Gonzo Gone-So

9.32am CST, August 28, 2007: Attorney General Alberto Gonzales officially announces his resignation, effective September 17, with a speech that mentioned the president twice, his family once, and the scandals engulfing his office not at all.

Yet, for all that, the words that will probably be best remembered from this press conference was the question from the press corps that hung in the air, ignored by Gonzales as he quickly turned on his heels and left the room: “Why are you leaving?”

Read the full text of his resignation speech beneath the fold.

"Good Morning. Thirteen years ago, I entered public service to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and during this time I have traveled a remarkable journey from my home state of Texas to Washington DC, supported by the unwavering love and encouragement of my wife Rebecca, and our sons Jared, Gram and Gabriel. Yesterday, I met with President Bush and informed him of my decision to conclude my government service as attorney general of the United States, effective as of September 17, 2007. Let me say that it has been one of my greatest privileges to lead the Department of Justice. I have great admiration and respect for the men and women who work here. I have made a point as attorney general to personally meet as many of them as possible, and today I want to thank them again for their service to this nation. It is through their continued work that our country and our communities stay safe: that the rights and civil liberties of our citizens are protected, and that the hopes and dreams of all of our children are secured. I often remind our fellow citizens that we live in the greatest country in the word, and that I have lived the American dream. Even my worst days as attorney general have been better than my father's best days. Public service is honorable and noble, and I'm profoundly grateful to President Bush for his friendship, and the many opportunities he has given me to serve the American people. Thank you, and God bless America."