29 AM)

Well, golly...that wasn't much of a "good bye" speech! Heaven forbid he actually decide to "come clean" or not look like so much of a goober.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:36 AM)

Army’s ‘quick ship’ bonus proves popular
Recruits receive $20,000 if they agree to leave within days:

More than 90 percent of the Army's new recruits since late July have accepted a $20,000 "quick ship" bonus to leave for basic combat training by the end of September, putting thousands of Americans into uniform almost immediately.

Many recruits who take the bonus -- scoring in many cases the equivalent of more than a year's pay -- leave their homes within days, recruiters said. The initiative is part of an effort by Army officials to meet year-end recruiting goals after a two-month slump earlier this year. With the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, the Army hopes the extra cash motivates those interested in joining or entices those just considering enlisting.

*****************************************************

Keith in Atown: People did jump all over Chertoff's 'gut feeling' statement for a good reason: The ignoring the signs pre September 11, and the blatant disregard for lives before and after hurricane Katrina.

This is a member of an administration that didn't listen to intelligence, didn't pay attention to the PDB, didn't listen to experts, yet the head of DHS has a 'gut feeling.'

Yes, maybe he could have worded it differently, but in this day and age of illegal wiretapping, super secret 'executive privilege, airline 'no fly' lists, stripping down at airports, etc., I want more than just his 'gut feeling' and arbitrary color coded alerts to let me know something might happen-like maybe some actual proof.

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:38 AM)

While we are chasing this shiny object, what is going on that we're not supposed to notice?

Radarcat,North Chicago, Illinois (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:41 AM)

While we're chasing this new shiny object, what is going on that we're not noticing?

Radarcat,North Chicago, Illinois (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:46 AM)

Chertoff is only one name of many being floated. He has NOT been named as the replacement.

Independent, Texas (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:51 AM)

In the Spirit of ,Ringo Starr Hit It Band
....And I said, "No no no ,no Alberto no more.
He's tired of lying to cover up for Dubya 4.
He said no thank you, please I know I am a big sleaze.
And now you just showed me to the door.
No Map For That!Batteries not included,Encouraged where allowed by law.Yes the new map will be included and we will be sure to have our good friend MacLain Toole one of the finest gentlemen I know from there distribute them to the kids via the school districts.
When Dick C is gone ??? We'll just sing the Ding a Ling Song.
To honor Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson and that perhaps Our country may be finally on the road back to it's founding Constitutional principals.
Larry Next to You MS Teen SC is a Genius.Get a map,head to DC on 9/15/2007.Just up the Road from ya. I think it's about 500 miles or less.A days drive.You can watch Democracy and Liberals as you call Americans,that's right,Americans,because everything that isn't a Dubya 4 Whore is a liberal in your fantasy world.
Adios Gozos No Mas.

B.A. Buddusky (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:52 AM)

Brenda and Jamie! Happy Liberation from Fredo Day to you and everyone else here! Yep, I agree in a "perfect" world, there would be a "clean sweep," but I gotta relish a little in the small victories when they come as the small victories seem to be very few and far between.

Wow...between Fredo exiting stage left and me celebrating the first anniversary of "Special Comments" later on this week, I'm downright giddy, and that doesn't happen often!! :D

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 10:54 AM)

Putting Homeland Security in charge of Justice is more than a little bit like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse (of civil liberties) for my taste. Come to think of it, however, that seems only appropriate because Chertoff looks more than a little bit like a fox. But don't worry, Countdown. Chertoff gives you just as many opportunities for wordplay as Gonzales did (although the wordplay maybe a little more dirty in nature), and he will be at least as amusing as Gonzales was to those of us who admire that dark, Orwellian sort of humor. As long as they continue to allow us that humor, anyway. But if all of that isn't good enough for you to recognize the benefits of having Chertoff as AG, then on the upside, they already know what you think, and you won't be any more likely to wind up at Gitmo with Chertoff in charge than you already are with Gonzales. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Bonnie (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:04 AM)

Flipkid, now Leaky Leahy and Chuckie Schumer will have to find someone else to demonize. Gonzalez needed to go and Chertoff will be even more aggressive as AG. Be careful what you wish for , this is a very good move for the Republicans

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:09 AM)

Just watched the "official" statement from Gonzales re his resignation. Very good statement. Wish I could feel that it was true. I thought he might break into tears at any moment.

He grabbed his notes and left the lectern almost before the last echo of his words faded.

There was no one there with him. Contrast this with Rove's resignation where Bush was the one almost in tears and was virtually hanging onto Rove.

In addition, I posted on a blog today that I think we have the attornies in the Dept of Just Us to thank for this. I'd been hearing rumours that a rash of threatened resignations along with threats to go public about the chaos in the department was barreling down on Mr. Gonzalez.

I don't think that political pressure was the final push.

Independent, Texas (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:10 AM)

Chertoff?

CHERTOFF?!?

Gee, where do I start with the questions...

Do I ask about the brain cell that clicked to allow "Brownie" to be hired into the top of FEMA? Do I ask how, in such a catastrophe, no one bothers to look at the news and see people starving in a convention center with no aid in sight? Do I ask about the detentions at Guantanamo Bay? Do I ask about a certain movie coming out, the title and plot referring to a policy of the United States that likely flies in the face of human rights and the U.S. Constitution? Do I ask about investigations of corruption within FEMA contracts?

