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Early Ted Olson Issues

Even before his dubious and much debated connection to the Arkansas Project and Richard Mellon Scaife, Ted Olson had issues. Big issues.

Check out David Neiwert's Salon article from May, 2001 when he ran into Judiciary Committee opposition during his confirmation process for Solicitor General.

In the mid-1980s, he became the focus of an independent counsel's investigation for much the same thing: giving misleading testimony to Congress -- some charged it was perjury -- that was intended to cover up his own misbehavior.

A careful examination of that episode raises serious questions about not merely his integrity but the legendary legal prowess to which even his critics defer. Indeed, the last time Olson served as a top presidential legal counselor, he left behind a political disaster area strewn with bad legal advice, wrecked careers and lingering scandals.

Harsh words, but read the article and decide for yourselves.

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    Legitimate and illegitime criticisms (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 10:39:37 AM EST
    Analysis like Salon's is right on target.  It focuses on the quality of Olson's integrity, principles and competence.  I hope TalkLeft will be one of the forums where a distinction is drawn between criticizing a lawyer for his own actions, opinions and choices, and attacking him on account of what we think of the parties he has represented, if he has done so within the bounds of the law.  If TL and its readers do adhere to that distinction, or discuss the validity of drawing that distinction, I predict this will be the only forum that does.  

    When/ Who was the Last Independent AG in USA? (none / 0) (#2)
    by TearDownThisWall on Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 11:10:51 AM EST
    Talking about this at dinner last night...no one could come up with one in our lifetime...

    Is it possible to change laws....somehowm have these guys elected to office perhaps?
    Too crazy...?

    "integrity, principles and competence" (none / 0) (#3)
    by diogenes on Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 11:30:00 AM EST
    Competent as they may be, if integrity and principles conditions were conditions for high office then Bill and Hillary Clinton would have been struck off long ago.

    Thread cleaned (none / 0) (#4)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 01:10:14 PM EST
    Profanity and personal attacks and name-calling is not appropriate here. See the comment rules.