August 27th, 2007
10:54 AM ET
15 years ago
Gonzales says he told Bush Sunday
Watch Gonzales announce his resignation Monday.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced his resignation Monday, telling reporters he informed President Bush on Sunday that he will leave his post "effective as of" Sept. 17.
In a very brief statement before reporters, Gonzales offered no explanation for his decision and did not take questions.
"I am profoundly grateful to President Bush for his friendship and for the many opportunities he has given me to serve the American people," Gonzales said.
As the grandson of Mexican immigrants, Gonzales also said he has "lived the American dream."
"Even my worst days as attorney general have been better than my father's best days," he said.
And the worse days for Americans were the Attorney General's best days. I couldn't be happier.
Alberto Gonzeles as Attorney General, is the highest-ranking Hispanic in the federal government ever. The timing of his resignation comes awkwardly, but Attorney General Gonzales did not committ any crime. It is customary for a Presidential administration to replace all States Attorneys however usually they are done in one fell swoop, at the start of a term. Each President has the perogative to appoint these attorneys according to political bent.
Awww...Gonzy...did BushyWooshie tell you it was time for you to fall on your sword?
Gonzalez gave his speech (all of two minutes) and then left without answering reporters' questions.
Not really surprised at this behavior by the man who got Bush out of Jury Duty and out of trouble with his DUIs all those years ago before Shrubya became Da Prez.
I had heard he wanted to spend more time with his family, similar to Karl Rove's excuse, even though Rove has 1 son in college, guess he wants to be a frat daddy! Good Riddance to BOTH liars.
His worst days were better than his father's best days???? Wow! So you're saying....your father was even worse than someone who lied under oath, was incompetent at his job, was easily influenced by a political party, and probably will go to jail? Way to put down your dad's life Alberto!
We all knew it was coming, after all, the President put his support behind him. In this administration, the President's support is the kiss of death. Watch out Condi....
"I am profoundly grateful to President Bush for his friendship and for the many opportunities he has given me to serve the American people," Gonzales said.
Serve the American people?
What's the matter with Alberto Gonzales, doesn't he have some family he needs to spend more time with; not even a puppy or pet rock in urgent need of his attention?
tsk tsk.
He could have saved everyone much grief had he resigned months ago. This is simply another example of the severe corruption in the Bush Administration.
Does this mean the US will have to abide by the regulations of the Geneva Convention??? Good riddens!
It is not Alberto Gonzales who should go. He was taking orders from the President and like a good soldier never questioned his orders. It shoudl be Bush who should be impeached
One of the most qualified AJ's ever appointed. Not a good speaker and way too nice to deal with a Congress with a attack dog mentality. The President needs to appoint Jeb Bush to fill the position just like President Kennedy did for his brother. The hearings would last to Jan 2009.
The democrats finally got something accomplished. They harassed a good man until he finally gave up and quit. I don't blame him because they don't deserve his talent. This democratic congress is the most disgusting I have seen. They should all quit and Gonzales should stay.
If he had truly served the American people, he would not be leaving office with his tail between his legs.
He served Bush and participated in acts unlawful and unbecoming to someone in that position. All the rats scurrying from a sinking ship!!
What I will remember about his time in office is that America did not have any more attacks on our home land. I regret that he did not tell Congress to just read the Constitution and guit trying to run the Government.
Hasta la vista, baby. It's a sad day in American history when our most notorious liars are our president, our vice president and our attorney general.
History will recall the legacy of this administration as the most blatent series of deceptions, half truths and out-and-out lies ever perpetrared on the American people and our former allies.
A supreme court justice once said: "perjury is the filth that pollutes the stream of justice at its very source." This pollution is extremly injurious when the source of this filth is the top law enforcement official in the land. When the qualification of this office bacame best friend instead of best qualified, the results are predictable. But in a administration where all important appointments have that same criterion, no one should be surprised.
Alberto Gonzalez is not of mexican descent.
I question the comment about his worst day being better than his father's best days. It that's true, then A.G. still doesn't get that his behavior and actions as the Attorney General were reprehensible. His own father could perhaps have been proud of his behavior, working hard to raise his children. I'm betting that he had some very good days, indeed. A.G. has disgraced himself, but doesn't seem to notice.
Gonzo gone. Good. If only the President and VP would follow his fine example.
I think he did the right thing. Our country in in such a mess, I don't know what or who can ever straighten it out. Bush and his co harts have made such a mess I don't think it can be straightened out. If only he had taken Bush and Cheney with him.
to coulton c. yes it was bush's right to fire them, but not for political reasons, all alberto had to say yes we fired them, but no. he had to lie to congress about the reason. get your facts straight.