The Justice Department's Long National Nightmare Is Finally Over

Attorney General Gonzales has finally resigned, via the NY Times as well as news wires.

Lots of things to ponder here. Not sure why the White House finally dumped Gonzales, having stubbornly held on so long. Also, we will find out soon if the rumors of Michael Chertoff replacing him are true or not. One would think that President Bush wouldn't replace Gonzales with someone also controversial and unpopular like Chertoff, but as we know President Bush apparently only knows a dozen or so people in all of Washington DC.

My personal pick would be former Deputy Attorney General James Comey. Not only is he a very respected prosecuter, but he has expressed, in his past work with the administration, a strong streak of political and judicial independence. But that, of course, is why the pick won't be him. Bring on AG Chertoff and his terror-sensing gut!

Regardless of who is picked, these confirmation hearings will be a long and serious matter. Of course, the media won't treat it that way, lamenting-- much to the White House's glee-- of angry Democrats and show trials and all that nonsense. The position of Attorney General has been treated as a political joke by the Bushies; but opposing that has been and will be portrayed as partisan by a lazy media.

Finally, Talking Points Memo looks back at Gonzales' biggest lies. Good times.

[UPDATE: It's noteworthy that the White House denies Gonzales ever did anything wrong... yet hasn't released a reason why he resigned (and no, Democrats not liking him isn't a reason). The resignation press conference was revealing in that it said basically nothing.

UPDATE #2: Acting Attorney General will be Paul Clement, currently Solicitor General. Also, if Chertoff is promoted to AG, his possible DHS replacement is Bush pal Clay Johnson.]