Progressive Minds

Suffice it to say that today was NOT a very good day for Alberto Gonzales.

When you're the Republican Attorney General of the United States, and Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma (who's among the rightest of the right wing) tells you that you need to pack your bags, you know you're on borrowed time.

Of course the big news of today is Alberto Gonzales' testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, regarding the firings of 8 U.S. prosecutors.

And if he was looking to members of his own party for relief, he didn't find it.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) told Gonzales it was time for him to go.  He said "The best way to put this behind us is your resignation."

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) queried Gonzales "You said something that struck me — that sometimes it just came down to these were not the right people at the right time. If I applied that standard to you, what would you say?" 

Ranking Member Arlen Specter (R-PA) warned Gonzales that his answers "did not stick together." 

Gonzales' faulty (read: SELECTIVE) memory was of concern to Sen. Jeff Sessions, Republican of Alabama, who told Gonzales "I'm concerned about your recollection."

Iowan Republican Sen. Charles Grassley wanted to know about Gonzales'  inconsistent statements about his role in the firing of the prosecutors.  He asked Gonzales "Why is your story changing?"  (Point of privilege, if I may Senator.  That usually happens when someone is LYING.  Just thought I'd clarify that for you.)

I'm guessing that after today's hearings and Gonzales' performance, some Republican Senators are going to take that long walk to the White House and tell George W. Bush 'Game over.  Time for your Attorney General to go.'  And while they're at it, they might as well tell Bushie it's time for HIM to go as well.

Gonzales struggles to sway skeptics