Robert Novak asked Armitage how a partisan zealot and loudmouth like Wilson had been selected for the sensitive mission to Niger, and Armitage said that Wilson’s wife - who worked for the CIA - had recommended him. Apparently many in the WH were wondering who Wilson was and how he was given that assignment, so the word got around about Plame. The WH was playing catch-up - they were being called liars and thugs by someone they didn’t even know, and who was allegedly sent to Niger on behalf of Cheney! The press eventually asked Rove and Libby and Fleischer about Plame, and they apparently affirmed what the press - or some of the press - already knew. I don’t think anybody really even thought that they might be divulging illegal information.
Thanks! Its clear now.