# Obama says he would, as POTUS, have his AG look into prosecuting Bush Admin crimes **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 15, 2008, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442 "2008-04-15T14:34:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/1 "2008-04-15T14:34:10Z")
He’s still ruling out impeachment, [but:](http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/attytood/) > [@](#): > > What I would want to do is to have my Justice Department and my Attorney General immediately review the information that’s already there and to find out are there inquiries that need to be pursued. I can’t prejudge that because we don’t have access to all the material right now. I think that you are right, if crimes have been committed, they should be investigated. You’re also right that I would not want my first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of Republicans as a partisan witch hunt because I think we’ve got too many problems we’ve got to solve. > > So this is an area where I would want to exercise judgment – I would want to find out directly from my Attorney General – having pursued, having looked at what’s out there right now – are there possibilities of genuine crimes as opposed to really bad policies. And I think it’s important-- one of the things we’ve got to figure out in our political culture generally is distinguishing betyween really dumb policies and policies that rise to the level of criminal activity. You know, I often get questions about impeachment at town hall meetings and I’ve said that is not something I think would be fruitful to pursue because I think that impeachment is something that should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Now, if I found out that there were high officials who knowingly, consciously broke existing laws, engaged in coverups of those crimes with knowledge forefront, then I think a basic principle of our Constitution is nobody above the law – and I think that’s roughly how I would look at it. Lots of caveats and reservations, not a “Nail the bastards!” message. Still, I haven’t heard anything of the kind from HRC yet. Anyway: 1. Would such investigations of the previous other-party administration be wise for a new POTUS? Would they be dismissed as a “partisan witch-hunt” no matter how cautiously the AG proceeded or how strong the case for prosecution? Is it better to forget the past and move on? (That seems to be what most new administrations have done.) 2. Should such investigations proceed, what, exactly, might they find that would be actual indictable crimes rather than bad policy decisions? ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/2 "2008-04-15T15:03:49Z")
I think that kind of “sewing up the old trash” is commendable. I’m not sure how much the public would get to watch, meaning I doubt we’d see a public spectacle of the whole thing but you never know. Obama seems to be eluding to cleaning up the wreckage of the past and at the same time forging a path for thr future. I’ll say it again, if he does 30% of what he purports during his first term I’ll be very happy. ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/3 "2008-04-15T15:09:08Z")
I think Obama knows that public prosecutions of his political rivals would NOT be a good way to unite America. It would be the most divisive thing he could possibly do as POTUS, which is why he’s so reserved in the wording in your quote. Lots of us (and understandably so) want Republican blood right now, but Obama seems to have a level head about it. Good for him. ---
**Author:** ![Dumbguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Dumbguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dumbguy)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/4 "2008-04-15T15:10:51Z")
If he’s really going to change the nature of American politics like he claims he can, this wouldn’t be a good way to start the process. The irrational rancor between the parties and our tendency to divide ourselves into polar camps defined by catchphrases is as big a problem with our political system as corruption and incompetence. The best way for him to lead us away from that is to set an example of how a president can and should should conduct himself. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/5 "2008-04-15T15:11:38Z")
[QUOTE=Dumbguy] The irrational rancor between the parties . . . [/QUOTE] At the moment, such rancor is not irrational. ---
**Author:** ![E.Thorp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@E.Thorp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E.Thorp)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/6 "2008-04-15T15:26:44Z")
[QUOTE=Dumbguy] If he’s really going to change the nature of American politics like he claims he can, this wouldn’t be a good way to start the process. [/QUOTE] On the contrary, I’d say finally having some accountability would certainly change the nature of American politics. [QUOTE=Dumbguy] The best way for him to lead us away from that is to set an example of how a president can and should should conduct himself. [/QUOTE] He could do this _and_ pursue accountability, I think. He’d face a lot of hysterical opposition from the other side and from the media, but if elected he’s going to face that anyway. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/7 "2008-04-15T15:28:17Z")
Gee, that’s a pretty bold position to take during the Democratic primary. He’s really going out on a limb there… ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/8 "2008-04-15T15:39:30Z")
