Novak's comments about not speaking to Rove on any subject on the record means he never used him as a source. Off the record with a source means you don't talk about OR write about what you talked about.
I am completely confused, because I thought Rove was his "confirming" source on his July 14, 2003 column. Novak wrote that he confirmed the Plame story with a second Senior administration official. He wrote that he told this source about what he had heard about Plame, Wilson and Niger and the source said "I heard that too!" That really doesn't sound like a confirmation of a story to me. It sounds like gossip.
This is a very interesting case and I hope we find some answers soon. I think the administration will be completely cleared. Will their be any apologies from the press and Democrats (which are the same thing) for their slander and libel of the Rove, the Prez and his administration.
Don't hold your breath, but WE won't let them forget. They can join Rather in his playroom.
Novak's "confirming officail was Larry Harlow IMO...
I think Novak is clear. He's saying that he never used Rove as a source. You basically cleared up your own confusion. If this is true, which I believe it is. Rove should be cleared.