Bush Pushes Back On Firings Flap

President Tells Democrats To Accept His Offer To Have Top Aides Testify Privately And Not Under Oath

(CBS/AP)  A defiant President Bush warned Democrats Tuesday to accept his offer to have top aides testify about the firings of federal prosecutors only privately and not under oath or risk a constitutional showdown from which he would not back down.

Democrats' response to his proposal was swift and firm: They said they would start authorizing subpoenas as soon as Wednesday for the White House aides.

"Testimony should be on the record and under oath. That's the formula for true accountability," said Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Bush, in a late-afternoon statement at the White House, said, "We will not go along with a partisan fishing expedition aimed at honorable public servants. ... I have proposed a reasonable way to avoid an impasse."

He added that federal prosecutors work for him, and it is natural to consider replacing them. "There is no indication that anybody did anything improper," the president said.

Mr. Bush gave his embattled attorney general, Alberto Gonzales, a boost during an early morning call and ended the day with a public statement repeating it. "He's got support with me, the president said.

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E-Mails Released By House Judiciary Committee
Firings Firestorm Interactive

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The Senate, meanwhile, voted to strip Gonzales of his authority to fill U.S. attorney vacancies without Senate confirmation. Democrats contend the Justice Department and White House purged eight federal prosecutors, some of whom were leading political corruption investigations, after a change in the Patriot Act gave Gonzales the new authority.

Several Democrats, including presidential hopefuls Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barrack Obama, Joe Biden and John Edwards, have called for Gonzales' ouster or resignation. So have a handful of Republican lawmakers.

"What happened in this case sends a signal really through intimidation by purge: 'Don't quarrel with us any longer,'" said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., a former U.S. attorney who spent much of Monday evening paging through 3,000 documents released by the Justice Department.

Bush said his White House counsel, Fred Fielding, told lawmakers they could interview presidential counselor Karl Rove, former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and their deputies — but only on the president's terms: in private, "without the need for an oath" and without a transcript.

The president cast the offer as virtually unprecedented and a reasonable way for Congress to get all the information it needs about the matter.

"If the Democrats truly do want to move forward and find the right information, they ought to accept what I proposed," Bush said. "If scoring political points is the desire, then the rejection of this reasonable proposal will really be evident for the American people to see."

Bush said he would aggressively fight in court any attempt to subpoena White House aides.

"If the staff of a president operated in constant fear of being hauled before various committees to discuss internal deliberations, the president would not receive candid advice and the American people would be ill-served," he said. "I'm sorry the situation has gotten to where it's got, but that's Washington, D.C., for you. You know there's a lot of politics in this town."

If the matter goes to court, the Democrats probably will lose, says CBS News legal analyst Andrew Cohen.

“The White House has the stronger legal position when it comes to executive privilege and not just because there is a lot of precedent for it. The courts that will hear this dispute, especially on the appellate level where it matters most, are stocked with conservative judges likely to support broad privilege claims by the White House,” Cohen said.

Even before the president spoke, Democrats rejected President Bush's proposal, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.

"He said he wanted this to be a conversation rather than a hearing," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is leading the Senate probe into the firings. "A conversation is fine, but let's have the conversation under oath, with a transcript."

Even without oaths, Bush aides would be legally required to tell the truth to Congress. But without a transcript of their comments, "it would be almost meaningless to say that they would be under some kind of legal sanction," Schumer complained.

Fielding's meeting on Capitol Hill came a few hours after Mr. Bush spoke with Gonzales in an early morning phone call — their first conversation since the president had acknowledged mistakes by his longtime friend and lawmakers of both parties had called for Gonzales' ouster.

The White House offered to arrange interviews with Rove, Miers, deputy White House counsel William Kelley and J. Scott Jennings, a deputy to White House political director Sara Taylor, who works for Rove.

"Such interviews would be private and conducted without the need for an oath, transcript, subsequent testimony or the subsequent issuance of subpoenas," Fielding said in a letter to the Senate and House Judiciary committees and their ranking Republicans.

