Bush Affirms Support for Gonzales

[sabra]

Source: ABCNews/AP

Bush Affirms Support for Gonzales
Bush Calls Attorney General Gonzales to Express Support Despite Calls for His Resignation

WASHINGTON Mar 20, 2007 (AP)— President Bush sent a powerful message of support Tuesday for embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, calling his longtime friend to express unwavering support in the face of calls for his resignation.

...

Bush called Gonzales from the Oval Office at 7:15 a.m. EDT and they spoke for several minutes about the political uproar over the firings of eight U.S. attorneys, an issue that has thrust the attorney general into controversy and raised questions about whether he can survive. The White House disclosed Bush's call to bolster Gonzales and attempt to rally Republicans to support him.

"The president reaffirmed his strong backing of the attorney general and his support for him," Perino said. "The president called him to reaffirm his support."

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2965867

[bigworld]

1. Translation: You're about to get thrown under the bus, Alberto

[Frustratedlady]

4. Exactly!

Translated, it means Bush made his mind up during the night and has washed his hands of his friend and this problem. The Senate must have been getting too close.

It's getting more and more obvious that he likes to play dirty until the game gets too rough.

[bigworld]

5. a 7:15 call?

That's kind of early for a routine call of support. FrustratedLady is right... GWB had it in his mind first thing when he got up and couldn't let it wait.

[yellowcanine]

11. Good point. If my boss calls me at 7:15 am to offer support, I am thinking it is

harassment. I am still eating breakfast at 7:15 am.

[Lucky Luciano]

49. I am already on the desk at 645am eating breakfast!

x(

[va4wilderness]

61. At 7:15...I'm trying to wake up,

wondering if it's day or night with this bizarre new daylight savings time.

* 's probably doing this early because thinks the media is still a bit dazed from reading through all the crap from the document drop. He wants some easy questions now. He can then simply take off for Easter by the time the storm hits and confide with the Easter bunny safely in Crawford, TX. :yoiks:

[antonialee839]

8. Getting too close to Karl.

[ShockediSay]

41. Building "a permanent Republican majority" is what it's all about

in comments attributed to Karl Rove and endorsed on radio this morning by Tom DeLay

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=8991717

Isn't Putin building a "permanent majority " in the former Russian democracy?

[SusanaMontana41]

43. You nailed it

Don't let go, Patrick Leahy! As if there's any chance of that happening ...

:hi:

[deepthought42]

10. Ha! That's what I was thinking...

"Oh shit, he's screwed. Can't say I feel sorry for the little a-hole."

Time to break out the popcorn...:popcorn:

I'm brewing coffee too...Mmmm :donut:

[Mr. Ected]

22. I Think Gonzales Will Stick Around For Awhile Longer

Pukes are still stuck in Fascistworld. They've forgotten what it's like to have Congressional oversight. They think they can ride out this scandal, just like they did from 2000-2006.

Sorry, folks. I don't believe that Bush has learned a thing. A dictator is ALWAYS the last to know his days are numbered.

[rodeodance]

30. i think so also. Gonzo will NOT go easily (his reputation is at stake)

[Joe Chi Minh]

57. Reputation?

[Kolesar]

31. Could you imagine Senate hearings for a new AG under Democratic Leadership?

Pat Leahy would have field day...if we could only get Joe Biden to shut up. (I think JB is on the Judiciary Committee).

[Black Adder]

56. Yer doin a heck of a job, Alberto!

[Kikosexy2]

69. Thanks Alberto...

but I gotta throw your dumb-ass out on this one...but hey we'll still get together for tequila shots and tacos, que no?

[habitual]

2. OR to offer him some kind of deal for taking the sword on this one

let's see, first he gets a medal of some sort, then a secret position in the DOJ until he can 'find other employment', which will undoubtedly be found at one of the front companie that are associated with DICK. He'll be making millions soon because of this!

So the call was to negotiate an exit, they can't fool me.

[maddezmom]

3. yeah, right before he resigns to let the * get on with his hardwork

Gonzo is a good soldier and wouldn't want to distract the administration during this important time of war, dontcha know.

