The gist of the story, which
should have been the leadoff paragraph:
Ms. Plame, a member of the agency's clandestine service working on Iraqi weapons issues, suggested at the meeting that her husband, Africa expert and former U.S. diplomat Joseph Wilson, could be sent to Niger to investigate the reports
Intelligence officials haven't denied Ms. Plame was involved in the decision to send Mr. Wilson, but they have said she was not "responsible" for the decision.
Mr. Wilson has told reporters repeatedly that his wife wasn't involved in his selection, and accused the White House of leaking his wife's name to punish him by ending her career as a clandestine operative. Joe Wilson is a liar. We knew that, of course, but this is merely confirmation of the fact.
And Valerie Plame seems to have set herself up for an investigation as well.
And, finally, I think the context of how Novak learned of her involvement becomes rather obvious. Novak asks "why in hell did they ask Joe Wilson to do this?" Source replies, cynically and sarcastically, "His wife suggested it! Can you believe that?"
There is also the subtle blurring of "seeking to purchase" and "purchased" uranium. Huge difference. And the answer to those questions are "yes" and "probably not."