[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 38 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[Pages 1219-1220]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

[[Page 1220]]

brother-in-law, Norm. I want to thank you all for supporting Mike as he 
takes on this important responsibility for our country.
    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 welcoming you as the next Attorney General of the United 
States.

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.