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There was an unusual but welcome specter of unity on Capital Hill today, with Republicans and Democrats agreeing that Attorney General designate Alberto Gonzales was "not the worst choice possible".
Senator Patrick J. Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said "I don't see Judge Gonzales as being a real controversial nomination, at least not a lightning rod type, I guess, at least not a last guy on the Titanic type, I mean, uh, whatever."
Senator Joe Lieberman agreed. "Let's be fair. Really. He is not an ugly man, and he's got a good firm handshake. Some might find his advice to the president on torture a little upsetting, but let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Bonk. Heh heh."
On the other side of the aisle, Senate Majority Leader Frist spoke out. "That part about the handshake. I agree with that. You can tell a lot about a man from his handshake. Ashcroft's handshake was all limp and soggy, and Alberto's is not like that at all."
Senator Edward Kennedy was one of a handful of politicos to express some trepidation on the nomination, although not enough to keep him from saying that he will vote to confirm Gonzales. "Handshake, shmandshake. I think you have to look at the situation realistically. The next attorney general is going to be involved in very sensitive negotiations, some of which involve the Bush White House. Let me see... The Plume case, that's a big one. And how about the investigation of Halliburton? Who knows where that's going to lead. But on balance, Ashcroft says he won't leave until the new guy is confirmed, so I'm all in favor of voting tonight." |
