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The nature of the job of attorney general has changed…

“The nature of the job of attorney general has changed - irrevocably. And we should never again have an attorney general, of either party, capable of expressing surprise at the role that national security issues now play in the life of the Justice Department or in the role of its chief.” quote by Benjamin Wittes
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“The nature of the job of attorney general has changed - irrevocably. And we should never again have an attorney general, of either party, capable of expressing surprise at the role that national security issues now play in the life of the Justice Department or in the role of its chief.”

Benjamin Wittes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The role of the attorney general now permanently includes national security, making surprise impossible.

In simple terms: Attorney general must now expect security issues.

Key Takeaway

Accept security as core duty.

Themes

law national security government

Mood

serious concerned

Type

analytical policy

When to use this quote

  • policy drafting
  • court decisions
  • interagency coordination

Key Concepts

institutional change policy adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should AGs balance security and civil liberties?
  • What safeguards prevent overreach?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all AGs have equal influence, ignoring political realities.

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