Gonzales Vs. Cheney

by Patrick Appel

Alberto Gonzales is fine with Holder investigating CIA interrogators who when beyond what was outlined by the DOJ:

"As chief prosecutor of the United States, he should make the decision on his own, based on the facts, then inform the White House," said Mr. Gonzales, who was appointed to the post by President George W. Bush in 2005 and resigned in 2007. Mr. Gonzales also said Bush administration lawyers clearly defined what interrogation techniques were legal and the few who went beyond the rules should be investigated, despite the so-called chilling effect it might have on future intelligence-gathering.

Marcy Wheeler reacts:

Let's hear more from you on the importance of DOJ independence. Not because your words have any credibility. But because it suggests you might be willing to say more--much more--to defend yourself in the face of those who refused you a sinecure.

Maybe, but I'm not holding my breath. Gonzales's statement bolsters the argument that the Holder investigation will not look up the chain of command. Gonzales presumably understands how the DOJ functions and wouldn't be making such statements about the legitimacy of the investigation if he felt threatened by it.