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Is Gonzo Threatening Cheney?
I think Gonzo was one of the worst AGs of all time, behind only Michael Mukasey (who was actually qualified for the job, and therefore deserves to be held more accountable).
But it appears that he collected some useful information in his inglorious tenure, and i have no doubt that he has plenty more stashed away, useful in case (as I hope) he has decided to turn State's evidence.
So, I am extremely interested in what Gonzo's statement endorsing Holder's probe may mean.
I think Emptywheel's interpretation is about right.
Gonzo may need some Secret Service agents at his next public appearance.
But it appears that he collected some useful information in his inglorious tenure, and i have no doubt that he has plenty more stashed away, useful in case (as I hope) he has decided to turn State's evidence.
So, I am extremely interested in what Gonzo's statement endorsing Holder's probe may mean.
I think Emptywheel's interpretation is about right.
Gonzo may need some Secret Service agents at his next public appearance.
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anyway, it is clear to me that Durham won't have to dig around looking for low-level stooges if he can get the former AG to cooperate.
It always seemed like such a huge strategic mistake for Cheney to have let Bush pick his own AG after Ashcroft left.
If Gonzo ever receives immunity for his many crimes, he would make a most interesting witness.
September 1, 2009 3:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
These lying faux readers of the law should be put in the cells at GTMO and tortured. I am not against torture.
I am a liberal who is no longer against the death penalty.
Treason...should be punished by death. But hanging in the public square.
We should hang cheney in public on the goddamn WH front lawn.
Gonzo, oh Gonzo.
What a fool.
Let us watch the rats rat on each other. ha!!
September 1, 2009 5:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gonzo, unlike the CIA, is a purely domestic threat, and so his 'release of sensitive documents' can't 'harm' national security.
He should just stay clear of the animal farms...
September 1, 2009 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ya know, if it would take care of business, I'm okay with giving Gonzo immunity. Interesting concept - a full disclosure with facts from one of their own soldiers!
I'd even approve witness protection placement for Gonzo!
September 1, 2009 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
well, it was always obvious that he wasn't the strongest link in the chain.
sometimes you have to follow the path of least resistance....
September 1, 2009 6:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
He would never have been placed in that position if he had exhibited any signs of strength (intellectually, morally and/or mentally).
Hopefully, he has evolved and will stand up and speak out. His only chance for any redemption IMHO.
Thanks for this post.
September 1, 2009 6:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Evolved? More likely seeking a bargain. He knows he's in ever-warming water, and I am fairly confident that he would "trade up" if the chance came.
His "vision" extends to the end of his nose.
September 1, 2009 7:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gonzo isn't evolving. He knows the information he possesses will reach its expiration date soon enough, and he needs to scrape what he can from it while there's still time- and incidentally, forestall any possible danger from Durham's probe.
Self-interest, enlightened or otherwise. What usually motivates informers. Fear, and a certain lack of appreciation on the part of those he groveled and mimicked Alzheimer's for.
September 1, 2009 8:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
More likely seeing some sort of writing on the wall and engaging in preemptive CYA strategy.
September 2, 2009 6:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Okay everyone, I suffer from that affliction of eternal hopefulness and trying to get achieve the positive out of negative. I prefer to hope that some will learn lessons, accept responsibility, take on the mantle of accountability and see the error of their ways for all the good reasons.
Perhaps that's to 'PollyAnna', but for me, it's better than the alternative thought process.
I give Gonzo no kudos for his participation whether following or leading - but IF he does come forward and 'fess up, I will be thrilled - no matter the motivation.
September 2, 2009 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
did you see my comment below?
September 2, 2009 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aunt Sam, I am truly devastated by Gonzo backing down and making me look like a fool.
Did you ever read Kurt Vonnegut's 'Galapagos?' Evolution can produce a devolved creature like our former AG.
September 3, 2009 4:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I have no problem with commending his 'evolution' if in the process he spares the country a great deal of trouble, and discovers a capacity for truthtelling that was nowhere in evidence in his time as AG.
And he is pathetic, and it is difficult not to find him sympathetic compared to the practiced criminals that surrounded him. If he in fact is a determined criminal (a G.Gordon Liddy type as GTFOOH put it) then he is an acting genius on a par with De Niro.
But it seems as if Bush Admin officials often spoke as if a gun were put to their heads (likely held by Dick Cheney). So I will assign blame only when the full story is forced out. It may be that Gonzo, not the brightest bulb to begin with, did almost nothing during his term that was of his own volition.
And unlike Jack Goldsmith, he did not have the courage, or the sense, or the character to resign. If nothing else, the sad story of Gonzo illustrates how vital a job Holder has, at the nexus of Justice and the Executive.
September 2, 2009 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am not against that Auntie. Gonzo is not only dumber than most who have reached his station in life, but he started 'apologizing' almost as soon as he was thrown out in the cold. The apology of course was in the form of placing blame upon others. But that is the best a repub can do when you think about it.
Gonzo is mad at somebody. Maybe Yoo, maybe Feith, maybe Bolton, maybe others, simply because he felt he was 'singled out'.
Yes, any aficionado of Law & Order can see that the normal bribery/extortion racket which represents our criminal justice system could take advantage of this idiot's loss of prestige.
Even though he never had any prestige. hahahahah
September 2, 2009 6:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think Gonzo is trying to get some revenge. It will be interesting if some of the others do the same. Is this an honorable stand? How could it possibly be -- nothing else that he's ever done was for honor. He reminds me of a six year-old who nobody likes; he suddenly realizes that it is better to tell on his fellow class-mates who misbehaved as his only way of getting friends. Better to be a tattle-tail than a loner who did the same things as those he's telling on....
September 1, 2009 8:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is a truly amusing, as well as (I think) accurate, description (compare with that brooding photo of tormented former AG gracing the Muckraker story).
Yes- he's looking to make some 'new friends.' So was Gollum, another corrupted, pathetic character.
September 1, 2009 8:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, I had similar thoughts about Gonzo's support for the holder probe. He's certainly not the G Gordon Liddy type, that will stand on a corner and take a bullet for the team. And by now he knows that the Right has no intention of taking care of him for his loyalty, as Scott McCllellan, Paul O'Neill and Tom Ridge all found out. If this guy meets with an accident, I will never believe it.
September 2, 2009 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink