Yours is a very intelligent reason for doing it the way he did. Unfortunately, I don't think the administration is as savy as you are. The President's remarks indicate that he took a moderate position in the hopes of not attracting too much criticism from the left. As you can see from his statement, the President chose to emphasize that his decision will still require Libby to receive punishment, rather than emphasizing that his decision will allow Libby to clear his name.
I understand people's tendency to attempt to use their own reason to make sense of the President's decisions that appear to make no sense. No matter how hard we wish, it simply isn't there.
You’re hung up on his remarks.
His decision as a decision - whether plus or minus remarks - makes a great deal of sense to the vast majority on this thread. Dozens of excellent posts expounding upon the whys and wherefores. They aren’t reaching or straining for anything. It’s staring them and us and everyone right in the face.
I find your post a strain and a reach. You say the decision makes no sense but it’s his remarks you focus on.
Whatever...
Bush walks on water. News at eleven. Headline: Bush can’t swim.