Alberto Gonzales Quotes, born August 4, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, is an American lawyer and public servant who served as the 80th U.S. Attorney General from 2005 to 2007 under President George W. Bush, becoming the first Hispanic to hold the position. Previously White House Counsel (2001–2005), he shaped policies on national security post-9/11, including controversial surveillance and interrogation methods. His tenure faced scrutiny over the firing of U.S. attorneys and allegations of politicizing the Justice Department, leading to his 2007 resignation. These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, interviews, public statements, and inspired by his career—reflect his views on justice, leadership, family, and public service, capturing his journey from humble roots to a polarizing figure.
15 Alberto Gonzales Quotes
- “At the end of the day, you realize that this is important stuff, but it isn’t as important as how my kids feel about me. That’s how I’m going to measure my success—not how I did as counsel to the president or as attorney general. How did I do as a dad?” (Interview, NPR, August 27, 2007)
- “I will be the first to admit I am not perfect and I make mistakes.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “America is my home—I believe in her promise and I will do what I can to secure that promise for future generations of our children.” (Interview, NPR, August 27, 2007)
- “In this job, you’re going to make decisions. You’ll say things that some people are going to love them, some people are going to hate them. It’s just part of the job.” (Interview, NPR, August 27, 2007)
- “We’re talking about the lawyers for the United States of America. And I think it’s very, very important that the lawyers be comfortable being very candid and open about their views on very sensitive issues affecting the United States.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Well, there is an attorney-client privilege here that needs to be respected, and it’s a privilege that has been found to be worthy of protection by our courts.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I respect very much the role of the media in our society; they can be very, very helpful. They serve as a very useful check, sort of a watchdog over the actions of the government.” (Interview, thinkprogress.org, January 19, 2007)
- “I want to be clear. No company is too big to be prosecuted. We have zero tolerance for corporate fraud, but we also recognize the importance of avoiding collateral consequences whenever possible.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “From the day the President announced my nomination as the Attorney General… I have thought often about how to best prepare to meet the awesome responsibilities of this office.” (Speech, Justice Department, February 14, 2005)
- “Every time you make an attack against the rule of law… you weaken confidence in all our institutions. I think it’s very dangerous.” (Interview, posted by @AccountableGOP, June 4, 2024)
- “Justice must balance compassion for victims with the rights of all.” (Inspired by his National Crime Victims’ Rights Week speech, Justice Department, April 8, 2005)
- “Leadership in crisis requires tough choices, guided by principle, not popularity.” (Inspired by his post-9/11 policies, PBS Frontline, n.d.)
- “The pursuit of national security must respect the rule of law, even under pressure.” (Inspired by his tenure controversies, Esquire, December 9, 2009)
- “Public service is about leaving a mark that makes lives better, not just holding office.” (Inspired by his reflections on legacy, Esquire, December 9, 2009)
- “My story is proof that hard work and faith can open doors, no matter where you start.” (Inspired by his rise from poverty, UPI, n.d.)
Alberto Gonzales’s quotes blend a commitment to justice, reflections on leadership’s challenges, and a grounding in family and faith, urging us to serve with integrity despite adversity. Which one inspires you to balance duty and humanity? Share it in the comments and keep Gonzales’s complex legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
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