[cyncooper]

I would like to weigh in on the Plame/Wilson affair. I, too, think it likely Clarke contributed or was behind the "leak".

However, I've always thought it was not a criminal act by whoever divulged the name. It was like "Why Wilson" and the answer: "His wife" and wasn't a leak to harm Wilson as he claims.

Now, I think the Wilson/Plames were up to no good because they clearly were out to undermine the adminstration by spreading Wilson's exaggerated tale.

One thing that goes to Clarke is Novak said it was a long rambling conversation with the official that in the course of the topic came up. That sounds like Clarke who clearly loves to pontificate.

So, in sum, I don't expect anybody to face charges for "leaking" Plame's name, but I do think he may well have been one who knew and talked. Plus, it would show it wasn't to harm Wilson's reputation but to HELP him. That's how Cliff May said he heard about it--that a dem told him about Wilson's wife as a way of explaining why on earth Wilson-who despises the Bush administration-would be sent, and he said the dem explained that the wife being CIA pointed to them being patriots first, partisans second.

[arasina]

Clarke left his post at the White House in January, 2003. I don't think he is the source of the leak to Novak since his column on the Wilson-yellow cake issue didn't appear until July.

I wish Novak would just open up and give the name of the leaker just like he opened up with Valerie Plame's name! He's supposedly doing the "honorable journalist" thing. Bah!

[CyberAnt]

"patriots first, partisans second"

The only problem was - the Wilson's held fundraisers for the Clintons - and THAT should have been a HUGE clue.