US justice boss still in hospital

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Michael Mukasey collapsed during his speech

US attorney general Michael Mukasey remains in hospital the day after he collapsed while giving a speech on national security.

Mr Mukasey, 67, started shaking and slurring before he collapsed and lost consciousness behind the podium.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said he "sounded well" when President George W Bush spoke to him by telephone on Friday.

The former federal judge became the top US law enforcement official a year ago.

The attorney general was giving an address to the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy at a hotel in Washington at the time he collapsed.

He was looked after by members of his own security detail until an ambulance arrived to take him to George Washington University Hospital.

"The attorney general is conscious, conversant and alert," said Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr.

On Friday a Justice Department spokeswoman said Mr Mukasey apparently fainted, and there was no sign of a stroke or heart problem, AP reported.

Mr Mukasey took over from his predecessor, the scandal-hit Alberto Gonzales, late last year.