WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Wednesday praised his new attorney general as someone who "understands the law from both sides of the bench."
The remarks came as Chief Justice John Roberts presided over the ceremonial swearing in of Judge Michael Mukasey as U.S. attorney general, succeeding Alberto Gonzales who was ousted over the firing of eight U.S. attorneys. Mukasey was confirmed Thursday and sworn in at a private ceremony Friday.
Bush called the attorney general post "one of the most important" jobs in the country and especially important during times of war.
"Judge Michael Mukasey is the right man to take on these vital challenges. Michael understands the law from both sides of the bench," said the president.
Bush also took the opportunity to defend Gonzales as "a fine man and a fine American … (with a) deep dedication to the cause of justice.".
Bush said he has "complete trust and confidence in Mukasey."
"The people who work for (the Department of) Justice deserve the very best leadership and you're going to have it with Judge Michael Mukasey," Bush said.
