Gonzo Defends Himself

Update: TPM Muckraker has snippets and video.

In his hearing today, Gonzo defended his attempt to do an end run around acting AG James Comey by visiting the seriously ill and sedated John Ashcroft in his hospital room in the middle-of-the-night:

"There are no rules governing whether or not Attorney General Ashcroft can decide 'I'm feeling well enough to make this decision.'"

A reportedly angry Arlen Specter pointed out the missing piece: that Ashcroft had already passed on the decision-making authority to Comey. There are indeed rules governing that. Do you suppose Gonzo will have to suffer any consequences?

Specter also asked Gonzales if he thought there was any threat to our Constitution by the president claiming executive privilege and then barring the DoJ from hearing charges brought by Congress. Gonzo responded that, because he was recusing himself from decision-making in the firing of attorneys general investigation, he couldn't answer that question.

That makes as much sense as the other stupid answer. He's just plain worthless. Unless you're the president of the United States.

But beyond worthless, it seems to me he's lied and sleazed his way through his whole tenure. Is the only recourse left to Congress to sputter and steam?

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.