    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [September 17, 2007]
    [Pages 1205-1207]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Nomination of Judge Michael B. Mukasey To Be Attorney General
    September 17, 2007

        Good morning. I'm pleased to announce my nomination of Judge Michael
    Mukasey to be the 81st Attorney General of the United States. Judge,
    thank you for agreeing to serve.
        The Attorney General serves as our Nation's chief law enforcement
    officer. The Attorney General has an especially vital role to play in a
    time of war, and when we face the challenges--and we face the challenge
    of protecting our people on a daily

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    basis from deadly enemies, while at the same time protecting our
    freedom.
        Judge Mukasey brings impressive credentials to this task. In 1987,
    he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to the United States
    District Court of the Southern District of New York. It's one of the
    country's busiest and most respected trial courts. He sat on that court
    for more than 18 years, and he earned the reputation as a tough, but
    fair judge. For 6 of those years, he was the chief judge, and he was a
    sound manager and a strong leader. Throughout his time on the bench,
    Judge Mukasey was widely admired for his brilliance and his integrity.
        Mike has experience in the Justice Department and private practice,
    as well as having served on the bench. He served 4 years as an assistant
    United States attorney in Manhattan, where he tried many cases and he
    developed expertise in the workings of the criminal justice system. He's
    also worked as a partner in a law firm, and he holds degrees from
    Columbia University and Yale Law School.
        Some of Judge Mukasey's most important legal experience is in the
    area of national security. Judge Mukasey presided over the trial of the
    terrorist known as ``the Blind Sheikh'' and his codefendants in the conspiracy to destroy
    prominent New York City landmarks, including bombing of the World Trade
    Center in 1993.
        Before the 9/11 attacks, this was one of the most important
    terrorism cases in our Nation's history, and the verdict in that case
    was affirmed on appeal. In affirming the convictions, the appeals court
    signaled out the judge for praise. I found it very interesting of--what
    they said. Here's what they wrote: ``The Honorable Michael B. Mukasey
    presided with extraordinary skill and patience, assuring fairness to the
    prosecution and to each defendant, and helpfulness to the jury. His was
    an outstanding achievement in the face of challenges far beyond those
    normally endured by a trial judge.''
        When the World Trade Center was attacked again, Judge Mukasey
    quickly reopened his court, even though it was just blocks from Ground
    Zero. He recognized the importance of maintaining a functioning justice
    system in the midst of a national emergency. He and other judges in his
    district worked day and night to ensure that applications for warrants
    were processed, investigations could proceed, and the rule of law was
    upheld.
        Judge Mukasey is clear eyed about the threat our Nation faces. As a
    judge and a private lawyer, he's written on matters of constitutional
    law and national security. He knows what it takes to fight this war
    effectively, and he knows how to do it in a manner that is consistent
    with our laws and our Constitution. And when confirmed by the Senate as
    Attorney General, he will work to ensure that our law enforcement and
    intelligence officers have the tools they need to protect the United
    States and our citizens.
        When he takes his place at the Department of Justice, he will
    succeed another fine judge, Alberto Gonzales. From his days as a supreme court justice in Texas to his
    years as White House Counsel and as Attorney General of the United
    States, this honorable and decent man has served with distinction. I've
    known Al and his family for more than a decade. He's a dear friend and a
    trusted adviser. I'm going to miss him, and I wish Al and
    Becky all the best.
        With Mike Mukasey, the Justice Department will be in the hands of a
    great lawyer and an accomplished public servant. Mike has shown good
    judgment in the courtroom; he's shown good judgment outside the
    courtroom. After all, he married a teacher. And we welcome
    Susan here, as well as son Marc and daughter Jessica. Thank
    you all for coming. He's also brought his sister Rhoda and brother-in-
    law Norm. I want to thank you all for supporting Mike as he takes on
    this important responsibility for our country.

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        It's a pivotal time for our Nation, and it's vital that the position
    of Attorney General be filled quickly. I urge the Senate to confirm
    Judge Mukasey promptly. Until the judge is confirmed, Assistant Attorney
    General Paul Keisler will serve as Acting
    Attorney General. Accepting this assignment requires Peter--I said
    Peter--Peter Keisler. Accepting this assignment requires Peter to delay
    the departure date he announced earlier this month, and I appreciate his
    willingness to do so. Peter is the Acting Attorney General. Paul
    Clement, who agreed to take on this role,
    will remain focused on his duties as Solicitor General, so he can
    prepare for the Supreme Court term that begins just 2 weeks from today.
        Judge, I'm grateful for answering our Nation's call to serve. I look
    forward to welcome you as the next Attorney General of the United
    States. Thanks for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:31 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Omar Ahmed Ali Abdel Rahman (also
    known as ``the Blind Sheikh''), former spiritual leader of the Egyptian
    Islamic Jihad and former leader of the Al-Gama'a Al-Islamiyya terrorist
    organization. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Attorney General-designate
    Mukasey.