If they even *get* an up-and-down vote *in committee*, I assure you it would be NO HAHAHA NO.

Nicholas Eckert, Toledo, OH (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:11 AM)

I know there are baseball fans a-plenty here at NewsHole, so I'm going to briefly interrupt the "Happy Liberation from Fredo Day" festivities to say that hour #2 of the DIANE REHM SHOW on NPR is talking about Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Should be fun!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:12 AM)

I think Larry Charleston's point is that Republicans no longer have to apologize for Gonzo or even pretend to defend him. Democrats have lost one more really good reason to criticize the administration.

But, Larry's brain can't quite grasp the idea that the departure of someone this incompetent is good news for the people. There is such a thing as "the people"--and this is above and beyond our political affiliations (though I don't think that Larry can, in fact, grasp the fact that our country can't be fully understood under the rubric Republicans versus "liberals").

Amy, Oklahoma (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:23 AM)

Still waiting to hear the official reason for him stepping down. Obviously, he has yet to recall that he wants to spend more time with his family...

Kerri, Marina, CA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:25 AM)

Chertoff was the subject of the first "special comment" I heard from KO. "The city of Louisiana" during the Katrina mess. He's a real deep thinker and meets the standards the White House has set in place. You all know the ones.....can't have anyone smarter than dubya, might show him up. Or challenge him.

Krista, I second that nomination! Turley it is!

MK, Indianapolis (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:31 AM)

If it is true, then good riddance! Perhaps the complete dismantling of our Constitution is halted! Although great damage has been done, this can serve as a lesson to future career pols...BUT, crimes are not absolved when one leaves office!!! Lets not let the administration off the hook this easy.

Mike@ Portsmouth, VA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:32 AM)

This has to be to most appalling statement in the shortest resignation speech ever!!

"It is through their continued work that our country and our communities remain safe, that the rights and civil liberties of our citizens are protected, and the hopes and dreams of all of our children are secured."

Hey Freddo, you have personally been responsible for advocating "America's Civil Liberties: Bombed"; in addition, as AG, you have been an advocate for the most egregious and medieval practices of detainees this country has ever seen - SHUT UP!!

How many years too late is this criminal's resignation, exactly 2 1/2 years!! Alberto Gonzalez epitomizes everything scandalous about this administration; from the stripping of our civil liberties, to warrantless wiretapping, to politicizing the DOJ, the calculated "merging" of the Judicial Branch with the Executive Branch and cronyism!! You are a disgrace and good riddance!! I still steadfastly maintain that Congress must proceed with perjury charges against this iniquitous slime!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:39 AM)

Hopefully this is the beginning of the end to this nightmarish reign of terror imposed on America by the most corrupt, out-of-touch, and inept administration in my lifetime!

Franklin Winkler (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 11:41 AM)

I'm hearing GW's statement in response to Fredo leaving. I NEARLY UPCHUCKED MY PB&J!!! Treated unfairly???!!! HIS NAME was dragged through the mud???!!! Guess those US attorneys don't count. Fredo "qualified" and "honorable"??!! Keith, honey, you need to take this and run with it!!!!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:11 PM)

Krista, I agree with you on the Turley nod myself. The fact that Buishie thinks Gonzo was dragged through the mud is BS. Who did the dragging or mud slinging but Bushie himself. To praise him on one hand and then criticize the public on the other hand is not the way to handle this tactfully. Considering the source, this is as good as it is going to get. Now I hope the Wicked Witch send her flying monkeys onto Cheney. Maybe a house or two can then fall on Bushie and we all can run, skip and jump down the yellow brick road. I can sit here and be jovial but the sad facts are the messes AG made will be hard to clean up and we may have to call in Hazmat. I was listening to Bushie speak and I got ill, he shows no emotion and not to take any questions, is just disrespectful to me.

One good thing really happened last night, Keith, you seemed really comfortable on NBC for your first "Countdown" on Sunday night. It was equally on point like all the other Countdown shows and for those that did not know about the show before, get their first visit with a genuine professional. I watched the gang on Sunday night football and I hope going forward you can speak more than Bob Costas, you sound better and make more sense. Way to hit one out of the ballpark KO, Peace to All, Denise!

DCohn, Cleveland, OH (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:15 PM)

If Michael Chertoff is appointed as acting AG, my gut feeling is that, we, in the US will be in deeper trouble. Mr. Chertoff is reportedly a dual US/Israeli citizen and is not fit to act as US Attorney General. Who and what does he really represent?

Rocco, Eureka, CA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:16 PM)

The role of the "Al Maliki of D.C." is up for grabs, as is the one of "Gonzo of Iraq".

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:24 PM)

I actually found out about this from the front page of Wikipedia in a computer lab before class.

I actually screamed "WOOHOO!!" and did a little dance.

The funny looks were totally worth it =D

Brandon, IA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:26 PM)

I apoligize in advance if my following comment sounds crass or cruel. If I were Michael Vick, I'd be sending a "thank you" basket to Fredo for pushing the guilty plea off "page #1."

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:31 PM)

awwww--who's the upset President? Who is it? Who's the upset president? That's Bush. Yes it is...Yes it is... awwww.

d (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:35 PM)

One down two more to go.
Here's a thought that will keep you all awake nights.
During the Cuban Missile Crisis suppose we'd had Dubya and crew in charge back then? It's a good thing they weren't otherise the Earth would be a cinder now.

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 12:35 PM)

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