In the sections of Libby's testimony quoted in the indictment, Libby is struggling to reconcile his statements that he learned about Plame from reporters with the contrary proof that he learned it from within the government, saying that he had forgotten the prior knowledge when he talked to reporters. From Count Four, referring to his July 10 conversation with Russert, "[A]t that point in time I did not recall that I had ever known, and I thought this is something that he was telling me that I was first learning." But he had discussed it two days before that with Miller, so his earlier version is just not particularly credible.
It is notable that Libby's allegation of perjury with respect to Matthew Cooper consists of the difference between these two versions:
LIBBY: I said I had heard that [that Wilson's wife worked at the CIA] from other reporters and I didn't know if it was true. Count Five, para. 2(a)
COOPER: He said he'd heard that too. Count 1, Para. 23.
That particular discrepancy is a slender reed, indeed.
Thanks for the studied analysis. I have not read the indictment, but from your and Fitz's statements, it appears Libby has some serious downside on this. I suspect he will try to get a "Berger"-like deal and plead.