Forgetfulness is Competence?

To the most casual of observers, it seems like Alberto Gonzales has a memory problem. During his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 19th, Gonzales claimed a lack of recollection when answering over fifty questions posed by members of both parties. The fact is that he claims no specific knowledge of decisions made, yet is completely confident in the correctness of these decisions. I'm just confused as to how a person could claim such confidence in a decision that he does not recall.

Apparently, our President does not share my point of view. Gonzales's public statements of forgetfulness actually made President Bush more confident in his abilities to do his job. Shall we be reasonable here? Are there any real situations in which a boss is comforted by the forgetfulness of someone he hired? Standing by him based on loyalty, sure. As disconcerting as it might be, we wouldn't be too surprised by President Bush supporting a loyal friend under fire. But more confident? What on earth does that mean in the context of a hearing? If it is widely perceived by most involved that Gonzales's statements were at best simply incomplete (at worst deliberately so), how can a friend, a boss, a leader, say that these statements are in any way something to be proud of?

I guess it just bugs me to see such blatant partisanship and lies under the guises of friendship and loyalty. I do, honestly, understand loyalty. What I do not understand is why our President would put his already shaky reputation on the line for the even shakier stance of Alberto Gonzales. How does that portray our model system of government to the world?