Next In Line

Now that we don't have Mr. Gonzales to kick around anymore (Except for the subpeonas and indictments that are still chasing him around, of course.), speculation swirls about who's going to replace him. When talk doesn't swirl about the arrest of Senator Craig, that is. And while I'd like to think that the conventional wisdom is right, and the President will display some contrite, rational humility here and nominate someone with integrity, someone uncontroversial and unconfrontational to restore some of the DoJ's tarnished reputation, who'll be wise and charismatic and make everything better, I wouldn't bet money on it. If there's one thing Mr. Bush is good at, it's being stubborn. And if there's a second thing he's good at it's abusing the goodwill of others. He's long since used up any benefit of the doubt, whatsoever, that he's going to do anything but deliver an enormous “fuck you”.

And the rumors are that it's Mr. Chertoff, from DHS Katrina infamy, who's the pick would seem to confirm that suspicion.

Whoever the nominee is, I believe we're headed for a nasty confirmation battle. At least, I hope we are. It's a golden opportunity for the Congress (Not just the Democrats) to hold the Bush administration to the flames. To hold them to account for the policies and practices they've so unrepentantly pursued. Someone has to, after all. And while they might not be able to block the eventual nomination, this is the kind of fight it pays to have. Let the Republicans go on television and scream about how the President should have his way, how Congress needs to concede to his executive privileges. Let them try to make the argument that they need to rubberstamp the President's choice. Because that's worked so well with Iraq and Gonzales and dozens of other examples.

Now, the President could always make a recess appointment. Just as he did before with Mr. Bolton. But, as I understand it, there's a deal in place with the Senate. Mr. Bush kindly abstains from making any recess appointments. And the Senators refrain from doing everything in their power to prevent it and to abolish the practice. Frankly, as with the “nuclear option”, it's a fight I wish they'd have instead. Recess appointments are just another undemocratic loophole in the Constitution, abuse of which has only grown over time, and I wouldn't mind seeing the practice abolished. Doesn't look like that will come to pass this time around, though.

The best we can hope for is an honest airing of the grievances against the overreaches of the Bush administration. To extract promises from the new AG that, this time, things will be different. Because this might be the opportunity to start turning things around and towards a saner place.