He said documents released by the Justice Department "do not reflect that any U.S. attorney was replaced to interfere with a pending or future criminal investigation or for any other improper reason."

The documents show confusion at the highest levels, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Orr. But the big questions remain unanswered: Who first floated the idea of firing the prosecutors? Who put together the hit list? And how much influence did the White House have in the whole affair?

According to CBS News partner Politico.com, Republican officials — at the request of the White House — reportedly have begun interviewing candidates to succeed Gonzales.

"Rumors are swirling in a typical White House parlor game," Perino said. She described reports that Gonzales will stop aside as "political theater that has no basis in fact."

According to Politico.com, the candidates being considered by administration officials to replace Gonzales include White House anti-terrorism coordinator Frances Townsend, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, former Solicitor General Ted Olson, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Wainstein, federal appeals judge Laurence Silberman, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox and PepsiCo attorney Larry Thompson, who was the government's highest ranking black law enforcement official when he was deputy attorney general during Mr. Bush's first term.

[afmca]

Before we start again this morning - let's get the Rove placed argument out and exposed .. yes, Clinton fired his AGs, BUT he did it at the beginning of his term; was replacing a Republican president; fired all not a selective few; and it wasn't tied to an upcoming election. Now that this feeble argument is exposed, let's explore the facts that this was a dispecable, political act meant to influence the fading chances of Republicans in 2006. This was instituted by Rove who has no respect for the Constitution or the democratic process. That this and so many other lies and immoral acts are just now being exposed shows that the Republicans in Congress should all leave as they failed Americans in upholding their part of the Constitutional separation of powers. If Bush/Cheney had their way, the would conjure up a fake terorist act and use that as an excuse to disband Congress and call off the elections in 2008. They are dictators in spirit and actions!

[djermano1]

They are covering their rumps now that Libby was convicted. That is why they fired them. Things are starting to get hot for them. Have we noticed now that all of a sudden all these testimonies of guilt are now forth coming from terror suspects being held at Gitmo? Bunch of lies all we know. I bet alot of them there are simply camping out with US forces protecting them, since they participated in the scam with the Bush administration in executing 911 and the demolition of the WTC community.

[sek1026]

Maybe the Rove and his Republicans in Congress hoped the investigations prior to the election would enable Republicans to maintain control of Congress so these loyal Bushites could repeal the 22nd Amendment, thus giving Bush an indefinite presidency. Surprising is that the administration did not try to usurp the Constitution with such an idea under the revised Patriot Act (In time of war, presidential elections are voided).

One can only wonder.

[panhandlpete]

Call me a skeptic, or just plain paranoid, but my blarney stone says "this was just a step in a much bigger scheme", which only the chosen few know about.

Let's just hope for the sake of our children, and our country, that this exposure continues until all the dirty linens get hung out to dry.

[omnibus66]

What freaks me out about the mess that we are in is not the Bush administration, although they will no doubt go down as the worst in history. We are simply witnessing what happens when an evil man comes to unchecked power. No, what really churns my gut is the Republican members of Congress who have sat by, and continue to sit by and do nothing to stop this madman and his incompetent crew.

We are all living through, and witnessing, the destruction of these United States of America. It will be another 22 months of this madness unless these Republican Senators and Representatives come to their senses. We need a double impeachment NOW.

[sek1026]

One can only say that Rove and his Bushite followers in Congress were trying to speed up investigations prior to the election to maintain control of Congress. With that said, with Republicans in control possibly might consider repealing the 22nd Amendment, thus giving Bush an indefinite period of time to continue to usurp the Constitution. Congress should review the Patriot Act once again. Maybe, just maybe, there's a hidden clause for such an act as where Bush can continue as president by eliminating future presidential elections until victory is proclaimed over the terrorists.

[tuckerndfw]

Congress should review the Patriot Act once again.

Posted by sek1026 at 08:44 AM : Mar 20, 2007

Congress shouldn't review the "Patriot Act."

It should be repealed.

The "Patriot Act" gave the executive branch (the president) dictatorial powers (most of which appear to be unconstitutional) and does nothing to further the interests of justice or law enforcement.

