Gonzales Wipes Out

Even Republicans turn on AG as he tries to defend US attorney decisions

By J. Kelman, Newser User

Posted Apr 20, 2007 9:53 AM CDT

(Newser) – Senate Republicans turned on Alberto Gonzales yesterday, leaving little political wiggle room for the embattled A.G. Even the most mild questions from Republicans— including traditional Bush allies—about the U.S. attorney dismissals yielded embarrassing results for Gonzales, who came across as strangely disengaged from the department he runs.

Neither the mainstream conservative media nor right-wing bloggers showed much sympathy. National Review called it "Alberto Gonzales’s Disastrous Day," while Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit said simply "I was unimpressed." The GOPers at Patterico's Pontifications were less kind: "I can’t tell you how pathetic he sounds. Please resign. Put us out of our misery. Please."

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Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington Thursday, April 19, 2007 about the controversial dismissal of eight U. S. attorneys. (AP... (Associated Press)

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales waits to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the on Capitol Hill in Washington Thursday, April 19, 2007 about the controversial dismissal of eight U. S.... (Associated Press)

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the U.S. Capitol in Washington Thursday, April 19, 2007 about the controversial dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys.... (Associated Press)

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Gonzales Wipes Out