[Shermy]

"...During a long conversation with a senior administration official,....."

When he made this statement he was, in his way, trying to cover himself, and protect his viability as a confidant. That is, the fear no one would talk to him any more...damage control, just like his lame statement that the CIA official who confirmed that Plame was an agent should have urged him more strongly not to reveal the name.

[Just mythoughts]

""...During a long conversation with a senior administration official,.....""


"When he made this statement he was, in his way, trying to cover himself, and protect his viability as a confidant. That is, the fear no one would talk to him any more...damage control, just like his lame statement that the CIA official who confirmed that Plame was an agent should have urged him more strongly not to reveal the name."


Yes, I do agree Novak certainly tried to cleanse himself with "ignorance". May well be Clarke or could be another "mole" within the administration yet to be forced above ground.