Welcome to Gonzales Watch - Blawging the Ex-Attorney General

In the end, Alberto Gonzales’ lapdog loyalty to his boss was his greatest downfall, not only for the Attorney General, but for the administration that he was brought in to serve.

That is what Gonzales’ resignation has taught the country.

The country’s top lawyer never proved himself to be an independent thinker. Gonzales is a sycophant, a yes-man to sign off on President Bush’s legal policies.

The Washington Post emphasizes that “realities trumped loyalty” when the White House and GOP could not halt bi-partisan attacks over politically-motivated firings of U.S. Attorneys, and absence of real leadership inside the Justice Department.

In the end, there is only one lapdog that President Bush can still call upon for true loyalty: his name is Barney.

New York Times Washington correspondent Philip Shenon has a terrific video piece on Attorney General Gonzales’ resignation from the “Texas Mafia.”

Shenon explains that this described “the small group of aides that Bush brought with him to Washington from Texas.” In addition to Gonzales, that group also included another Texas lawyer: former White House Counsel Harriet Miers.

Thirteen years of unwavering loyalty to George W. Bush, and an inability to separate partisan politics from his ability to honestly serve the American people. That is the big picture of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales newly announced resignation.

What did Gonzales’ boss have to say? That he received “months of unfair treatment,” and that the attorney will be remembered as “a man of integrity, decency and principle.”

It’s a classic Washington game of doublespeak.

Bush alleged that Gonzales’ “good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons.” In other words, Gonzales’ increasing inability to tell the truth before the American people and Congress about the politically-motivated firings of U.S. Attorneys is nothing more than partisan criticism.

Perhaps more than any other U.S. official in history, Gonzales is likely to best be remembered for his forgetfulness. “I don’t recall,” was the standard refrain of the head of the country’s highest law enforcement agency responsible.

One observer keenly noted that:

On September 17, he’ll show up at the AG’s office.
His erstwhile replacement will ask, “Didn’t you resign?”
And he’ll answer: “I don’t recall.”

Gonzales will also be remembered for his Nixonian defensiveness, repeatedly telling the country that he “did nothing wrong” in terminating federal prosecutors who weren’t “loyal Bushies.”

It’s a Monday morning shocker! U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales formally announced that he’s resigning in three weeks, effective September 17, 2007.

Here is the text of his formal statement:

Thirteen years ago, I entered public service to make a positive difference in the lives of others. During this time, I have traveled a remarkable journey from my home state of Texas to Washington, D.C., supported by the unwavering love and encouragement of my wife Rebecca and our sons Jared, Graham, and Gabriel. Yesterday, I met with President Bush and informed him of my decision to conclude my government service as Attorney General of the United States, effective as of September 17, 2007.

Let me say that it has been one of my greatest privileges to lead the Department of Justice. I have great admiration and respect for the men and women who work here. I have made a point as Attorney General to personally meet as many of them as possible and today I want to again thank them for their service to our nation. 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.

I often remind our fellow citizens that we live in the greatest country in the world and that I have lived the American dream. Even my worst days as Attorney General have been better than my father’s best days. Public service is honorable and noble, and I am profoundly grateful to President Bush for his friendship and for the many opportunities he has given me to serve the American people.

Thank you and God bless America.

Gonzales threw in the towel in what he promised just two months ago would be “a sprint to the finish line” during his last 18-months on the job.

But Gonzales will leave office like scampering Texas jackrabbit with his tail between his legs. The questions that remain unanswered about Gonzales’ prominent role in the politicized firings of career U.S. Attorneys are likely to still be pursued by Congress.

Texas lawyers are likely to have a one question on their minds today: if he returns to Texas, which law firm will Gonzales join?