Larry Johnson, a former CIA analyst and counter-terrorism official at the State Department (whom I mentioned yesterday), was on MSNBC yesterday discussing the Plame Game scandal with Pat Buchanan and Bill Press. Johnson indicated that he knew at least one of the Novak Two.
Johnson said that he’s learned that this person works in the Old Executive Office Building, the tall building just outside the West Wing, where most White House employees work.
Johnson also said, “When the name comes out people will have heard this name before in connection with past scandals.” He added that he’s heard this name “in connection with” Vice President Dick Cheney’s office.
Naturally, this fuels speculation about Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Cheney’s chief of staff. When asked directly if Libby was the name he heard, Johnson said simply, “I’m not going to comment on that.” He added a moment later, however, “I think if I’m the FBI, I start by having a discussion with Mr. Libby.”
I’m not terribly familiar with Johnson, but he certainly seems like a reliable person whose criticism is being offered in an even-handed fashion. He’s a self-identified Republican, after all, who contributed to Bush’s campaign in 2000.
When hired as an analyst on terrorism issues by Fox News, the network noted Johnson’s “distinguished career” in the CIA, in which he “received training in paramilitary operations, worked in the Directorate of Operations, served in the CIA’s Operation’s Center, and established himself as a prolific analyst in the Directorate of Intelligence. In his final year with the CIA he received two Exceptional Performance Awards.” (via Calpundit)
Keep all of this in mind when the GOP attack machine starts targeting Johnson’s credibility.
Let me be clear: I have no idea whether Scooter Libby did anything. Rumors are just rumors at this point. I’m mentioning all of this simply because speculation around him is intensifying.
Tim Dunlop, for example, noticed that White House press secretary Scott McClellan was asked directly about Libby during a press briefing earlier this week. McClellan responded, “If you have any specific information to bring to my attention — like I said, there has been nothing that’s been brought to our attention.” This, in contrast to questions about Karl Rove’s possible involvement, which McClellan denied unequivocably.
Even Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel (Neb.) said last night that Bush should be “sitting down with [Cheney] and asking what he knows about it.”
What does all of this mean? I’m not sure, but I suspect the FBI might be calling Scooter Libby soon to see if he’d be willing to shed some light on the subject.