[terrapin78]

This article shows they knew this would blow up in their faces and they did it anyway.

This, IMO, again shows the arrogance of this "Administration" and those who work in it.

[tuckerndfw]

This article shows they knew this would blow up in their faces and they did it anyway.

This, IMO, again shows the arrogance of this "Administration" and those who work in it.

Posted by Terrapin78 at 08:54 AM : Mar 20, 2007

The GOP did not expect to lose the election in November. If Democrats had not taken control of congress, there would be no investigations.

Arrogant and stupid, it appears. It is always the attempted coverup that gets these crooks.

[rochest]

slowly the wheel grinds on... but it keeps moving now that we have true oversight .... and Karl Rove role in this and many of his political manipulations are coming to light and also how the Republican Congress allowed themselves to really be a rubber-stamp and not an independent branch. Yes it's true what they say turn over rocks and watched the insects scurry away

[battyellison]

I don't think that the Bush administration abides by laws. They rule with an Iron Hand When Clinton was in office and he was helping the middle class and lower middle class to prosper with jobs, loans, ect... none for the rich they put Kenneth Star on Clinton for 8yrs 200+ millions of dollars that a group from the united states of america's governing body can actually do that and get away with it shows the power and money machine that would be the GOP Just think if a Kenneth Star type of investigation of the Bush Administration was conducted What Do You Think They Would Find?

[xsoldier2]

Why is this even news? Is the news media so determined to bring down the U.S. any way they can? Mr Clinton fired over 90 attorneys for political reasons and the news media never reported it. Also the Clinton administration was very crocked and unlawful. Mr Clinton was the only President that lied to the public and convicted of it. What has President Bush Done? Nothing illegal that is proven.

[tuckerndfw]

I don't think that the Bush administration abides by laws.

Posted by battyellison at 09:24 AM : Mar 20, 2007

George Bush does not acknowledge that the law applies to him or his administration. When he claims to be a "war time president," what he is really saying is that the US is under martial law and he is a military dictator with unlimited authority.

His attorneys argued to the US Supreme Court that George Bush can (legally) order a person boiled in oil (US Supreme Court's words, not mine).

A president who formally argues that he has the "legal" authority to boil people to death clearly has no regard for any laws.

George Bush is the worst president in US history and his GOP led rubber stamp congress was the worst congress in history.

Congress and the courts are supposed to limit the president's authority. They are not supposed to twiddle their thumbs while he runs amok.

The GOP led congress is responsible for much of the abuses we have seen and are seeing.

[terrapin78]

Bush is nothing but a dangerous bully. His word is as good as a elephant dung.

[xsoldier2]

As a Conservative and many like myself are going to quit paying taxes if a Democrat ever gets back in control. They continue to destroy our country. It is as if they are fighting for the other side to bring down the U.S. I will not give my hard earned money for this to happen. They will have to build a big jail to hold all of us. Then the media can have it their way.

[terrapin78]

xsoldier2

The US Penal system will be happy to provide you with 3 squares.

Then while in prison you will be put to work for pennies per day.

[qwaszx1-2009]

Can you guess the number one concern at the Justice Dept. Terrorism? Coroporate corruption? How about Democrats...I hope they all burn in hell.

Draft Republicans.

[battyellison]

Bush Lied That's a proven fact all the reports show that. First WMD's then "democracy for the Iraq's" Oh yea " It was a good idea to get sadaam"
If you think that the same person that's fumbling and bumbling thru speaches and press conferances is the one calling the shots Well !!!!

[xsoldier2]

What are you guys talking about? Do you know of any of the stuff you lie about happening? Give some proof. Do you hate so badly that you are blind? Why do people listen to you? Nothing is going on that past presidents haven%u2019t done. And when I look around everything is going very well. Except the comments that are destroying us we have to work harder to except them.

[karlimhof]

What has President Bush Done? Nothing illegal that is proven.
Posted by xsoldier2


What something illegal that hasn't been proven?Yet.

And there are things that just don't have to proven becaue the facts tell us whole story.

