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On His Way Out, Manhattan DA Zings Bloomberg

Robert Morgenthau, 90, leaves office this week

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2009 3:10 PM CST

(Newser) – In 35 years as Manhattan DA, Robert Morgenthau has gotten along with every mayor of New York—except the current one. Mike Bloomberg, says Morgenthau, "doesn't want anybody around who doesn't kiss his ring, or other parts of his body." In a wide-ranging interview with the Wall Street Journal, the 90-year-old, who leaves office Thursday, addresses everything from his feud with the mayor to the international crimefighting role his office has played during his tenure. As usual, he pulls no punches:

  • On enforcing economic sanctions against Iran and its business partners: "The president is smoking pot or something if he thinks that being nice to these guys is going to get him anywhere."
  • On convicting octogenarian Anthony Marshall of stealing from his mother, socialite Brooke Astor: The verdict "sent a message all over the country: You can't steal from your elders."
  • On parking money offshore to evade taxes: "You're never going to see them reduced unless everybody pays what they're required to pay under the law."
To see more, click here.

Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau speaks to reporters during a news conference, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 in New York.
Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau speaks to reporters during a news conference, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 in New York.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau speaks during a press conference in New York, Dec. 16, 2009.
Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau speaks during a press conference in New York, Dec. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
kokuaguy
Dec 29, 2009 3:45 AM CST
He should have been put out to pasture a quarter century ago. Why didn't he speak up about Bloomburg during he election when it might have meant something.
cornelison
Dec 28, 2009 12:18 PM CST
There's a reason why Obama is trying to "play nice" with other countries. Continuing the way Bush did was a failure. The President is trying to improve its image overseas and its working with allies.
Ucantusethatname
Dec 28, 2009 10:22 AM CST
Click and read the full article. Newser's summation is pathetic.

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