Posted on April 20, 2007 by Tami Cowden

Bogden Gonzales' Closest Call

Gonzales did not, of course, recall what he knew about Daniel Bogden on the day Bogden’s resignation was requested (see previous post). However, Gonzales does know that his Deputy Attorney General agonized over the decision to fire Bogden.

Having, as he said, “gone back and looked at the documents,” Gonzales stands by the decision, justifying it thus:

it appears that there was concerns about the level of energy, generally, in a fast-growing district, concerns about his commitment to pursuing obscenity -- which is important for the department; it is a law, we have an obligation to pursue it -- and just generally getting a sense of new energy in that office.

Perhaps Bogden can feel energized by Gonzales' regret that there had been no face-to-face meeting to discuss the concerns. In fact, Gonzales wanted to help Bogden secure other employment, because, even though the Attorney General testified that he does not recall what he knew about Bogden when the decision was made, he was able to testify “I struggled, as well, over this decision.”

Those interested in reading the full text of Gonzales explanation of Bogden’s firing will find it in

Part I of the Washington Post’s transcripts of the hearing, in response to questioning by Senator Brownback (R- Kan).

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Posted on April 20, 2007 by Tami Cowden

Recollection of a Lack of Recollection

Recollection is a funny word.  It’s not one that comes up in general conversation much – at least, not in any conversations I have.  But it is a word that seems to abound in congressional hearings.  In fact, during Albert Gonzales' testimony yesterday, the word was  used more than 20 times.

 

Of course, Gonzales wasn’t the only one using the word.  Once or twice, when the Attorney General denied having any recollection of some matter or another, whichever Senator was questioning him would repeat, “You have no recollection.”  I read a transcript instead of watching video,  yet I could hear the dry tone.

 

Claiming a lack of recollection was not the only way Gonzales expressed his lamentable memory.  During the course of questioning, he responded that he didn’t recall more than 45 times.  Twice he stated he had no memory regarding the subject of questioning. 

 

All this lack of recollection has certainly sparked my recollection of times gone by.  I was about thirteen  the first time I heard the word recollection.  The Watergate hearings were going on. 

Thanks, Mr. Gonzales, for your lack of recall.  You make me feel like a teenager again.

 

The Washington Post provides a transcript of the Gonzales hearings: Part I, Part II, and Part III.

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