[SpiralHawk]

6. "We corrupt cronies need to hang together." - Commander AWOL

"I mean, where would my cabal be if my grandfather, Prescott Bush, had abandoned his pal Adolf Hitler and Nazi party after a bit of public outrage? Nowheresville. But my grandpoppy stood by Hitler and the Nazis and continued to fund them, and the rest is history. Likewise, I am not going to abandon my corrupt republicon crony, Senor Gonzo. So you noisy freedom and justice loving Americans can just shut up and sit down. Smirk, smirk, smirk."

- Commander AWOL, beloved Maximum Leader of the Republicon Christo-Corporate Fascist Homeland Party

[MaineDem]

7. When is the "You're doing a heck of a job, Al" speech?

I think Gonzales' loyalty to Bush will force him to resign to avoid any more bad publicity or embarrassment (like that ever happens) for the Prez.

[Kagemusha]

9. In sports they call it "the dreaded vote of confidence"

I know Bush means it, today, as he says it, but well, the sun will also rise tomorrow...

[Botany]

12. Why do I hear the theme from the Godfather?

Sonny: How's Paulie?
Clemenza: Oh, Paulie... won't see him no more

[Johnny Noshoes]

65. "Leave the gun take the canolli"

music out :evilgrin:

[Canuckistanian]

13. He's about to be "Rumsfelded"

There's only a thin veneer of GOP rank and file support for Gonzo.

Nobody wants to die on this hill, electorally speaking.

[antonialee839]

16. Rumsfelded LOL

We need to make up a Bush Crime Family dictionary.

[Frustratedlady]

14. There have been so many changes....

I can't remember, off the top of my head, who Gonzales replaced. Ashcroft? Maybe we should be looking back at that "leaving" and see how Bush handled that?

My brain can't keep everything from this administration filed for easy access. :think:

[IWantAChange]

15. In or out just keep after him Rep Waxman - open that can of worms 4 all to see

[goforit]

17. No resignation. No impeachment. Only handcuffs boys and girls!

[PegDAC]

67. I won't be satisfied

with anything less than the Perp Walk Parade!

[saberjet22]

18. bush support for gonzales

I think the reason Bush is blindly supporting Gonzales is that he (Bush) is very superstitious and as soon as he realized that Alberto Gonzales (AG) and Attorney General (AG) had the same initials, he knew it was a match made in heaven. It's a matter of Faith, baby.

[Xipe Totec]

19. Indicted former House Republican Leader supports Gonzales

Former House Republican Leader Tom DeLay had said earlier Tuesday that the scandal "is just a taste of what's going to be like for the next two years."

"And the Bush administration sort of showed their weakness when they got rid of Don Rumsfeld," the Texan said on NBC's "Today" show. "… This is a made up scandal. There is no evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever. … They ought to be fighting back."


Nothing like having the Texas cockroach firmly in your corner...


:rofl:

[MilesColtrane]

20. This was a warning call.

The Dungeonmaster is going to get recalled to the Hill to do some splainin' about his previous testimony.

Junior was simply telling him not to fuck up again, or else.

[philosophie_en_rose]

21. "You're doing a great job, Gonzie."

:rofl:

[Orrex]

23. Because it just never gets old:

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is meeting with the President for what might be the last time in an official capacity.

"You sure are getting a lot of flack," says the President.

"That's true, Mr. President," agrees the embattled AG. Then he lowers his voice to a significantly conspiratorial whisper. "But we might be able to silence our critics if we give out a few Brazilian neckties."

The President looks briefly thoughtful before nodding with a smile. "That's a great idea, Gonzo. And while you're at it, order a few for me. This danged bolero is really starting to chafe me."


nyuk nyuk nyuk

:rofl:

[BigDDem]

24. Methinks Alberto will soon be

"spending more time with his family."

[truebrit71]

26. Yup. Either that or * really IS as dumb as we think he is..

...and is going to let Abu Gonzales testify UNDER OATH this week before congress...

