Hillary Clinton reacts to Gonzales' resignation

Posted: Monday, August 27, 2007 1:04 PM by Jen Brown

Exclusive: At today's LiveStrong Presidential Cancer Forum, Chris Matthews asked Hillary Clinton about her reaction to the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Here's the senator's response:

"I think we should set a standard that the next Attorney General cares about the rule of law more than he cares about protecting the president. That the next attorney general….when he takes an oath to uphold the constitution, he actually means it, understands it, and will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. When it comes to issues like torture and surveillance, the military commissions, the firing of U.S. attorneys because they wouldn't pursue a partisan political agenda, we need to be especially vigilant and strong in making sure whoever the president appoints will work with the congress to bring us back from this precipice that this administration has put us on.

"We have lost our moral standing in the world, we have seen contempt for the separation of powers and checks and balances, and yes, I think we can keep our country safe and strong and follow the constitution and the law and have an Attorney General once again we can be proud of, and that will be my standard."

Click here to watch the video.

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Comments

Let me first state that I am an attorney. I deal with the legal system every day of my life. There is no greater protector of "the people" than the rule of law and no greater threat to America than the abuse of the rule of law. This administration is poisonus to ebrything that it touches, including the legal system. The departure of Gonzo is only a tiny step towards restoring honor and integrity to this country. But, it starts a journey that includes cleaning up the corruption in the Justice Department and restoring to this country a Supreme Court that is beyond (far, far beyond) politics.

David, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:36 PM)

Since Hillary voted to approve Gonzales as Bushs Atty. Gen., she should of been issuing a apology instead of casting stones. This is just one more example of lack of judgment, which she calls her experience and proof of her being able to be Pres. She refuses to apologize for her vote on the War and now this. Somethings just make a person go hmmmm.

James Dandy, Lompoc, Ca. (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:39 PM)

Yes, Hillary-I cannot wait until she is president and all of these current, incompetent, thieving bumps will be kicked out on their can! GO HILLARY!!!!

Michel, Los Angeles (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:39 PM)

The Clinton's wouldn't know honesty if it hit them in the face.

Kathy sanderson, McKinney, TX (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:44 PM)

For some reason, I can't seem to believe that Senator Clinton is an honest broker for the U.S. As a Democrat I don't seem to get excited about none of the candidates so far. We need another face on this race and fast.

Jose Arroyo, Auburndale, Florida USA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:45 PM)

Thank you, Hillary, for saying so well exactly what Ive been thinking. I will stand proud when you become our next President.

Mary Hart, Des Plaines IL (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:48 PM)

We live by the Law and resfect the Law. But for some reason Al Gonzales think he can break Law and rewrite the Ten Commandment himself.

Al Fontanos, Antelope, CA. (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:49 PM)

She is not as smart as she sounds with her fully rehearsed political comments and will run this country into the ground if she was given any power than she already has in New York.

John - Michigan (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:52 PM)

Were the other two Dems at the forum asked the same question? Were they given a chance to respond, or did Matthews just want to give his girl Hillary Clinton the exclusive soundbite?

John Edwards, for example, has been calling for Gonzales to resign since March, and his campaign issued statements via email. Care to update with the response from the other Democratic candidates?

marratha, Madison, WI (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 1:55 PM)

Clinton can quit the grandstanding. Yes, Gonzales was shown to be ineffective. But, all the sworn 'to protect the Constitution' stuff as if the guy's loyaly to his president is a sin- please.
Her husband lied to the American people and congress. She has remained loyal to Bill. She would not want us to judge her as somehow unpatriotic because she supports a less than ideal president.
Ganzo resighned accept it graciously and move on...
Dr. ECO

Elliott C. Osborne, S.F. Ca (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 2:13 PM)

This country remains on the precicipe, regardless of what this corrupt administration does in regards to the Attorney General. There is no one on the horizon, indeed in the world, who appears ready to lead this country towards truth and justice. There is too much money involved here for anyone to be a true leader with values and high ideals. Maybe in a hundred years. Not now!

Ken Aton, Charlotte, NC (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 2:15 PM)

Mrs Clinton has no room to talk. Janet Reno did everything in her power to protect the Clintons. At least Bush and Gonzales never hid any files in the residential part of the white house. Look at what happened at Waco and Ruby Ridge. The democrats just keep beating the same of thing until they get their way. The only question now is who will be next.

Robert, Sacramento (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 2:17 PM)

When Bush ignaugurated his cabinet in 2000, I could see by their demeanors, they were all subservient to Bush. They are all Yes men/women, and Gonzales is the biggest of them. He's suscessful 'coz he's a good employee... how unfortunate for the rest of us.

John Smith, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 2:19 PM)

"We have lost our moral standing in the world, we have seen contempt for the separation of powers and checks and balances,...

If that isn't the pot called the kettle black !

Mrsnoah (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 2:35 PM)

If there was anything right said in her statement posted, """our moral content"""!! Well back up and see where eight YEARS of clinton gutter put America in this situation! The Paper hanging painted clown again stuck her foot deep into the back of her mouth!!!

She has all but pre elected herself on all her self serving agenda,, the American public is being driven by a liar and a con!! ""Just like the liar she is married to!!!!!!

The real voices shall come and send this meager Paper Hanging painted liar packing, America wants a leader not a setting self serving paper hanger!!!

STRAIGHT UP / AZ (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 2:46 PM)

A succinct appropriate response

paula rose dallas tx (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 3:38 PM)

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