Solicitor General Ted Olson stepping down

[Qutzupalotl]

Announced his resignation to "replenish his coffers". Heard on NPR, no link yet.

[LiviaOlivia]

1. Bye Ted. I hope the door hits you on the ass on your way out.

eom

[sidwill]

16. This is very telling

Ted was one of the point men of "the Arkansas project" AKA the Vast Right Wing conspiracy. So why would he bail on the what may be the verge of a 2nd Bush term?

[Tellurian]

60. Because he doesn't want to waste his time defending Bush and Cheney...

He's knows they're all GUILTY as Sin
And will end up going to the Big House
No matter what he does..

However, rats deserting a sinking ship
are always a good sign!

[gatlingforme]

53. Yes, and I wish I could give him a good shove.

[goforit]

100. Bada bing!!!

BUENA SUERTE!!!!!!!!

[Richardo]

2. He protected Cheney's energy papers - his job here is done.

Hiyo Scumbag - away!!

[Judi Lynn]

5. Yeah, only a split second after the decision. You're right.

Maybe they got the word on the hunting trip and it gave them enough time to start making plans.

Can't overlook the timing, once you pointed it out!

[Richardo]

29. John Dean pointed out how significant it was that Olson took the lead...

...The Solicitor General taking the case personally sent a BIG signal that the admin would not take the release of the energy papers lying down.

"Worse Than Watergate" - unfortunately somewhat overlooked in the big book bonanza this year...everyone should read it.

[merh]

56. The admin left him high and dry. He also argued

for the gov before SCOTUS about the detainees that are not allowed to meet with their attorneys. Matter of national security - now he has read the torture memos. No wonder he is leaving. His credibility is shot.

[KoKo]

59. He's a toad with no honor. Gotta be something more than torture memos

because he's the kind of guy who would enjoy reading about torture. His wife was an Ann Coulter clone and she, too would have enjoyed the torture given how much she enjoyed torturing Clinton and Hillary.

[Warpy]

35. Not quite

The corrupt court just threw it back to a lower court.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

62. You've pointed out a major fact overlooked by the media & DUers.

[juajen]

63. Yeah, but the messin' around with it has delayed till after the

election any exposing of what took place. So, they were successful in not having it affect the November election.

Maybe he is now convinced that his government was instrumental in the death of his wife? Anybody consider this?

[Beetwasher]

39. The Problem W/ That Theory Is That That Case Is Now Pending

in a lower court, so his job wasn't done. His leaving now is NOT a good sign for Bushco.

Personally, I think the timing of Bush being interviewed today in the Plame scandal and now his resignation is the more significant occurrence...

[lancdem]

55. I wondered if it was related to Plame

[Media_Lies_Daily]

64. From here on out, FratBoy will not be represented by government...

...lawyers because they can now be compelled to reveal what used to be privileged conversations. That's why FratBoy has retained an outside lawyer.

Olsen also failed to keep the case from being remanded to the lower courts for a ruling...and I believe that the NeoCons KNOW that they will lose at that level. Cheney will eventually be forced to turn over his "energy meeting" records.

The NeoCons have only themselves to blame for this, thanks to the Clinton Watergate and impeachment hearings. This is where the Executive Branch right to have priviliged conversations with trusted aides, aides that are also government employees, was stripped away.

What goes around, comes around...that Big Wheel just keeps on turning.

[CaptainClark23]

75. Thank you.

"What goes around, comes around...that Big Wheel just keeps on turning."

Thats the first genuinely reassuring thing I've heard all week.

[DainBramaged]

107. Bingo

I also think it's directly related to Bush appearing for questioning.

[Richardo]

108. I change my answer: it's because the SC *failed* to dismiss that he's gone

After digesting the news last night and this morning, the objective was outright dismissal, not a bounce back to the District Court.

[CaptainClark23]

3. Oh and Ted....

y'almost forgot your cell phone, here ya go. enjoy your flight now, hear?

[Emboldened Chimp]

7. That was pretty fucked up

not cool.

[CaptainClark23]

11. I know

and generally our of character..but I still harbor some fucked up resentments of my own. I'll let the mods decide.

[Bake]

67. I rather liked it myself

And somehow I don't think poor Ted was too grief-stricken when Bucky went down. He started dating again, dashing man-about-town that he is, almost immediately. Probably right after he cashed the life insurance check.

Bake

[CaptainClark23]

72. crocodile tears

its my understanding that both Ted and Babs had retained counsel for divorce proceedings by 9.11.

Lucky Ted, huh?

[Cheswick2.0]

112. Why didn't he warn bucky not to fly that day?

I am pretty sure he was in the loop. All the other people in the administration were being warned not to fly. Maybe it was easier than going to court for a divorce and having to pay her big bucks afterwards?

