The Political Chase

Bush and Reid spar, Mukasey is nominated

President Bush officially nominated Michael Mukasey for Attorney General earlier today, but in spite of cordial remarks and a general atmosphere of approval from Democrats and Republicans, Harry Reid took a swipe at the president, and the president, through his Press Secretary, gave Reid a smack down.

Speaking in the Rose Garden, Mukasey emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law and the Constitution. Displaying resolve and what appeared to be a pointed statement to President Bush, Mukasey said the Justice Department “faces challenges vastly different from those it faced when I was an assistant U.S. attorney 35 years ago.” But he said the “principles that guide the department remain the same: to pursue justice by enforcing the law with unswerving fidelity to the Constitution.” (See the video.)

After Bush made the announcement, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he was pleased Bush listened to Congress in making his decision and commented positively on Mukasey’s credentials. Reid also said, given Mukasey’s credentials, he “surely understands the importance of checks and balances and knows how to say no to the president when he oversteps the Constitution.”

Bush’s smack down of Reid came during today’s White House press briefing.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters that Bush first met Mukasey on Sept. 1 at the White House and offered him the job on Friday. She said criticism from Reid and other Democrats had no impact on his thinking.

I find it hard to disagree with Perino’s comment. One cannot impact something that does not exist.