Role of Rove, Libby in CIA Leak Case Clearer

The Washington Post ^ | Sunday, October 2, 2005 | Jim VandeHei and Walter Pincus

[YaYa123]

As the CIA leak investigation heads toward its expected conclusion this month, it has become increasingly clear that two of the most powerful men in the Bush administration were more involved in the unmasking of operative Valerie Plame than the White House originally indicated.

With New York Times reporter Judith Miller's release from jail Thursday and testimony Friday before a federal grand jury, the role of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, came into clearer focus. Libby, a central figure in the probe since its earliest days and the vice president's main counselor, discussed Plame with at least two reporters but testified that he never mentioned her name or her covert status at the CIA, according to lawyers in the case.

His story is similar to that of Karl Rove, President subtittle: Bush and Cheney Aides' Testimony Contradicts Earlier White House Statement

Bush's top political adviser. Rove, who was not an initial focus of the investigation, testified that he, too, talked with two reporters about Plame but never supplied her name or CIA role.

Their testimony seems to contradict what the White House was saying a few months after Plame's CIA job became public.

[msnimje]

When you see one of the authors is Walter Pincus, you can save your eye site and read no further.

[balch3]

They got nothin. Do you think Rove and Libby would have let Miller and Cooper talk to the grand jury if they had something to hide? Karl is just toying with Fitzgerald. He's probably having a good laugh at all this.

Not that I think Fitzgerald won't try to get an inditement. He's another sleazy political prosecutor just like Ronnie Earl. But he's got nothin.

[higgmeister]

or her covert status at the CIA

Her Covert status? This guy must be an idiot!
What country was she spying in? Fairyland!?

[Mount Athos]

Whole article is speculative, they should come out and say so.

[jess35]

It's a shame they don't reference their article from earlier this year....the one that mentions Fitzgerald investigating Miller's role in tipping off two Islamic charity groups before the FBI had a chance to serve them...

[YaYa123]

OOPS!


subtittle: "Bush and Cheney Aides' Testimony Contradicts Earlier White House Statement"

I should have lead with the subtitle, don't know how I accidently inserted it into the column.

But my own "oops" aside, the two reporters seem a little piqued they don't have more to add to their indictment of Rove and Livvy. I mean, it's old news, and totally irrelevant to remind readers that White House spokesman McClellan didn't initially level with reporters. What they gonna do, tar and feather him or just continue the whine?

I'll re-read the column, but for starters I can't see this re-re-rehash adds anything to the mix.

[Patriot from Philly]

I think Pincus has a conflict of interest and shouldn't be allowed to report on this case.

The part about the criminal conspiracy is interesting. Why would Fitzgerald bring those charges unless he is real eager to please the left and the MSM.

My understanding is that Wilson was saying Cheney sent him on this mission. The Bush officials were answering questions on why they sent an incompetent critic on this mission.

[YaYa123]

In yesterday's Washington Post, VandeHei wrote:

" A source close to Miller said yesterday that her testimony does not implicate Libby as intentionally and knowingly identifying Plame."

Why they are now going back to speculative ancient history for the Sunday paper,is beyond me.

[Patriot from Philly]

Don't you hear the longing in the article for a conspiracy charge against Bush Administration officials.

I blame Bush for caving and appointing Fitzgerald in the first place. Just gave the MSM another weapon to hurt him with.

[Mo1]

The grand jury is scheduled to expire Oct. 28, and lawyers in the case expect Fitzgerald to signal his intentions as early as this week

This week?

[Prime Choice]

Bah. Let 'em eat yellowcake!

[Mo1]

and who are these 2 lawyers that had extensive conversations with the Fitzgerald who don't want to be identified?

[Prime Choice]

I blame Bush for caving and appointing Fitzgerald in the first place.

There does appear to be a major lack of appreciation for treachery of the Leftists in the Bush camp. Every time I turn around, Bush is being nice to jackasses like Bill Clinton and Ted Kennedy...and for every time Bush reaches across the aisle, all he gets is the back of their hand and catcalls.

Screw that. It's about time our side stopped taking it and started dishing it out.

[Patriot from Philly]

Let me guess, lawyers for members of our professional, objective, brilliant MSM.

Keep hope alive. My fear is that Fitzgerald might be a media hound and an indictment is his way to glory, wonderful coverage, good articles. In that case, Bush can take out his pardon pen and let the media howl.

[Mo1]

Fitzgerald is not a media hound

[Mo1]

My understanding is that Wilson was saying Cheney sent him on this mission. The Bush officials were answering questions on why they sent an incompetent critic on this mission

Wilson said that until he was caught in a lie and that it was his wife that sent him

[mumps]

Karl is just toying with Fitzgerald.

Personally, I don't have any opinions about this whole thing because I got bored with it a long time ago. I'll read the accounts if/when Fitzgerald issues an indictment or a report.

That being said, trust me: Nobody with any brains toys with anybody who has the power to subpoena, indict, and prosecute.

[Patriot from Philly]

So why is Pincus so gleeful about a conspiracy charge against Bush officials. Pincus writes that the act itself does not have to be criminal but the result is. I don't see conspiracy, but Pincus is sure hoping for charges.

[Mo1]

Pincus is a liberal and old friends of the Wilson's

As for the "conspiracy charge" .. it's the new DNC talking point