[buff2]

74. It's ok

You are not alone in feeling that way,so don't worry about it.:thumbsup:

[Gman]

13. LOL!!!

[MallRat]

22. Wow. That's cold, Captain.

n/t

[DoYouEverWonder]

28. So? Cold is Ted Olsen

It took him about 5 minutes to find a new wife. Don't shed no tears for that slimeball.

[mountainvue]

31. He did?

Wow, that was quick.

[Justice]

46. Did He Really?

I had not heard that. Wow.

[Jack The Tab]

4. Plame fallout? Torture memo fallout? He has a reason...

and it's up to our (snicker) media to find out what the reason is.

[KoKo]

24. Ted Olson's leaving for some BIG REASON! What could it be??

I could say some filthy words about him, but won't. Leaving to prepare his defense?

[Chomskyite]

48. Probably to work on the campaign

n/t

[Spazito]

6. Hmmm, wonder if the pending losses in the USSC re Gitmo et al,

based on DOJ sources, might have hurried his departure?

[lapfog_1]

18. This is my guess.

And the sympathy factor has played out too.

[BadGimp]

8. Even Satan gets tired..

This main is either the purest adherant and truest believer, or the most vile and evil of them all.

[Gman]

9. That sorry POS should have been indicted for lying to Congress

about the "Arkansas Project" he ran. He lied his ass off/bald faced to Congress about the project during his confirmation hearing. The sorry bastard should be sitting in a prison cell right now.

There has never been more evidence of someone lying to Congress than in Olsen's case and the liar never served a day of prison time for it.

[dennis4868]

33. I hope he rots in hell....

:-)

[reprobate]

68. Olson is the one who said our gov't would lie to us.

Anyone remember that? Something about not giving terraists any help?

[Ilsa]

10. Replenish his coffers? Jebus, Ted, how much money is enough?

Let's see, no doubt Ted got the multi-million dollar govt settlement on his wife's death on 9-11. And I suspect she had insurance. And I bet his govt. job pays at least a living wage. Where is he spending his money?

[Reciprocity]

58. I would have thought he made enough money off his dead wife's book.

[kainah]

80. More honest than "spend some time with the family"

Actually, I think that greed may save us in the long run from the right's plan to dominate the courts. Federal judges don't get paid all that well, from the point of view of these vampires. So I can't imagine that most of them -- appointed to these posts in their 40s -- will actually be content to take it as a lifetime post because they want MONEY!!!!!!!

[BiggJawn]

86. He's got no family, remember?

And you thought Capt. Clark was cold...

[kainah]

102. there was a little sarcasm attached.... n/t

[BiggJawn]

106. I know...

:evilgrin:

[leesa]

109. Ask Cheney....walking dead man and he can STILL never have enough.

The Bushes are another fine example of never-quenched greed. They are addicted to money the way any addict is addicted to their drug of choice. They'll do anything to get it.

[Skittles]

12. good riddance

nt

[hlthe2b]

14. Effective When? anyone know?

[kainah]

79. I'm seeing "effective July" n/t

[Walt Starr]

15. So who won the pool?

I had Scooter Libby as the next rat to leave the sinking ship.

[Bunny]

71. Great thought Walt!

Wanna start an official DU pool? Name of next resignee, date of resignation, and reason for leaving? I'm in for a buck!

[goclark]

85. Sounds good to me

How do we do the pool?

I'm for Rummy by August. He will get caught up in the torture lies.
What a scum.
Are you going to start a new thread?

[Bunny]

92. I'm not good at getting pools organized.

But someone else can sure feel free to get one started! I'm thinking Cheney in July. For health reasons. Right before Scooter's indictment. And right around the Dem convention.

[Beetwasher]

17. Interesting

Very interesting...

How would a Solicitor General be involved in something like, say, Plame indictments?

[Danmack]

34. Chimpy got ? today by Fitz concerning Plame for 70 minutes and now..

Olsen announces his resig nation before the day is out. To fookin close for me.

Scap goat? Really was the one who leaked?

This admin is so fooked up its unbelievable.

Olsen sucks and good riddance to him.

One thing is apparent. Chimpy and crew are breaking up at the seams. Couldn't happen to a better, bigger bunch of assholes.....

[zanana]

19. He was Bush's Election 2000 lawyer.

He argued for him before the Supreme Court.

[dicknbush]

20. TED WHY ARE YOU LEAVING NOW?

I want to spend more time with my fami........ahh actually I want to spend more time with my wif.......oops a I want to go fishing????

[Warpy]

37. I just had a horrible thought

Perhaps Scaife has recalled him to head up another team of elves digging up dirt on Kerry and preparing to hound him for his whole term in office.

