Decius wrote:

Mr. Gonzales said that the administration promoted and respected the right of the press that is protected under the First Amendment. "But it can't be the case that that right trumps over the right that Americans would like to see, the ability of the federal government to go after criminal activity," he said.

Anybody know if transcripts of this are available? I'd like to know if he is being taken out of context. I'd like to see exactly what was said.

Not really out of context. The usage of "possible" in the title here implies action as opposed to simple feasibility, and Gonzales is just unclear enough that either is possible. But the last sentence does tell me that they think it's a reasonable thing to do.

Anyway, here it is :

George: "Do you believe journalists can be prosecuted for publishing classified information?"

Alberto: "There are some statutes on the books which, if you read the language carefully, would seem to indicate that that is a possibility. That's a policy judgement by the Congress in passing that kind of legislation. We have an obligation to enforce those laws. We have an obligation to ensure that our national security is protected."

That's courtesy of Crooks and Liars who also have the video.

RE: Gonzales Says Prosecutions of Journalists Are Possible - New York Times