Generally, attorney generals clean up in lucrative deals with firms or businesses. However, Gonzales was not only viewed as incompetent but untruthful in his performance as White House Counsel and Attorney General. He left amidst calls for his prosecution and impeachment, click here. Moreover, he appeared to create a Justice Department in his own image — bringing in incompetents like Monica Goodling and others.
Of course, John Ashcroft was able to make a killing, but did so by creating his own firm and securing controversial deals some other subordinates still in government, as discussed here.
It is probably too much to hope that law firms will continue to refuse Gonzales. Yet, to add Gonzales, is to embroil a law firm in on-going criminal investigations and controversies. It is also a strange image-boasting decision: associating your firm with a man who was widely viewed as a mere shill and empty suit.
In the meantime, Gonzales is not starving. He is making money through speeches. The New York Times reports that “Washington University in St. Louis, Ohio State University and the University of Florida have paid him about $30,000 plus expenses for appearances” while business groups are also filling his cup. Pomona College had the sense to decline such a speech. It is not I believe that universities should only hear from majoritarian “approved” or popular figures. Yet, Gonzales is accused of being more than a partisan hack, which he demonstrably was, in office. He is accused of lying under oath, facilitating torture, supporting unlawful surveillance and a host of other bad acts. I would have considerable concerns about my school giving such a man $30,000 to hear his “views.” I would have no problem with his appearing on campus without such a fee from the school, of course.
For the New York Times article, click here.
Mo