Leak Probe May Expand Beyond White House [Pentagon,State Dept.]

Associated Press ^ | October 2, 2003 | Curt Anderson

[cwb]

"in which the Justice Dept will seek the Wilson's phone records."

This could be interesting. Hmmm...isn't that Begala and Carville's numbers?

[b4its2late]

Not surprising. Aren't there alot of people in State that have a problem or two with this admin?

[Mo1]

That said, journalistic confidentiality does not extend to crimes. Technically, he could be ordered to disclose his source and held in contempt of court for refusing. Others have suggested that since Plame worked on WMD non-proliferation it could be considered 'harming efforts against terrorism' and he could be charged under the USA Patriot Act.

This doesn't just stop at Novak. Isn't it possible that the 6 other reported journalist could fall under this umbrella?

Wilson said he was going to tell the FBI their names

[AntiGuv]

Personally, I think whoever talked to Novak should just come out and admit they mentioned Mrs Wilson, explain that they had no idea she might be undercover but thought she was just an analyst, and proclaim their huge remorse for any problems this caused.

This little spectacle would be history by the end of the week..

[Timesink]

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There is no way I can catch them all myself!!

[freeperfromnj]

Matthews has had it in for Scooter for quite some time.

[Steve_Seattle]

From what I've read of the anti-outing statute, it has never been successfully enforced because it sets a very high bar for prosecutors. A prosecutor must prove malicious intent, that a tangible breach of national security has occurred, that the "outed" agent was critical to the success of a covert operation, and that the person doing the leak had full knowledge of the outed agent's role and significance. It is possible that NONE of those criteria apply here. (I admit I didn't articulate them very well, but they are something like what I stated.)

[AntiGuv]

Isn't it possible that the 6 other reported journalist could fall under this umbrella?

Yep, it's not just possible, but guaranteed. BTW, one journalist who's stated she was contacted on the matter is Andrea Mitchell of NBC News - Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's wife.....

[Steve_Seattle]

" . . . and stopped just short of saying "Yes it is Scooter Libby, Dick Cheney's top assistant."

Was Libby mentioned by name? If so, why?

[Mo1]

Hmmmmm ... this could get really interesting

[AntiGuv]

Was Libby mentioned by name? If so, why?

Yep, I saw the segment. The CIA guy was ranting about the VPs office, and then Pat Buchanan asked him to confirm or deny that he was implicating Scooter Libby, and the CIA guy said "no comment" (but that he would be telling the FBI what he knew)...

[Steve_Seattle]

I thought Mitchell said she was contacted AFTER Novak's article had already run.

[Steve_Seattle]

I don't like the sound of this. I wouldn't trust anyone named Scooter Libby. Sounds too much like Bebe Rebozo.

[AntiGuv]

Mitchell did say that, however she would still get encompassed by any subpoenaes related to knowledge that pertains to whatever crime may've been committed...

[Steve_Seattle]

"Mitchell did say that, however she would still get encompassed by any subpoenaes related to knowledge that pertains to whatever crime may've been committed..."

That's probably true.

[freeperfromnj]

Maybe she tipped off old Scooter's name to her NBC pals, Buchanan & Press and Matthews

[ntnychik]

"If they are civil employees he can't get rid of them all due to the Pendleton Act"

/Clinton is the first prez to convert his political appointees into civil servants in the waning hours of his administration. All Bush needs to do is "downsize government" a bit and he can clean the 'rats out. They're least senior. Let's roll.

[Aaron0617]

Beyond the White House? Not accorinding to our friend Pat B

Pat Buchanan just announced on MSNBC that Bush already KNOWS who the leaker is. Buchanan wants Bush to announce it and fire them.

I don't know how Pat knew that but...he just said it.

[JDGreen123]

I am trying to find a transcript. The agent was asked directly is the leaker Scooter Libby. He could not say yes I guess since he feared a lawsuit but basically confirmed the charge.

[Elkiejg]

After the Jayson Blair debacle - no member of the press should have ammunity. It's far to easy to say "un-named sources told me" and then not have to prove it. Sorry, I don't trust nor believe anyone in the press - other than maybe Brit Hume.