After watching KO last night, and looking at how many times Abu Gonzo has to go to the hill this week, if * clipped him today it would look even more suspicious...

I think the rocket-scientists in the WH have decided to see if they can weather the impending storm of testimony, and wait until Meiers and Lard-Ass get subpoened by congress, before finally throwing Gonzo overboard as a 'peace-offering' to try and stem the bleeding...

This is an attempt to save Rove.

* knows that Blimpy knows where ALL of the bodies are buried, and he knows that if Rove gets pinched he will squeal like a stuck pig so * HAS to try and save Chunks-A-Plenty yet again...

[appleannie1]

25. Brownie and Rummy both got

his undying support right before he said 'bye-bye'.

[Divernan]

32. "Deja vu" & "Hasta La Vista, Baby!" were my first 2 thoughts.

Bush is repeating his pattern - his "support" is strongest just before one of his embattled appointees hands out the press release that while he still maintains how totally untrue and unfair and unjust, etc., any and all criticisms are of him, "I have regretfully concluded that the ongoing challenges to my job performance are interfering with my ability to do my job, and therefore, out of loyalty to my great, good friend, W, and because I am SUCH a patriotic, noble SOB, and for the good of this country which has always been my only concern, I am resigning."

Of course, since Gonzo not only knows where all the bodies are buried, but was directly involved in burying them, he will get the most golden of parachutes which Cheney/Bush can provide.

[Naipes]

46. Exactly!

That's exactly what I was thinking. Gonzo is history. Just give it time.

[Donovan61]

27. Gonzo is Gone-zo

But never fear, Bush 41's retarded son no doubt has more fascist bootlickers waiting in the wings to take over the job.

[rainbow4321]

28. And by Friday it will be "AG doesn't want to be a distraction...

to this administration"...and he'll "resign". Then it'll be that routine press conf. with chimp thanking him for his service, blah, blah, blah...by Monday we'll have a short list of replacements named and then a final name shortly after since we KNOW chimp is already looking at his next cronie for the AG position.

[The Wizard]

39. Friday?

How about 2:37 this afternoon?

[maddezmom]

45. I agree

posted a similar comment upthread. He'll take one for the team.

[VegasWolf]

29. "Heck'uva job Gonzie!" nt

[deadparrot]

33. Gonzales resigns in 3...2...nt

[Lerkfish]

34. my hope and dream: Gonzo, under bus wheels, starts squealing like a stuck pig, naming names

a guy can dream

[WolverineDG]

35. Call of support today

Handing him his hat tomorrow.

Gonzo's about to get Rumsfelded.

dg

[LibertyorDeath]

36. The end is Nigh !

It's the Kiss of Death on Line 2
for you Mr Gonzales

[The Wizard]

37. Gonzo and Rummie and Brown

Oh my !!!!!
Pink slips here, come and get your pink slips.

[LuckyLib]

38. OTOH, while this is tough for the WH, they might think of it as a welcome

distraction -- it keeps the public eye off of the Iraq fiasco ball.

[Laurab]

40. The dreaded "call of support"

bush ALWAYS does that right before they offer their resignations. I hope Gonzo's family wants to spend more time with him.

[MaineYooper]

42. Bush confirms lack of grip on reality... nt

[Aviation Pro]

44. Otherwise known as....

..."the kiss of death." Cue Godfather music:

"You broke my heart, Alberto, you broke my heart."

[BootinUp]

47. Don't cha just feel for poor Gonzo

after reading about the pretzlenut callin him? lol.

[longship]

48. It's the Kiss of Death from Chimpie

So, Gonzo is doin' a heck of a job? That didn't do Brownie any good. It didn't do Rummy any good. It seems that support from the White House is like having the bell toll for thee.

Gonzo's dead meat on a stick. Gone by week's end.

[Tekla West]

50. All such people

serve, as the say, 'at the pleasure of the president" which means he's gone.

[SutaUvaca]

51. Tom deelay put in his 2 cents

further in the article at the link, dip-lay is quoted as saying "it's a made up scandal...there's no evidence of wrong doing"
Kinda like that scandal that got the texas dip indicted and waiting trial.
Methinks court recorders will have the most job security during the next two or three years.