[QUOTE=John Mace] Gee, that’s a pretty bold position to take during the Democratic primary. He’s really going out on a limb there… [/QUOTE] I think he’s going out on a limb by being rational about it and ruling out impeachment. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/9 "2008-04-15T15:49:12Z")
How exactly does one impeach someone who isn’t holding office? Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/10 "2008-04-15T15:53:25Z")
[QUOTE=Shodan] How exactly does one impeach someone who isn’t holding office? Regards, Shodan [/QUOTE] See [this thread.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=463851) W is still in office and there’s still time to impeach between now and January '09, and Obama, as a senator, would be part of (the trial end of) that process if it happened. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/11 "2008-04-15T15:56:18Z")
And what exactly does that have to do with the OP? Obama was talking about he might do as President. See the title? Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/12 "2008-04-15T15:58:05Z")
[QUOTE=Mosier] I think he’s going out on a limb by being rational about it and ruling out impeachment. [/QUOTE] What does the executive branch have to do with the impeachment process? (Hint: nothing.) ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/13 "2008-04-15T16:03:45Z")
[QUOTE=Shodan] And what exactly does that have to do with the OP? Obama was talking about he might do as President. See the title? Regards, Shodan [/QUOTE] > [@Barack Obama](#): > > You know, I often get questions about impeachment at town hall meetings and I’ve said that is not something I think would be fruitful to pursue because I think that impeachment is something that should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. He was responding to questions that have been directed to him **as a senator.** Can we drop this silly hijack now? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/14 "2008-04-15T16:11:42Z")
> [@](#): > > Would such investigations of the previous other-party administration be wise for a new POTUS? Would they be dismissed as a “partisan witch-hunt” no matter how cautiously the AG proceeded or how strong the case for prosecution? Is it better to forget the past and move on? In my opinion; no, yes, and yes. I think it would be a terrible idea to establish a precedent of an incoming President having the Justice Department launch an investigation of the outgoing administration. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/15 "2008-04-15T16:26:53Z")
[QUOTE=Little Nemo] In my opinion; no, yes, and yes. I think it would be a terrible idea to establish a precedent of an incoming President having the Justice Department launch an investigation of the outgoing administration. [/QUOTE] Why? I should think it would be better for such to be **routine and expected.** ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/16 "2008-04-15T16:38:45Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] I should think it would be better for such to be **routine and expected.** [/QUOTE] You realize, by this argument, that you are surrendering to the _real_ problem, which is that it should be “routine and expected” for an administration to police _itself._ ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/17 "2008-04-15T16:42:33Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] He was responding to questions that have been directed to him **as a senator.** Can we drop this silly hijack now? [/QUOTE] So you think as a Senator he was speaking of “his” AG and “his” Justice Department? And where your title said “POTUS” you meant Senator, right? So now you are alleging that Obama doesn’t know how the Senate works, or that there is only one President at a time? Or do you not know that? Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/18 "2008-04-15T16:43:51Z")
[QUOTE=Cervaise] You realize, by this argument, that you are surrendering to the _real_ problem, which is that it should be “routine and expected” for an administration to police _itself._ [/QUOTE] That’s like saying each individual should let his/her conscience be his/her guide. Unobjectionable on its face, but not sufficient; you need a third party watching you. Our whole system is predicated on that assumption. [Relevant proposal.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=264462) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/19 "2008-04-15T16:50:31Z")
Perp walks? Orange jumpsuits? Nah, fuhgeddaboutit! But turn over every rock for a vermin inventory, cold light of dawn? Oh, yeah. Hell, yeah. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2008, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442/20 "2008-04-15T16:52:00Z")
[QUOTE=Shodan] So you think as a Senator he was speaking of “his” AG and “his” Justice Department? And where your title said “POTUS” you meant Senator, right? So now you are alleging that Obama doesn’t know how the Senate works, or that there is only one President at a time? Or do you not know that? Regards, Shodan [/QUOTE] :rolleyes: Obama, **very, very clearly and obviously,** was saying that as a senator he will not push for impeaching W during the remainder of his term; but if he becomes POTUS he will order his AG to look into the possibility of prosecuting Bush Admin officials for crimes committed while in office. And this debate, as **I** stated clearly enough in the OP, is about the wisdom of the latter. Really, **Shodan,** is this the best you can do? This kind of nitpick/hijack is pathetic and embarrassing and ignorant even by **your** forensic standards. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442.md?page=2)