Joementum!

Lieberman. A tool.

In this case, I’ve met with Judge Gonzales. I've reviewed his record throughout his career. I'm familiar with his life story. I’ve reviewed the proceedings before the Judiciary Committee -- the comments made by many on the Committee in explaining their votes, as well as Judge Gonzales’ testimony there. I have concluded that this nominee deserves to be confirmed and, therefore, I will vote to confirm the nominee.

Christ, even Publius is relatively speechless.

How deserving is Gonzales? I guess it depends on how you look at it.

There's his steadfast loyalty to the governor.

Of course, there's his dedication to justice in death penalty cases.

And certainly, there is his clear denunciation of torture.

Durbin tries to get Gonzales to clarify. Can U.S. personnel, under any circumstances, engage in torture? Gonzales still can't muster a definitive "no." "I don't believe so, but I'd want to get back to you on that," he says. "There are a number of laws that prohibit that."

And, at the most basic level, there is the informed, empirical advice he has so often given to his boss, even at the risk of disagreeing with what the president wants to hear.

With credentials like that, it's pretty tough to argue with Lieberman. Gonzales is certainly deserving -- of being disbarred -- certainly not to be Attorney General or, next stop no doubt, Chief Justice nominee.

And the distinguished junior senator from Connecticut? He's up for reelection in 2006. Surely there is someone poised to oppose him in the primary.