Gonzales Resigns, Bush Says Critics 'Dragged Him Through the Mud'

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Brutal treatment of terrorist detainees, electronic surveillance without judicial approval, politics in the administration of justice. Republicans as well as Democrats accused Attorney General Alberto Gonzales of being less than candid about policies dealing with human rights and the Constitution. Today, he announced his resignation, effective September 17. The son of migrant workers in Texas, Gonzales said, "Even my worst days as Attorney General have been better than my father's best days," and thanked President Bush for his friendship and the opportunity to serve the American people. Less than two hours after he stepped down, President Bush reluctantly accepted, lamenting that "his good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons." Bush said Solicitor General Paul Clement will be interim Attorney General until the Senate approves a full-time successor.  We look at the latest transition at the highest levels of the Bush Administration and explores where the President goes from here.

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Warren Olney