Taking a country to war in Iraq on the basis of WMD and the Saddam/Al-Qaeda 911, then finding no WMD and no Al-Qaeda connection in Iraq.

There's your proof of illegal war and failed President.

[xccoach]

xsoldier2,

Actually the dems would not put you in jail. My idea is to put you on the frontline (like my son is). Let's see how strong your conviction is then. As a matter of fact, if you are so sure you are corredct, how about reenlisting?

[cbslogin12]

"Meanwhile, White house counsel Fred Fielding will be on Capitol Hill
Tuesday to continue working on a compromise to prevent testimony from Rove and former White House counsel Harriet Miers."

If the White House did nothing wrong then why are they trying so hard to prevent Rove and Miers from testifying? Obviously they do have something to hide.

[aaabee-2009]

xsoldier:
I am sick of Republicans defending criminals:

It wasn't that they were fired, it was what they were fired for!
The public reason was job performance, the private reason what the attorneys didn't disclose information on investigations on Democrats.
They didn't disclose information because it is against the law, and they lost their jobs for being ethical.
The senators who made the calls were acting illegally, Republican senators I might add.

[xsoldier2]

Terrapin78 I am ready. It is sure strange that such a comment comes from a so-called caring person or shall I say democrat. But I will probably starve in there since the money won%u2019t be available to feed me. Or!! Democrats can donate more of their money.

[condumism]

Bush reaffirms support for CRONYISM, which equals incompetence, unqualified, inbred, Southern Scum!

[tuckerndfw]

What did he do illegal?? NOTHING!!!!

Posted by b48151 at 09:35 AM : Mar 20, 2007

Technically speaking, until a person is brought to trial and found guilty, he is innocent. It is correct to say that George Bush is currently innocent of crimes.

However, if serious investigations into his activities were conducted (such as those launched against Bill Clinton by the GOP led congress), we could expect numerous indictments and convictions, not the least of which would be for war crimes against the Iraqi people.

The US led invasion of Iraq is, legally speaking, no different than Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. There is no legal justification in the US Constitution or international law for using US forces to overthrow other nations' governments. Or, to install "democracy."

The US led invasion of Iraq appears to be a war crime. Which means George Bush, D. Cheney, D. Rumsfeld, Condo Rice, et al x 100's are war criminals.

But until a court so rules, they are "innocent."

[abbe7]

And guess who was almost on the list ?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/19/AR2007031902036_pf.html

Just in case he indicted Rove ?
Fired under pressure from Rove ?

[ammianus]

The Sorrows of Young Dumus, Art. IX
Impatient with the toilsome rituals of a counterfeit democracy, the Oligarchs of the Hegemon resolved to institute direct rule. In this revolution, the ascendancy of the House of Dumus in wealth and prestige secured to it the leadership. The artful policy of the elder Dumus aimed at the use of a predatory war as the specious pretext for the abolition of civil rights and popular sovereignty.
But the first step along the road to undisguised tyranny required the Oligarchs to secure the office of Chief Magistrate to one of their number. The urging of the eldar Stultus fixed their choice upon the younger Stultus. Whenever in a long sequence of varied endeavors, Stultus Dumus the Younger relied upon his native talents, he failed. But in each instance, his want of ability was supplied and his fortunes mended by the powerful intercession of the elder Dumus or the ingratiating favors of suppliants. Notwithstanding these embarrassments, his popular address and imagined virtues were ideally fitted to disguise the designs of the Oligarchs and to tranquilize the populace, so that by imperceptible degrees, their remaining liberties could be annulled.
Allegedly through fraud, deceit, and the connivance of a suborned judiciary, Stultus Dumus the Younger was elevated (A. J. 6714, 19 Hyperberetaios) to the Chief Magistracy of the Republic. Not since the day of Didius Iulianus, was the rule of a mighty state so wretchedly auctioned to the highest bidder.

[pensacola8-2009]

Partisan Justice has never made any sense to me. The Justice Department appears to have been given a constitutional exemption to preside with fairness. If the Justice Department was fair and acted blindly to political affiliations, then it would only have its eyes cast on the constitution and not have any political ties at election time. A Democratic or Republican Judge makes as much sense as a Black God or White God. God is God and Justice is Justice.

