I think the article is actually good news for Rove, at least from the Intelligence Identities Act standpoint. Novak and Rove's stories seem to jive. It sounds like the angle the NYT is taking is that Rove may not be guilty, but he was involved in the Plame stories, so Bush should can him anyway.
You've summed it up well.
I Agree with your take. LOL.
Nathan, and these "reporters" don't have a clue what the GJ is up to, do they. Nor have they seen any "evidence" that any such conversations took place -- outside the "anon source" -- and what bits they can piece together between Novak and Rove. This just gets better and better.
So. Judith is in Jail -- (Save Our Valiant Journalistic Warrior!), and the Times is now offering up a newer ANON source (NY Times: We shall prevail! -- Call us "ANON SOURCE UNLIMITED!").