He begins by pointing out Gonzales’ lies about his own involvement in the process and references Kyle Sampson’s testimony that Gonzales attended a November 27 meeting to discuss the firings. Gonzales says the meeting is on his calendar, but “he has no memory” of it whatsoever. At this meeting, Kyle Sampson says he presented recommendations of whom to fire and how to handle the expected political fallout. Sessions expresses serious concern about Gonzales’ memory.
On to David Iglesias. Sessions says Gonzales should have talked to David Iglesias about his concerns, particularly on voter fraud cases. I guess he’s having a hard time carrying Bush’s water here, since he’s been an AG and a US Attorney, and, as he states, voter fraud cases are particularly difficult to prosecute.
On to Harriet Miers’ desire to fire all 93 USAs. And then to Sampson’s suggestion to use the Patriot Act (in “good faith”) to replace USAs with others who don’t need confirmation. Gonzales says he shot that down, and that he wasn’t trying to use the provision to put Rove crony Tim Griffin in place in Arkansas.
Coimmittee Chair Leahy follows up on Gonzales’ lack of recall as to when he made the decision to fire the USAs. Gonzales knows he decided; he just can’t remember when.
Okay, Jeff didn’t exactly batter Gonzales, but he didn’t give him a pass either. None of the softball, here’s-the-answer-I-want-to-hear questions. Should we be speculating that perhaps Bush has had it with his buddy Fredo?
[...] Update (12:05 PM): Kathy at Birmingham Blues weighs in. [...]