Cheney Speaks Out on Libby (Cheney Mad at Bush)

Weekly Standard ^ | 01/22/2009 | Stephen F. Hayes

[RobinMasters]

Former Vice President Dick Cheney disagreed publicly with his boss just four times in the eight years they served together. Yesterday, however, on the first day after the official end of the Bush administration, Cheney disagreed with George W. Bush once more.

Cheney told THE WEEKLY STANDARD that his former chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, whom he described as a "victim of a serious miscarriage of justice," deserved a presidential pardon.

Asked for his reaction to Bush's decision Cheney said: "Scooter Libby is one of the most capable and honorable men I've ever known. He's been an outstanding public servant throughout his career. He was the victim of a serious miscarriage of justice, and I strongly believe that he deserved a presidential pardon. Obviously, I disagree with President Bush's decision."

[Enterprise]

I agree. This whole thing was disgusting.

[mkjessup]

All the more reason that it should have been President Dick Cheney ending his two terms yesterday, with his compassionate conservative VP George W. Bush flying back to Texas, while the better man went home to Wyoming.

[Badeye]

Libby played with reporters, and got burned as a result.

[ilgipper]

Not only is the whole investiagation and prosecution disgusting, but the media and Dems are out there claiming Libby was the leaker. He was not, but the facts do no matter any more in America.

[Vigilanteman]

I hope we will be hearing more from Dick Cheney. He is an honorable, decent and patriotic American. More so than his former boss.

[Deb]

I thought pardons couldn't be granted until five years had lapsed. Only commutations can come prior to that.

[AU72]

I know I would agree with Cheney all the other times as well.

[skeeter]

He was not, but the facts do no matter any more in America.

He was not, and Fitzgerald knew he was not even as he was holding press conference implying he was.

[Chet 99]

You are referring to DOJ regulations on when someone can APPLY to the Office of Pardons. The president, on the other hand, can grant a pardon at any time. His power to do so is plenary and absolute.

[Non-Sequitur]

So...pardons for Scooter but not the Border Patrol agents? Obvious where Cheney’s sympathies lie.

[Dansong]

To pardon Libby would violate W's most cherished conviction: The “New Tone” in politics must be maintained at all cost.

[kellynla]

Libby not receiving a pardon from GWB is pure chicken shiite.

One more reason, if you are ever questioned by authorities plead the 5th!
This man was screwed royally by the “system!”
And Bush just “spit in Libby's face” for his loyalty, troubles & work!

[Russ]

Was the pardon of the border guards brought up in the interview? I must have missed it. No, it isn't obvious where Cheney's sympathy lies until he actually addresses the issue.

[ErnBatavia]

I thought pardons couldn't be granted until five years had lapsed.

Nope - that's just a Justice Department "recommendation". What comes to mind immediately is Ford's pardoning of Nixon.

[Just A Nobody]

So...pardons for Scooter but not the Border Patrol agents? Obvious where Cheney’s sympathies lie.

THE BP AGENTS DID NOT WANT PARDONS, they only wanted commutations as they continue to fight the charges for a complete exoneration in the courts.

But as always with you, do not let the facts get in the way of your rants.

[Mouton]

Bush and Cheney may publically say they were on the same page almost all of the time, however, I think actions say more than words. I recall on election day 2006, Cheney went fishing. My suspicion is he had had enough at that point.

[Deb]

I know he can, but if he hadn’t gone by the DOJ regs the howls would have been heard around the world and probably caused more problems for Libby. I personally think Libby, the border agents and all indicted abu graab soldiers should have been given complete pardons.

[Aria]

So he didn’t give pardons because he thought it wasn’t fair since they usually only to go people who have influence and not ordinary people. Hmmmm

Libby would never have been prosecuted if he hadn’t been working for this administration and he became the scapegoat. I think Bush owed him the pardon.

[jazusamo]

So...pardons for Scooter but not the Border Patrol agents? Obvious where Cheney’s sympathies lie.

Have you a special antenna in that tin foil hat?