The CIA leak (Latest From Novak)

townhall.com ^ | 10/01/03 | Robert Novak

[jethropalerobber]

...because it looked like the missing explanation of an otherwise incredible choice by the CIA for its mission.

why was wilson an "incredible" choice?

[jethropalerobber]

Doesn't anyone still find it incredible that Wilson, a Bush hater, was given the task of vetting one of the most important allegations in Bush's State of the Union Address?

you might want to check your talking points.

the current administration line is that the african uranium connection was NOT AT ALL "one of the most important allegations in Bush's State of the Union Address," which is why is was no big deal that it turned out to be bogus - er, i mean unconfirmed.

btw, wilson had served previously as a high ranking diplomat in both iraq and niger - maybe it was not such a strange choice, eh?

[jethropalerobber]

I wonder what would've happened if Novak had written only that "Wilson was sent to Niger on his wife's recommendation". I.e., without mentioning her distinctive name, Valerie Plame.

why *did* he mention her name?

it seems pretty pointless.

[YaYa123]

Why did Wilson get the job in the first place, you asked.

Last night on NIGHTLINE, Ted Koppel asked Wilson if his wife recommended him for the job. Slightly indignant, Wilson denied it, so Koppel said to him: Well then, did the CIA ask your wife if she thought you might take the mission to go to Niger, and she said "yes".

It was very obvious Wilson was playing word games, trying to make it appear he was handpicked for the job because of his unique capabilities, that his wife had nothing to do with him going to Niger, when it was perfectly clear that she did.

[swilhelm73]

btw, wilson had served previously as a high ranking diplomat in both iraq and niger - maybe it was not such a strange choice, eh?

Yes, nothing like sending someone who everyone knows on a supposed investigatory mission. Maybe we can send the current ambassador to Pakistan to go looking, personally, for Osama and Omar at local Pakistani tea cafes.

This isn't the movies - when you are looking into illegal activity nothing says "You have the right to remain silent" better then someone known to be an American government official.

Of course, if he could have actually at least asked about what he was sent for once on his trip, in between sips of tea, perhaps he would have gotten *something*.

I'd offer that whoever suggested Wilson for this role - which he was self-admittedly, and in hindsight, completely unqualified for should be fired. And I'm guessing we are about to find out that is quite probably Mrs Wilson herself, Valerie Plame.

[JustPiper]

Agreed Kat, but the one thing for many of us who did vote for him and have supported him have found that is his poison ,is his policy on illegals in our country.

[mewzilla]

I'd like to know who made the decision to send Wilson.

[YaYa123]

We won't ever know who in the CIA sent Wilson to Niger, but it was clear from Wilson on NIGHTLINE, that Dick Cheney had nothing to do with it.

Koppel explained and Wilson confirmed that at some point in time, 2001-02, Dick Cheney's office asked the CIA to fill in the blanks, get more information, on whether or not Niger was selling yellow brick to Iraq. Wilson said specifically, Dick Cheney did not say to the CIA, send Wilson. Wilson said after the CIA received Cheney's request they proceeded to comply with his request, and in the normal course of business, the CIA asked Wilson's wife if she thought her husband might take the mission. At this point in the interview with Koppel, Wilson told viewers he was very knowledgeable on Africa, Niger in particular, he knew the people, knew all about the yellow brick industry, etc., so it made perfect sense that he would be the best one to check out the situation and report back to the CIA.

Wilson was very defensive when Koppel suggested Wilson got the job because of his wife, but you could tell he was spinning the truth to his advantage. Of course his wife got him the job!!

And when he got back, Wilson did not submit a written report. He told Koppel he got back, and a CIA staffer came to his house and took notes as Wilson prepared for another trip. (Wilson seemed to relish giving us the impression how busy he was, too busy to do a written report on his CIA mission to Niger.) blah blah blah

[mewzilla]

I don't care if we ever know, just as long as the person who made the decision get his/her happy heinie fired.

[GailA]

He said Wilson had been sent by the CIA's counterproliferation section at the suggestion of one of its employees, his wife"

NEPOTISIM at work here.

[leprechaun9]

I am reminded of the time that Speaker Tip O'Neil said that precisely because there was NO evidence against Ronald Reagan that there must be an investigation!

[auboy]

Thank you bump!

Someone needs to make E.D. Hill read this thread. She's been buying the smear and needs to do a little research before spouting off.

[leprechaun9]

I believe that the correct job descriptions for Mr. & Mrs. Wilson are ANAL-ists!

Is he the same Mr. Wilson from Dennis the Menace?

[patton]

yes

[Ace Correspondent]

However, an unofficial source at the Agency says she has been an analyst, not in covert operations." There you have it, she wasn't involved in Covert ops and therefore there is no scandal. period.

Now that is funny. An unofficial source at the CIA just told us that her job description did not say Spy, Assassin, or Covert Operator – just Analyst. Damn, and to think everyone used to get all bent out shape with those KGB chauffeurs, KGB hotel maids and blind match sellers. The KGB could have easily shown that their Job Description did not say Spy or Covert operator and put everyone at ease.

I have to agree with your reasoning, there is definitely “no scandal period.”

[Elkiejg]

Agree with your statement that the President has failed to weed out the Clintooon followers which has hurt him in many ways. I've been saying for weeks it's time for the "compassionate conservatism" to be dropped. The RATS don't understand, appreciate or care about fair play -- they have no morals, so the President's approach is lost on them. What's worse is his constant "turn the other cheek" is making him look weak and afraid of the RATS - which is losing him support of some conservatives.

Tony Blankley has a great article today about the GOP not understanding the methods and importance of "controlling scandal management" - I've sent it to key members of the WH - hopefully someone will read it and act. If anyone wants to also email the WH, try this site: http://capwiz.com/acu/dbq/officials/agencies/?id=4866&dir=acu&command=depresult&submit.x=18&submit.y=7

[Toespi]

It's lookin' to be a huge PLAMEOUT!

[Toespi]

It's lookin' to be a huge PLAMEOUT!

[Elkiejg]

Agree with your statement that the President has failed to weed out the Clintooon followers which has hurt him in many ways. I've been saying for weeks it's time for the "compassionate conservatism" to be dropped. The RATS don't understand, appreciate or care about fair play -- they have no morals, so the President's approach is lost on them. What's worse is his constant "turn the other cheek" is making him look weak and afraid of the RATS - which is losing him support of some conservatives.

Tony Blankley has a great article today about the GOP not understanding the methods and importance of "controlling scandal management" - I've sent it to key members of the WH - hopefully someone will read it and act. If anyone wants to also email the WH, try this site: http://capwiz.com/acu/dbq/officials/agencies/?id=4866&dir=acu&command=depresult&submit.x=18&submit.y=7