Fox News
Expand
Browse All Video
Watch Live

You're watching...

Alberto Gonzales Talks with Juan Williams: Unedited

Details

  • Description

    In this Fox News Latino exclusive Juan Williams speaks with Alberto Gonzales.

  • Duration 20:19
  • Date

Clips

Also in this playlist...

Editor's Picks

Auto-advance: ON

Auto-advance
View All

Transcript

This transcript is automatically generated

Judge Alberto Gonzales thank you so much for coming -- to join us -- this exclude that Fox News Latino interview it's always a pleasure as it would yeah.

Just let's start with fast and furious this is a gun running operation.

Operated by the US government.

At the moment congressman Darrell ice we oversight committee.

Is threatening a contempt citation against the current attorney general Eric Holder do you view this.

The first cause it's a tragedy tragedy to have.

-- -- -- of our government services killed in connection with with this operation.

I'm not I can't say that I totally familiar with -- all into the details of this case.

Obviously something terribly -- happened here in congress had definitely the right and obligation and it won't -- them as does attorney general.

And so that the power of oversight includes the team.

Right and duty to request information and there's still -- obviously certain information.

The executive branch six -- -- being being privileged and and I certainly understand.

So -- these kinds of situations accommodation can be reached.

That apparently hasn't happened here and when that happens.

And it's not an issue -- -- to -- Threats of subpoenas and things of that nature I think it's important -- what happened here I have no reason believe that.

That -- -- doing anything inappropriate here is are -- an appropriate but that's what congress is trying to find out.

You know.

People often cite.

The fact that there was similar operation because operation wide receiver under the Bush Administration.

Attorney general Michael Mukasey has not been asked -- come and testify.

Do you see this as just politics.

At some level or do you see it as a in both administrations bush and Obama -- trying to stop the trade illegal guns from the US -- into you know.

Question about it which under the Bush Administration.

Present for President Bush this was a serious issue it was an issue racist and authorities.

That we needed just to stop the -- when it's across the border.

The question here is is -- the success for the failure of this particular operation here.

You know it is -- it is customary issue and within police procedure to sometimes a little contraband -- news and for the police to follow it.

Because it leads them to people -- and conspiracy.

That that's typical.

Of the key of course is to be able to follow the -- and a -- -- -- -- that did not happen here and so.

In that respect it's a different operation -- that operation failed and and for that reason I think it is appropriate -- -- -- he suffered the loss of -- periods of -- to find out what happened and to make sure doesn't happen again.

Let's talk a little bit about the immigration law in areas.

Highly controversial now before the Supreme Court.

You're experiencing Texas.

Family history how do you view this as the republic.

This isn't it's the first line I respect the space to do with issues that -- -- from Texas and you're sensitive to -- complaints and your constituents.

You're you're you're trying to stay as a Supreme Court looks at sixth.

The real story here is not what Arizona and other -- like -- real stories of the -- of the federal government to do with immigration policy.

In a perfect world.

These states would -- -- and it's kind.

Congress and the -- -- to get past conferences and mission and so that is what we failed in that respect and that's -- Like yours.

And an action controversy that's a very controversial.

I think -- and -- -- in Hispanic community.

And probably has been -- for the Republican Party.

We'll see what what the courts -- I'll be going into the arguments is that this is immigration it's -- -- -- federal government.

And that -- -- the authority here.

That's it but but the arguments -- -- very well on most orders stated that the courts seem rather hostile to -- positions or want to see.

When you look at the law itself do you agree with people who argue that it includes.

Potential for racial profiling.

Hispanic.

There's always a potential for racial profiling in an application.

A -- That's -- he had a little that permit the department assistant to prosecute that kind of behavior.

That doesn't mean he Cuba a perfectly otherwise lawful law enforcement tools that mean -- very effective in finding.

-- -- -- But we do have laws on the books to ensure that government should stay in action does not does not adversely affect minorities.

On.

-- -- And do you think that.

It could in fact.

Currently there would be intimidating.

Excrement it could articulate you know -- tidbit that I think it's very telling -- that that the US it -- did not.

Would make the basis of their argument in the course this issue discrimination and racial profiling.

And the reason for that is because the laws applying for law could leave -- no way that does not result in discrimination instead.

The government's primary -- -- is this is issue it's been preempted by the federal government that but clearly.

It is it does provide an opportunity for discrimination.

And intimidation -- -- line if this lawless but it's going to be important hand.

The appropriate training to make sure there's an appropriate oversight to ensure that discrimination intimidation -- car.

The law.

Closely relates to the politics of the moment as we -- in the midst now of eight campaign for the presidency.

And overwhelmingly.

-- -- what you see is that the Latino community strongly backs the incumbent Democrat Barack Obama.

Numbers in the high sixties -- 70%.

Why do you think that is and -- -- connected.

To.

Beat -- seven.

There there may -- connection for some people and my own sense is is that like many Americans think.

Mean Hispanic and strung today and they're more focused on their own personal economic situation.

I think as we get closer to the election I think more Hispanics like like I think the American -- he's.

Are gonna look more closely at their own economic situation and make -- decision as -- whether or not.

