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Legal News

: Lawbeat

WSJ scores with Gonzo interview

By Mark Obbie

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The Journal's Evan Perez scoops everyone else on the DOJ and Gonzo beats with what he bills (and I have no reason to disagree) as former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' "most extensive comments since leaving government." Perez leads with the not-so-surprising news that Gonzales plans a score-settling book, but goes on from there to quote the former AG with such zingers as these:

"What is it that I did that is so fundamentally wrong, that deserves this kind of response to my service?" (referring to widespread pans of his performance in office)"[F]or some reason, I am portrayed as the one who is evil in formulating policies that people disagree with. I consider myself a casualty, one of the many casualties of the war on terror.""He didn't have the decency to notify anyone what he was about to testify. That was extremely disappointing." (referring to Jim Comey's testimony about Gonzales' role in trying to strongarm an ailing Attorney General John Ashcroft into reauthorizing a secret surveillance program)

The Journal accompanies its story with interview excerpts. But one notable gap in the story is reaction quotes from critics and supporters. Perhaps that bit of conventional storytelling wasn't necessary, with Perez's narration serving as the only needed context. Or maybe the rationale is that Gonzales is the one getting the opportunity to respond, after months of unreturned volleys. Given the self-serving and debatable claims Gonzales makes, I would have sought others' comments for balance.

Full post as published by Lawbeat on December 31, 2008 (boomark / email).