CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Gonzales teary-eyed on last day «

September 14, 2007

Posted: September 14th, 2007 06:15 PM ET

Friday was the embattled Attorney General's last day at the helm of the Justice Department.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales received an emotional and staunchly supportive send-off in the final hour of his last day on the job at the Justice Department on Friday.

With a handful of protesters noisily celebrating his departure on the sidewalks outside, Gonzales was praised by no fewer than 10 Justice lieutenants and agency heads - some with their voices cracking.

Gonzales himself at one point wiped tears from his eyes and praised the Justice Department as "a place of inspiration" in his farewell speech.

But he also expressed concern about challenges ahead, noting his day had begun - as always - with an intelligence briefing.

"As I depart, I wish - I wish that I can tell you that work is done. That there are no threats, but I cannot. Our enemy is resourceful and determined, and I will wonder and worry when I'm gone what is being said in those briefings," Gonzales said.

Full story: Gonzales receives praise, standing ovations at farewell ceremony

Filed under: Alberto Gonzales

10 Comments | Permalink


Leigh, PA		September 15th, 2007 3:01 pm ET You're a disgrace!

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA		September 15th, 2007 2:39 pm ET Gonzo is what you get when cronyism trumps competence– a Bush buddy who did Harvard Law on affirmative action and couldn't handle the big leagues outside of Texas. Did I mention he's a criminal?

Carrol Ann, Newport, Maine		September 15th, 2007 1:03 pm ET Welcome to the real world, the one the rest of us American's inhabit. Sucks doesn't it....

stan pitts, p.a		September 15th, 2007 12:38 pm ET Gonzales was bad news for america, he allowed torture to go on, refused detainees their rights to a fair trial and hearings, participated in the unjust process of extraordinary renditions, he insulted the American justice system made a mockery of everything my country stands for...he will go down in history as one of the worst we ever had, his office was merely a political arm of the bush administration, the tears being shed are his, goodbye gonzo, you will not be missed at all!

Terry Gloege (Kansas)		September 15th, 2007 12:19 pm ET I imagine that his were the only tears shed on this day.

Leigh, PA		September 15th, 2007 11:21 am ET You'll always be remembered as a liar!!

ST from JC		September 15th, 2007 9:34 am ET good ridddens!

Amy, FL		September 15th, 2007 12:12 am ET Funny how this story has been a bit buried. The Bush administration is thankful I'm sure that nobody is noticing another disgraceful exit by a top appointee. So much shame this administration has brought upon the good American people. God bless us, for many know not what they do....

Alan St Louis Mo		September 14th, 2007 11:24 pm ET The unsung hero. Who was betrayed by the dems, the republicans and the people of america. Boo hooo hooo Good ridance

Colleen Apple Valley, Ca.		September 14th, 2007 10:29 pm ET Hit the road Gonzo. Hasta La Bye Bye...don't let the door hit you on the way out.
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