Reaching across party lines was easy

The president has reached across party lines to pick Repubican James Comey, former number two man in President Bush’s Justice department, to take over the FBI.

But Comey isn’t just any Republican. Six years ago, he was called to testify before Congress about what happened beside a hospital bed on March 10, 2004.

In that bed — Attorney General John Ashcroft, barely able to speak after a gall bladder attack. And standing over him — White House counsel Alberto Gonzales.

“The door opened and in walked Mr. Gonzales, carrying an envelope.”

An envelope containing papers re-authorizing the eavesdropping program that was about to expire the next day.

Comey, as acting AG, had refused to sign those papers. And as Comey watched, Gonzales tried to convince the ailing Ashcroft to overrule him.

Comey later found out that the program would go ahead without the AG’s signature. He decided to resign.

“I couldn’t stay if the administration was going to engage in conduct that the Department of Justice had said had no legal basis.”

He also understood that the director of the FBI and Ashcroft himself intended to resign.

Then on March 12, President Bush relented.

“Took me in his study and then we had his direction to do the right thing to put this matter on a footing where we could certify to its legality.”

So not just any Republican – but one who stood up to a Republican president.