Are we better off today and over four years ago so and I understand with the numbers are today that I think it goes -- still has time.

-- love persuade Hispanic voters that he is someone can provide a better future for all -- things for all Americans quite frankly so I think that there's still.

There's still time but no question.

There's some of the policies and the rhetoric -- -- an immigration has been to the harsh -- the -- me.

And I think it's it's hurt the party with respect to.

Bringing on board addition Hispanic voters.

Which is a -- are.

Opportunity I think there's if you would agree that there is a tremendous.

There's a tremendous possibility.

Republicans winning the Latino vote given.

The values in the Latino community's social values family values religious values.

But we don't see it translating as -- We haven't -- translate thus far and obviously President Bush and was successful -- making much stronger connection.

With with Hispanic community two -- in 2004 elections.

-- from my perspective that.

You know governor Romney's -- -- to make -- personal connection someone help me I don't know whether or not involves you know.

Giving a speech on race or to -- Spanish media in place like San Antonio bit.

He needs that he needs to make a very.

Concerted effort to reach out to Hispanic community of the day you know.

The policies of the I think -- policies -- -- -- on immigration.

I think who his advisors are having keys and advising him I think is is important.

Their theory is going to be whether or not he can make that personal connection like George -- people.

And that remains to be seen but again I think the good news for governor -- is that he has time and and we'll see whether or -- he takes advantage.

You endorsed him.

I haven't I haven't endorsed him officially.

You know but -- say -- -- you that you know be supporting governor Romney.

It for for for variety of reasons and I think that he he is.

He does provide when I think about the future of this country.

I think about the direction current direction this country yeah I think definitely quite frankly is now represents a better choice for this country from 9%.

And has he reached out to you.

Hasn't been any and I've been content with one of his senior advisors that the beyond them I -- -- -- -- I don't know -- -- -- One -- the reason makes somewhat difficult for me is I had the advantage of knowing -- he pushed me extremely well.

I don't have that same kind of relationship with governor -- and so.

Sometimes hesitate when asked about -- in mind to it together -- about you know -- -- Hispanic community because I don't know what kind of person he has.

I don't know about its capabilities he obviously this is a very talented -- very successful businessman and -- successful governor in Massachusetts.

-- innocent man of great skills and talents that.

I'm hopeful that.

That he's going to be opening -- connections -- -- important Hispanic did you support any other candidates in the Republican primaries -- -- meaningful endorsement mean.

Did not go out and campaign for candidates and the truth of the matter is -- it's you know.

I think I'm pretty excited to George W.

Bush and -- spend some of the more controversial policies.

The Bush Administration.

If I would understand if some mechanics would think well you know -- -- -- and and we don't need -- results support our you know our times now because we want to bring on that then.

Some would characterize baggage in this campaign so I understand.

Before we -- that point.

I'm always take metadata people somehow forget.

Legacy George W.

Bush with regard to the diversity of its cap.

You obviously the attorney general but he people like police -- writes secretary actually now.

Cole Hauser -- Martinez.

How close -- -- it is tough for Alphonso Jackson says it was a pretty weird at first again.

You know and I I recognize early -- bush was governor of Texas.

In beings and I mean I solved very quickly this was this was a man who really appreciated.

The diversity of races at Texas and diversity of this country and talents that exist in in the minority community in the importance of bringing people.

Into positions of power.

And the other thing that licensing and and bush is it he liked like he liked my story.

The American story line and he appreciated.

I think that resonate with.

Your toes very briefly -- -- well -- the fact that that the senate can't pick and construction worker who secondary education.

Growth and finally an open mind and -- no hot running water the telephone.

And this person constituency organized it's this is still a country -- dreams.

Still country and for that reason there is worth dying for what it's worth and you look at what I grew up in the little town called humble.

Texas run outside and your family immigrated from Mexico well my grandparents my both of my my parents wouldn't.

By -- let's go back for a second.

You know that the Department of Justice now as it lost to cancer and -- are higher and what are your thoughts on this.

Well again.

There -- laws are out there on the books -- that are intended to.

Prosecute.

Wrongdoing isn't discrimination intimidation.

And -- in fact the sheriff was engaged and kind of conduct then then that's then the department should look at it and obviously sheriff is very high profile.

But you don't wanna use -- department way that that to discourage.

Needlessly discourage or or you know.

Sort of put his -- All on a public official who's who's elected by the by the people of Arizona there again if there's allegations.

And -- -- credible allegations of wrongdoing.

He had an obligation.

As the attorney general that the Department of Justice at least look at them to consider them around but that you need to be careful because -- can't survive this is very high profile.

You can be sure before -- but again and.

The DREAM Act then coming back to your own personal story.

Right now you know.

Republicans have opposed the passage of -- DREAM -- that would allow young people who were in school in the military.

To get on a pathway to citizenship.

Do you support that treatment.

I don't know I don't get so hung up on.

If that -- -- citizenship portion of it.

I do believe it's important to put certain kids were brought here in Atlanta parents -- him.

To put them into some -- legal status.

I think it in the day if we -- it and these are going to be kids young adults who will.

