The news that U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales decided to resign had hardly reached the newswires this morning before the incessant chattering class began beating their drums in earnest. “Better later than never,” offers former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.). Gonzales had “done the right thing,” according to Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
What I found most interesting and will undoubtedly be a pattern that will be repeated in the coming days was the statement of Sen. Schumer on National Public Radio this morning. Tellingly, Schumer notes, “Democrats will not obstruct or impede a nominee who we are confident will put the rule of law about political considerations.” Really? Given the poisonous atmosphere on Capitol Hill, I wonder if Sen. Schumer could name one Republican who would pass their “test.”
There is a reason that the president’s approval ratings are more than double those of the representatives and senators on the opposite end of Pennsylvania Avenue. The constant gotcha politics and endless investigations have taken their toll and the American people are looking for leadership, rather than partisan politics. The departure of the attorney general presents the president with a unique opportunity late in his term to put forth a nominee who can help bridge the gap the Democrats have sought to widen for their perceived political advantage. The test for Sen. Schumer and his colleagues will be if they are more interested in politics for politics sake or whether they will give the president’s new nominee the serious deliberation he or she deserves. Don’t hold your breath.