Dishonest AG Gonzales "going down in flames"

April 20, 2007

Washington, D.C. - White House insiders say Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is "going down in flames".

The sources, involved in administration discussions about Gonzales, told White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux that two senior level White House aides who heard the testimony described Gonzales as "going down in flames," "not doing himself any favors," and "predictable."

During his testimony, Gonzales apologized for the manner in which the attorneys were fired, but added that, "nothing improper occurred."

The fired prosecutors "deserve better from me and the Department of Justice which they served for many years."

One prominent Republican described the testimony as watching "clubbing a baby seal."

One Justice Department official echoed what many are saying inside the White House regarding Gonzales keeping his job---"it all hangs on one guy---the President."

But these sources acknowledge no one knows what the president will do.

"Everyone's putting their best public face on. But everyone is discouraged. Everyone is disappointed. No one is looking for replacements yet but we're not optimistic. The White House is in a wait and see mode to see how this plays out with the public and members of Congress over the next couple of days."