You know that Scaife is twisted, not stupid. He's seen the writing on the wall regarding Bushco, and is gearing up for another witch hunt. Olsen may be his man.

[wabeewoman]

42. Could be....

Carolyn Kay had a article about how they are nosing around all the vets that served with Kerry reminiscent of how they pursued Clinton.

[JNelson6563]

44. From SG to "elf"?

That's a big fall and not one I'd reckon ol' Ted would make happily.

Julie

[Manix]

21. .......one less pig in the public trough!!

[Ganja Ninja]

23. Quiting his government job to join the Bush defense team?

That's gotta pay better.

[Cheswick2.0]

111. That is what I think

I think he is being called on to defend Bush in the Plame affair.

[msanthrope]

25. Is SOlicitor General a Senate-confirmed or appointed post?

And are we going to have hearings before the election?

Weird timing, no?

[seemslikeadream]

26. The same day little geogie talks with Fitzgerald

be fitting if an Irishman nails him.

[Rose Siding]

87. Is it legal now for him to represent W at a grand jury hearing?

If he's private, couldn't he be retained?

[Gothmog]

27. Goodby Ted

The man is a zealot and was not suitable for this post. It is unusual to leave this close to an election.

[wryter2000]

30. What does he need coffers for?

No good, no doubt.

[anarchy1999]

32. Oh this is good. Rats fleeing a sinking ship. This is good, better than

good. More time with the family, right? Replenish coffers? What? Aren't they full enough yet?

[Ganja Ninja]

36. All this talk about "replenish his coffers" didn't he get a big

settlement for his wife dieing in the 9/11 attacks?

[Qutzupalotl]

40. I'm guessing he meant it metaphorically,

like "recharging one's batteries." But the report was brief and not clear.

[grasswire]

38. my guess..

...he's either going to work on the Bush campaign or the Bush defense.

[FlemingsGhost]

41. So now he and James Baker are available.

Hmmmm ... methinks we haven't heard the last from either one.

They ain't going down quietly, folks.

[nomatrix]

43. The Hunting of the President

the Movie might have something to do with it?

[kainah]

82. very good point, nomatrix

THOTP has been heavily overshadowed by Farenheit 9/11 but I am sure Olson hasn't overlooked it & if it's true to the book, the portrait of him cannot be flattering. That may be the last straw.

I also suspect he doesn't want to be the one questioned when SCOTUS comes out with their Gitmo, Hambdi & Padilla cases are decided. He won't want to answer the questions after that, especially since it appears that the Solicitor General's office lied to the court in their oral arguments.

[displacedtexan]

45. Isn't Otto Reich also available now?

I think FLII (version 2004) or OHI is in the works.

[kskiska]

47. Maybe he's got Wife Number 4 lined up

and wants to keep it low key.

[powergirl]

50. Did he get married after Barbara Olson was killed?

[powergirl]

51. Did he get married after Barbara Olson was killed?

[powergirl]

52. Did he get married after Barbara Olson was killed?

[kskiska]

81. No. We'd have heard about it if he had.

He's a professional widower now, but he's got 3 wives under his belt already.

[leetrisck]

49. Not enough life insurance to keep him going

or what? He should never have been confirmed in the first place. he should be prosecuted.

[merh]

54. I bet you he say Farenheit 911 and is pissed off!

He realized how they let his wife die. What a blow to him.
(imho)

[leesa]

110. He probably bought her the ticket. I am sure he was well aware that 9-11

was going to happen.

[Reciprocity]

57. Sounds suspiciously like some bad news is about to come out about him.

[Tatiana]

61. Methinks indictments are coming down the pike..... n/t

[lancdem]

65. Methinks you're right

[devinsgram]

66. Always thought there was something weird

about him. His wife died on 9-11. She was on the plane that went into the Pentagon. He was on Larry King that night and a lot of other shows right after 9-11 happened. I always thought it was so strange that he was able to go on all these shows and never looked like he was grieving. If that had happened in my family, no one would have been able to even give the kind of interviews he was giving without breaking down during at least some of the time. It just seemed to me that he had already had himself prepared for what was going to happen.

Maybe it's just me, but I've always felt real uncomfortable about him.

[Reciprocity]

70. Its not just you.

I thought he was too well composed . It brings Scott Peterson to mind.

[CaptainClark23]

73. recall too...

that a good portion of what we ostensibly "know" about what happened on that flight came from alleged calls from Babs to Ted during the flight.

just another stinky....

[SW FL Dem]

69. Cnn just reported this as well n/t

[SayitAintSo]

76. So he can prepare for trying to help the *Bushies steal the next election

...no doubt

[peterh]

77. Why July????

This has got to be linked to the Plame affair….me thinks he’ll take the fall and wait for his pardon. Can he still practice law with a felony and a Pardon???




