[mattdono]

Perhaps the the word "operative" by Novak was used at the term in a more general sense? Who knows?

Has Novak's story changed? Well, I guess. However, his statement from this morning seems very clear about his understanding of Mrs. Wilson's position and responsibility:

"According to a confidential source at the CIA, Mrs. Wilson was an analyst, not a spy, not a covert operator, and not in charge of undercover operatives."

Everyone seems to be having trouble with this, so let me do this...

"According to a confidential source at the CIA, Mrs. Wilson was an analyst, not a spy, not a covert operator, and not in charge of undercover operatives."

[lugsoul]

Again - you are accepting the word of Novak's confidential source over the official word of the CIA. The rumor that I've heard is that she was undercover overseas, and had recently been brought back home to Langley - but was covert recently enough that disclosure would impact ongoing operations. Think about it - Novak's claim gets HIM off the hook for spilling the beans on Plame.