[dallison7]

They will have to build a big jail to hold all of us. Then the media can have it their way.
Posted by xsoldier2

THAT WOULD BE GOOD!

[xsoldier2]

AaaBee why would the Bush administration want a silly Democrat on his staff. They serve him and his desires the same as Clinton did.

[tuckerndfw]

It appears the Justice Department (Gonzo) attempted to obstruct justice. Which is a crime regardless who does it.

If it can be demonstrated that George Bush or Karl Rove (or anyone else) was involved, they would likewise be guilty of "obstructing justice."

But, until the investigations are complete, we can't be sure what crimes, if any, were committed.

[ammianus]

The Sorrows of Young Dumus, Art. X
The indolence and incapacity of Stultus Dumus the Younger being clearly unequal to the burdens of the supreme office, a lieutenant was sought who could stiffen his resolve, supply his want of energy and ensure that the designs of the Oligarchs were unrelentingly advanced. Appointed to preside over the selection of this lieutenant, Imbustus Vulturinus was a longtime servitor whose loyalty to the House of Dumus was cemented by criminal guilt in a numerous sequence of misdeeds (Journandes, op. cit., p. 103). Well ensconced in the Oligarchy, Vulturinus was nimble in the hydrocarbon fuel extraction industry; had profited immensely from his dealings with the artificers of hyper lethal weapons and had served the officials of the Hegemon whenever a deft lie or low stratagem was required. A secretive nature presented the appearance of quiet probity; and the affectation of piety supported an imaginary rectitude. But every sentiment of virtue and humanity was extinct in the mind of Vulturinus. Upon inspecting a series of candidates, he concluded rightly that none were his equal in the deadly arts of rapacious cruelty. Whereupon, Imbustus Anguis Vulturinus elevated himself to chief lieutenant, tutor, guardian and keeper of Dumus the Younger.

[xsoldier2]

tuckerndfw you are a very bigoted blinded person

[ammianus]

The Sorrows of Young Dumus, Art. XI
The resources of the entire Oikoumene were open to plunder, and it was the first care of Vulturinus to host a convocation of the energy extraction Oligarchs in order to agree upon the division of spoils. A signally important measure of the efficiency of an energy extraction enterprise and an essential prop to its reputation was the ratio of known reserves to annual production. The energy supply oligarchs presided over an enterprise based upon an ever depleting resource. They could never resist the temptation to profess a reserves-to-production ratio far in excess of reality. When the actual ratios were disclosed, the entire energy extraction industry was discovered to rest upon a most precarious foundation. Readily accessible supplies were rapidly disappearing; and strenuous efforts must be made by the Hegemon to acquire control over new sources. To avoid premature collapse of the energy enterprises, all information concerning the deliberations of the convocation was withheld from the populace and a long-cherished scheme of the oligarchy was revived. Realization of their dream of an imperial demesne extending from the banks of the Indus to the confines of Syria would have excited the envy of the son of Philip. But above all, when combined with the resources of the House of Saaud, such a conquest would furnish the Oligarchs with most of the fossil fuel supplies of the globe.

[xsoldier2]

condumism, if you had an education that thought you something you don%u2019t use it.

[us_infidel]

OOooooo....I see all the usual Bush bashers have had their breakfast and are playing at their computers.

I'll check back later.....maybe during their nap time.

[y0wmama]

Bush is a pansy boy - incapable of making manly decisions. I think this president should be impeached for
1. Valerie Plame expose
2. Lies to invade Iraq
3. Poor treatment of vets
4. Oil prices
5. Sexual harasment of white house pages.

[huskerarmy]

"I see all the usual Bush bashers have had their breakfast and are playing at their computers."
At this point, you don't have to be a "Bush basher" to recognize that this guy is going down in history as incompetent, dishonest and overall, a really strange dude.

[xsoldier2]

y0wmama yea Ok what else have you made up?

[clestes-2009]

Bush reaffirmed his total support of that dummy Rummy right before the axe fell on his neck.