Have gone the college or serve in the military you're here today we're gonna end -- wanted to be citizens anyway so I.

My sense is it is that the better policy is to go ahead and include some kind of legislation -- clients in the pathway to citizenship.

But to me it's not absolutely necessary and I think for the Hispanic community quite frankly.

I don't think they would get hung up so hung up on not having -- -- the legislation either for them I think for most majority Hispanics what they want to see it.

These kids be given an opportunity to stay in this country to go to school to serve in the military.

And I think the citizens should parties is secondary -- -- Well in fact Marco Rubio -- Florida senator is now working on legislation just like that and we've seen I represented at least we terrorists Illinois.

Say that he too wants to stop the deportations.

And that's the critical and.

And that's and that's not my perspective that's -- -- -- I think that that for again for many Hispanics.

That's what's really important but again that this thing you think we have to -- -- -- -- is at the end of the day.

You know these are people that they're gonna want to stay here permanently -- -- her well if it hadn't served in the military and so it that's we're gonna end up down the road.

Is that something to consider now.

Now when I asked you about what governor Romney can do in terms reaching out that -- you know community did not mention Marco Rubio.

Many Americans and many Republicans say that he is the number one choice to be on the ticket as.

Romney's running mate in part to try to win over the Latino vote is that a flawed strategy.

I don't think I don't think people are gonna vote for him to run it based -- -- chooses as his number.

I'm really down I don't think it's and they could get Hispanic community -- -- -- governor Romney's policies as something that -- just don't agree with.

At the end of the day and said this publicly I think.

Hey -- nominee.

Should consider three things in choosing him the first and most important is a person to be president and they want me in case that the economy.

Secondly is this person who can help govern the kiss is the vice president is often the last person in the Oval Office right before the -- makes.

Makes it tough decision and you want the vice president be someone who has -- and that was was the only game -- and to experience.

And then finally you know sending those two criteria man is is he might -- someone as a running mate who helps you win that's an important state.

-- when you -- particular segment.

Voting public.

So those are things that I would look at and down at the end of the day.

I don't think Hispanics are gonna support governor -- simply because he puts more Caribbean on the ticket or any any other Hispanic on the ticket.

It's edited panel on the policies and -- they believe him on the -- -- do you know -- I don't know I don't know him at all obviously a very talented individual.

-- -- And you know the choice is a very personal one and two of the group who will be the running neck and you know I hope and pray that.

Together and it makes the best decision for his campaign this country -- Now.

You spoke earlier about your time as attorney general and the controversies over memos and the like.

You must have heard the news about the president.

Having approval of a so called kill list -- and he has not released any memos about justification for this kind of thing.

What are your thoughts.

Well I think that -- I can't confirm that -- -- have been -- I didn't know that general holder to give a speech to sort of outlining justification.

For the decisions.

I'm assuming that congress has been fully briefed if following -- I want to know.

If in fact presents targeting Americans that this particular.

-- tipped to be placed -- kill list.

I'd like to know that so if -- -- but it does raise a variation question and the question is whether or not the executives the commander in chief in this time of war.

Can't on his own -- music events on its own.

Put an American citizen killed us.

I don't know whether or not -- file those court that would agree with that.

The question is will rise this kind of issue that is non decision will mean that court's gonna say with a sort of political question you know when -- idea -- But I but I worry about the notion that you might be surprised me say this I worry about the notion that he -- powerful person in the world commander in chief.

Who isn't constrained in -- way.

And making decisions so it's very difficult issue and denies it's one them hoping congress.

It's working closely with the White House to understand you know what is what is happening what's gonna go -- Well I've mentioned it because obviously there was such controversy over the memos.

Coming out.

Your administration and the Justice Department with regard to enhanced interrogation.

But you don't see a parallel.

Well.

It.

-- evening and in this -- an assumption.

That before these actions were taken that Department of Justice.

And a lengthy legal opinion saying this present any authority it is.

And -- typically.

Certainly initially I think those kinds of opinions and the executive -- try to protect and you and we try to work becomes important -- running an accommodation.

It by giving briefing to -- in the rankings.

Member of both houses and Intelligence Committees that what you're doing and justification and of the same -- with -- the senators and House Judiciary Committee.

And if the briefings insufficient that you might.

Provide some kind summary of the opinion.

Certainly worth a series of steps before you actually get to the point where you decide I mean for the release of -- -- not gonna release them.

Now when you look forward.

Coming out of the bush years.

What are you doing and what are you what you plan to do if you have -- politically it is.

My wife tells man had no political sense.

I'm pressing launch and which I enjoy -- -- -- kind of look you.

Thought I help companies deal with crisis situations hand down government investigations and and something that I had some experience and and with the the -- law firm in Nashville but I'm also teaching constitutional long presidential power and -- street lined up at Belmont University.

In Nashville.

But almost -- lining I get a lot of speeches and interviews like this one and so -- -- -- and -- like commenting on issues I think that.

I do have the perspective this little different than other peoples and so it speaks -- that I can be helpful in the debate that -- -- him.

-- -- -- -- -- attorney general public -- -- -- your preference than just themselves thank you so much for joining us this Fox News Latino interview thank you.

Load More