TPM Reader TA on Al Gonzales' stonewall games ...

It simply doesn't matter what the real substantive basis for any objection is, this is an old, old litigation tactic that is helpful in any number of broader strategies. And the strategy that the Administration is playing is Delay and Stonewall Until the Clock Runs Out. Dan Bartlett has a clock on his desk that counts down the months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds (or so I read in the Washington Post). I suggest that many other officials keep a similar clock, at least in the back of their mind. If this goes to court, Gonzalez stays in the position until it is resolved.

But wait: each litigation shield has an opposing sword. The Senate will and should swear him in next week, take his testimony, and note that they are reserving the right to call him back on these issues if and when they get those documents. An old litigator's play. Keeps the pressure on.

The document delay may limit the damage Gonzalez faces next week, but it is probably not enough. They pulled their shield out too late. I am sure they've served only to irritate the Senate with this latest stunt.

Months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds. Tick tock, tick tock.

I think time is about up for the Attorney General.