Seriously, Bush's support does not have the power it used to. First off, it is not Bush but Cheney calling the shots here.

This whole affair reeks of the covert politics Cheney and Rove have always played in which Bush does nothing more than say what they tell him to. Gonzales is a rat of the same type of as Cheney, Libby and the rest.

Those fat (having made billions in Iraq) rats are circling the wagons. Their political resources are very slim and they won't waste them on Alberto. They need whatever political capital they have left to negoitate the withdrawl of troops from Iraq.

Alberto will get the Medal of Freedom pinned to his chest, a tearful and heartfelt address of thanks for being "the best AG in US history" from Dubya and he will be pushed out.

My guess, less than 3 months.

[aboz146]

Gonzo, yer doin a great job...

warmly,

Dubya

[tuckerndfw]

Amazing how those "law and order" Bush supporters, with their "Christian family values" and inflexible "morals," are so eager to overlook or justify (apparent) crimes committed by the Bush administration.

Those etched in stone "moral values" seem to be pretty flexible.

[huskerarmy]

"...if you had an education that thought you something..."
O.K. now that's funny! I'm not quite sure it was intended that way but... funny none the less.

[rohink-2009]

where ever your loyalties lie, I can pretty much see the writing on the wall. Now that President Bush has reaffirmed his Support of Attorney General Gonzales, it will be a matter of days until his letter of resignation. Also, the Democrats will not rest until they start impeachment proceedings against President Bush. After 6 years of complaining about all the wrong the republicans were doing, why not put all your efforts into "doing a better job". It's just turning into a lynch mob mentality and it doesn't bode well.

[huskerarmy]

"Amazing how those "law and order" Bush supporters, with their "Christian family values" and inflexible "morals," are so eager to overlook or justify (apparent) crimes committed by the Bush administration."
It's light versus darkness, good versus evil. In this epic battle for the human sould, the very existence of mankind hangs in the balance. Therefore, every righteous soldier must be salvaged for the cause. The end justifies the means.

[stevex47]

I blame the electoral college for most of this. Think we should keep it?

[observantx]

Call me a skeptic, or just plain paranoid, but my blarney stone says "this was just a step in a much bigger scheme", which only the chosen few know about. posted by panhandlepete

Pete:

I think you are right. I had the dubious privilege of listening to Tom DeLay this morning on the radio. Man, butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. Oh, he never threatened anybody. Oh dear me, he just wanted to promote true conservative values.

What a crock. He sidestepped a question about the goal of securing a permanent Republican majority in our government. THAT was the goal, and still IS the goal. Permanent one party rule, in other words a dictatorship. And Mr. DeLay did everything under the sun to, no matter how underhanded and vicious, to get it done.

The firing of the attorneys is just another tool in the belt. Just like packing the Supreme Court with ultra right judges. The firings were an effort to prosecute or smear Democrats and shield crooked Repugnicans.

So what did one party rule bring us? Are we any safer? Do we really feel we still have the full and unrestricted freedoms granted by our Constitution? Are we more prosperous? Are our children suitably educated? Do we dare speak out or protest anymore, without fear of reprisal?

Sinclair Lewis said that tyranny would come "wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Boy, doesn't THAT sound like our lying hypocritical White House.

US_Infidel wrote:

"OOooooo....I see all the usual Bush bashers have had their breakfast and are playing at their computers.

I'll check back later.....maybe during their nap time."

You mean, after you've had yours, little one.

[xgi123]

As a Conservative and many like myself are going to quit paying taxes if a Democrat ever gets back in control. They continue to destroy our country. It is as if they are fighting for the other side to bring down the U.S. I will not give my hard earned money for this to happen. They will have to build a big jail to hold all of us. Then the media can have it their way.
Posted by xsoldier2 at 09:33 AM : Mar 20, 2007

If you are a veteran of the U.S. military, the oath you took was to this country, it's constitution and the commander in cheif. Conservative, Liberal, Democrat, Republican are all irrelevant.

Contrary to what your opinion seems to be, there are those consevatives among us who, while still loving their country, despise it's governments policies and the policy makers.