DJ US Solicitor Gen Olson To Step Down In July -Official

WASHINGTON (AP)--Solicitor General Theodore Olson, who represents the Bush
administration before the Supreme Court, has submitted his resignation, a
Justice Department official said Thursday.
Olson, 63, will leave his post in July, said the official, speaking on
condition of anonymity. He has served as solicitor general since June 11, 2001.
Olson argued dozens of cases before the Supreme Court for the Bush
administration - and 14 other cases before the court while in private law
practice at the Washington law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
Olson represented President George W. Bush and Vice President Cheney in the
Supreme Court case that ultimately swung the 2000 presidential election to the
Republicans. After joining the Justice Department, he argued numerous
high-profile cases involving campaign finance reform, war on terrorism powers
and others.
Olson also served as assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal
Counsel during President Reagan's first term. He is a University of California
at Berkeley law school graduate.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
06-24-04 1728ET(AP-DJ-06-24-04 2128GMT)

[joanne]

78. So who is next?

Rumsfailed? Or is that just wishful thinking?

[Dulcinea]

91. Rumsfailed!!

That's great! :)

[kainah]

83. Will Gitmo, Hambdi & Padilla cases come down tomorrow?

I wonder if he got tipped off to those cases coming down tomorrow. They will almost certainly go against the administration and they may be a very bad slap at the administration. Since it appears that the Solicitor General's office lied to SCOTUS during the oral arguments, I would bet that Olson doesn't want to be the person asked about the decision in those cases or the fallout that might follow.

If Hambdi, Padilla & Gitmo (or any combination thereof) come out tomorrow, you can bet that Olson got an advance peek at the decision, courtesy of his little friends who masquerade as judges.

[puerco-bellies]

84. We should consider he might be preparing himself for a -

SCOTUS nomination

[uncertainty1999]

105. Please NOT be true!

[daleo]

88. If "Pentagon was hit by a missile" group is correct

Ted will be off to meet Barbara in her secret south sea hideaway.

Although, personally, I find that one too big a stretch.

[progressivebydesign]

89. Duh. He's getting ready for Election in Court, Round 2. N/T

[Tight_rope]

90. Bye Fucknut!....you won't be missed.

[Zan_of_Texas]

93. I agree on the suspicions on the Barbara Olsen bit.

That whole thing carried too much water for the admin -- she just "happened" to be on the plane calling Ted. With all those details of what went down. Remember, these spinmeisters are EXPERTS are getting their version of events before people FIRST! And that's what that call did.

Why not just pay her off to disappear somewhere, save him the trouble of another divorce. Never got on the plane. It's possible. New name, new ID. It would be fun to find her alive, eh? (Not because I've been missing her -- just missing the truth.)

According to Cooperative Research.org and their meticulous 9-11 research, the details of that call to Ted continue to be fuzzy. This should get you there, if you paste together this long link:

http://www.cooperativeresearch.org/
searchResults.jsp?searchtext=olson&events=on&entities=on&articles=on&topics=on&timelines=on&projects=on&titles=on&descriptions=on&dosearch=on#events

[peacetalksforall]

94. In a LeCarre, Ludlum, Clancy scenario...

some choices are:

. he is picking up his share of the stolen millions in the Enron Plus laundering scheme they all have a share in....

. news about the whereabouts of the Pentagon aircraft is about to be revealed as a result of proof that a 757/767? did not crash into the Pentagon....

. he will earn 100 times as much defending Bush and Cheney and the neo-con planners as a partner in a private firm...

. he told Bush and Cheney that they could out Plame legally.

. he want's to go on a summer long hunting trip with Scalia at which time they will decide how the election can be stolen this time.

[gulliver]

95. He wants to be ready for Florida again this November.

He'll be needed if the election needs to be decided by the Supreme Court again.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

96. Stepping down?

I thought he was already at rock bottom. Hmmm.

[scarface2004]

97. that fucking piece of chit....

can go to hell!!!

[Sven77]

98. Remarried ?

I wonder if Ted was on the "in" and ordered the 9-11 plane ticket for his wife. How quickly after his wife died did he remarry ?

[Edmond Dantes]

99. Dating within 6 months, was the rumor in DC. EOM

[Solly Mack]

101. So where will he re-emerge? Cause he WILL be back

[SoCalDem]

103. "He needs to spend more time at the cemetery "

:)

[BattyDem]

104. Oh ... there's got to be something big coming ...

<--- Ted Olson

Bush* --->
<--- Cheney
Rumsfeld --->
<--- Condi
Powell ---> (he should have jumped ship when he had the chance)

[TNOE]

113. Hilarious Post!

What a riot. Funny and True!