[LynneSin]

52. You're doing a heck of a job Gonzo

Yeah, we've heard that one before

[Andrea]

53. Has anybody started a pool yet?

I have dibs on 7:40 p.m. Friday. There's no way he doesn't want to spend more time with his family. * will do anything to try to save Rove. He may be dumb, but not so dumb that he doesn't know Rove can destroy him.

[leveymg]

54. Thank you, Mr. President. Chain Gonzo to his desk as the hot water rises around him.

The longer you hold onto him, the more sustained attention the US Attorneys' firing gets.

In the end, it'll just be the two of you, as the bow rises and the USS GOP slips, glubbering and spewing bilge oil, under the waves.

[LeahMira]

55. You're doin' a fine job...

Brownie.

[Homer Wells]

58. Gonzo-Alert is now at Code RED n/t

:nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :rofl: :popcorn:

[DeepModem Mom]

59. Is it possible Gonzales knows too much???

And Bush is not going to throw him under the bus?

[D23MIURG23]

66. IMHO it is.

Gonzo is as dirty as they come. He has his hands in all the torture, and domestic spying. I actually find it kind of amusing that this particular scandal is causing him so much greif. Kind of like Al Capone getting busted for tax evasion.

[thoughttheater]

60. tongue-in-cheek visual

See a tongue-in-cheek visual of Alberto & Karl starring in the new White House presentation of "Justice Is Served"...here:

www.thoughttheater.com

[sakabatou]

62. The watch is ticking...

How long to we here "I resign." from him?

[jmowreader]

63. I think he's sincere, and this is why

Bush cannot afford another AG in the current environment.

Too much shit has gone down in the past six years, and all of it points to the triumvirate of evil that is Bush, Cheney and Rove.

If there was a Republican majority in the Senate, Bush could install another one of his cronies as AG and...well, I was gonna say "soldier on" but, considering that the only thing Bush knows about soldiering is how to put in a pass for Juarez and how to go AWOL, I better come up with a new phrase. "Continue on." Yeah. That'll work. Install another one of his cronies as AG and continue on.

There are lots of people he could get to replace Gonzalez and be okay. Harriet Miers comes to mind, as does Ted Olson. There are a handful of Republican senators with law licenses who come from states with Republican governors; one of those people might be okay. I also seem to vaguely remember that Ann Coulter has a law license. That's a truly revolting thought, but she'd meet all of Bush's qualifications: a JD, a seething hatred of Democrats and no intention whatsoever of investigating Republican malfeasance, especially his.

Reality intrudes.

Bush is facing enough of a Democratic majority in the Senate that he can't slide one of his cronies into the AG slot. He can't really use a recess appointment to install one because it would piss off at least seventeen or eighteen Republican senators enough for them to call for his impeachment. And if Bush fucks up and nominates someone sane enough to get out of the Senate Judiciary Committee (which, as we remember, seats John Kerry) the first thing he's going to do, if he's even nominally attentive to his job, is to start investigating this maladministration. Bush won't survive any kind of investigation into his activities since...oh, since he announced for the 1994 Texas governor's race.

Utne Reader Condensed Version: If George W. Bush appoints another AG, he's probably going to the penitentiary for a very long time. He will stand by Gonzalez until Congress has Gonzalez hauled away in irons.

[williesgirl]

64. Who the fuck cares anymore what DimSon thinks? Not the American public.

[happygoluckytoyou]

68. WHY BUSH LOSES THIS ONE

you gotta love bush... he backs his man to the end

but bush gotta learn... you can start a war, you can lie to america, you can gut social security, you can form a mercenary army, you can ruin medicare and social security....

but don't you ever ever ever screw with lawyers

they'll make you wish you was never born (and we are all ahead of you on this one)

[Lilith Velkor]

70. Welcome, happygoluckytoyou

...to this here Democratic (liberal, progressive, yada yada) peanut gallery! :toast:

edited for clarity