Earlier in the week, the New York Daily News described the creation of a new White House “war room” to deal with the Plame scandal and the fallout tied to indictments. Specifically, an article described a two-pronged strategy to deal with indictments, if they’re issued: 1) if Rove gets indicted, say he “simply got tripped […]
As a political matter, Dick Cheney is not a terrific spot in light of today’s events. His right-hand man has not only resigned, but he’s under indictment, facing 30 years behind bars, and the charges seem to suggest that the VP himself was aware of Libby’s efforts while they were happening. But there’s also the […]
The Fitzgerald press conference has begun. The WaPo is running a video feed live, in case you aren’t near a TV. More soon. Update: Fitzgerald, to his credit, went over an hour, without notes, explaining the charges and answering questions. Wolf Blitzer described it as a “commanding” performance and it was a fair description. There […]
On Page 4 on the Libby indictment (.pdf), Fitzgerald explains the following: On or about May 29, 2003, in the White House, Libby asked an Under Secretary of State (“Under Secretary”) for information concerning the unnamed ambassador’s travel to Niger to investigate claims about Iraqi efforts to acquire uranium yellowcake. The Under Secretary thereafter directed […]
When Karl Rove left his home this morning, a reporter yelled out to him as he got into his car. “Are you in good spirits?” the reporter asked. “Are you in a good mood?” Rove replied: “A very good mood today. I’m going to have a very good day.” In fact, after learning today that […]
Just 22 months after launching a federal investigation, the wait is over. It’s official, Scooter Libby has been indicted. As of 12:44, CNN reported that there are at least three charges, including obstruction of justice, perjury, and making false statements. More soon. Update: There were a total of five charges, including one charge of obstruction […]
Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers (a little earlier than usual because of the Fitzgerald report at noon): * With just 11 days before New Jersey elects a new governor, a new Fairleigh Dickinson/PublicMind poll shows Sen. Jon Corzine […]
We’ve all been very patient; it won’t be much longer. * Patrick Fitzgerald is expected to hold a news conference today at 2 p.m. Fitzgerald’s office also announced it would release information on the grand jury about noon. (Both times are Eastern) * Helping to flesh out why Rove will not be indicted, the Washington […]
I kind of doubt that the Plame scandal will literally force Bush from office like Watergate did to Nixon, but I nevertheless enjoy seeing others draw the comparison. Especially Carl Bernstein. “We are obviously watching and the press is beginning to document the implosion of a presidency,” Bernstein said Thursday, just hours before the Plame […]
One question about Harriet Miers that’s never been clear is how, exactly, she got nominated in the first place. With a White House filled with successful political operatives, who thought this was a good idea? The Washington Post noted today that one person was instrumental. President Bush bypassed his own selection process to pick Miers, […]