Fielding Unyielding
Fred Fielding is surprising those who know him as a pragmatist.
Observers thought that Fielding would nudge the administration into compromise after he took over as White House counsel in January. Instead he is leading White House battles with Congress over executive privilege and presidential power, the Washington Post reports.
Richard Wiley, managing partner of Wiley Rein where Fielding was a partner, told the newspaper that Fielding may be constrained by “intractable” issues. “Fred is a guy who is usually able to work with people and find solutions if they are feasible,” he said.
Some say an aggressive approach is wise, since any legal battles over executive privilege likely won’t be resolved until after President Bush leaves office. By then, the disputes will be old news.
