The Dems and MSM would go bonkers attacking the corruption of the WH and its disregard of the law and the justice system. Reid and Pelosi have already fired warning shots across the bow. I am sure that the WH would rather have good relations with the Dem controlled Congress so it can pass comprehensive immigration reform and a fix for SS. Moreover, there is still the funding of the war in Iraq that remains a Dem target. Pardoning Libby will give some backbone to wavering Dems in Congress. It will be played that the Libby conviction was really part of the WH coverup about the lies it used to get us into the War in Iraq, i.e., using the famous 16 words in the STOU. There may even be a greater clamor from the kook Left to impeach Bush.
There is a reason why Presidents usually wait until the end of their terms to grant most of their pardons. Certainly, the highly charged political show trial of Libby would act as a lightening rod should a pardon be granted now. And Fitzgerald is still out there waiting to pounce.
What are the politicial advantages to pardoning Libby now?
lightning
IMHO, the dems are just like the terrorists, they only respond to overt actions. Words hardly scare or get their attention. Deeds are what it takes.
Many conservatives are waiting to see GW resolve several lingering issues including the border agents who still sit in jali-- Ramos/Compean,Libby and other shall we say "unresolved" issues. Not that we don't support him anyway, just that we can use a boost every now and then.
I tend to disagree with your analysis this time.
You have mail.
One I know of.
IF Libby serves even one hour behind bars this lifelong Conservative/Republican will forever abandon the party financially. I dare say there are thousands who feel the same. Probably hundreds and hundreds of thousands.
Want to put the Democrats back in power for the next generation if not longer, toss Libby to the wolves.