Posted on 10/30/2005 3:43:25 PM PST by Brian Mosely
Edited on 10/30/2005 4:02:24 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN OCT 30, 2005 18:31:21 ET XXXXX
PROSECUTOR PLANS ON CALLING CHENEY AS WITNESS IN OPEN COURT; EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE FIGHT LOOMS
**Exclusive**
Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald is planning to call Vice President Dick Cheney as a witness in the trial of Lewis Libby, the DRUDGE REPORT has leaned.
But the high stakes move could result in an executive privilege showdown between the White House and Fitzgerald, a top government source said Sunday.
"If Mr. Fitzgerald is going to demand a public recounting of conversations between the vice president, or even the president, and his staff, on matters he, himself, has acknowledged are 'classified,' executive privilege will obviously be invoked."
Fitzgerald has made it clear to lawyers involved in the case that he prefers Cheney appear as a witness in open court.
"Mr. Fitzgerald is starting from the position that this should not be done on remote or videotape," the well-placed source said.
Fitzgerald and Libby's attorney Joseph Tate discussed possible plea options before the indictment was issued last week, TIME magazine reports in new editions. But the deal was scotched because the prosecutor insisted that Libby do some "serious" jail time.
Developing...
I think, following Clinton's example, the appropriate executive response is: b--- me.
Fitzgerald is grandstanding now, imo.
Just not going to give up the rumor and innuendo smear job are they? Anyone figure out HOW LONG it will be before this even reaches a court room?
Has he set up a new Grand Jury?
the line of questioning could go anywhere - with the prosecutor in the bag, if they get a trial judge who is in the bag too, they could turn his appearance on the stand into a circus.
Nope. Another Clinton related precedent. He didn't need to have been found guilty of draft dodging for Carter to pardon him, but that pardon restored the draft dodger's eligibility for office.
let's see what happens this week.
Has Friz set up a new Grand Jury?
Good, that is real important sign to look for right? That is my understanding from trying to keep up with the Freeper Legal stars today. Need something solid to keep me grounded in all these swirling waves of Media hype and speculations. Anyone know what solid facts we should be on the look out for?
well, I'd like to see Libby hire a real lawyer to start defending him.
Its sunday night again. Yawn
What is going on here? What is this about? I see nothing, correct me if I am wrong.
Exactly,Cheney should go and tell the truth. Libby should push for a trial next week, the sooner the absolute nonsense of this attack is revealed in court the better.
I have a question. During the Clinton scandals didn't the SCOUS decide that Clinton wasn't protected from a requirement to testify? That's what ultimately got him impeached, isn't it? If I'm right about the Supreme Court's decision under Clinton, how would Cheney be able to assert executive privilege anyway.
Tenent WAS the stench!
I'm waiting for one reporter with guts to ask FitzgeraldZ:
When you realized that Plame was not covered under the espionage act, why didn't you immediately stop your investigation?
Really, I dont see the big deal either. They are acting like they having something to hide.
The whole executive privilidge makes sense to those who take the time to understand the underpinnings of it. However, no one will ever be able to explain that the great unwashed masses...and the MSN wont even try.
I quit going to Drudge...it's not worth waiting for 'tribalfusion' to load.
The judge has been assigned and it's good news. He was nominated by President Bush and confirmed in 2001. Things are looking up.
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