Scooter indicted.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Rove still waiting in the wings, but Scooter has taken a hard fall:

Cheney's top aide quits after federal indictment
Lewis Libby indicted on 5 counts

Friday, October 28, 2005; Posted: 1:18 p.m. EDT (17:18 GMT)


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, resigned on Friday after federal grand jury indicted him on charges related to the CIA leak investigation.

Libby was indicted on one count of obstruction of justice, two counts of perjury and two counts of making false statements, court documents show.

The indictments were not related to the actual leak of operative Valerie Plame Wilson's name. More... (http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/28/leak.probe/index.html)

I'm just reading the indictment here (http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/osc/documents/libby_indictment_28102005.pdf)

[Tom]

It is to my eternal shame that I think Scooter's kind of hot.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

It is to my eternal shame that I think Scooter's kind of hot.

I feel about that statement the exact same way I felt when phoenixrising confessed that she was warm for Tucker Carlson's form.

You are both dead to me.

[JeffreyWKramer]

It is to my eternal shame that I think Scooter's kind of hot.

You just like them bad boys, Tom.

[Tom]

Hey, if I got the chance to do him, it would only be for blackmail purposes, I promise!

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Hey, if I got the chance to do him, it would only be for blackmail purposes, I promise!

If I had a nickel for every time I've heard that...

[JeffreyWKramer]

Hey, if I got the chance to do him, it would only be for blackmail purposes, I promise!


I bet he'd like to be apprehended by Dr. Leather.

[Grant]

It is to my eternal shame that I think Scooter's kind of hot.

I'm still dealing with my Harriet Miers crush.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I'm still dealing with my Harriet Miers crush.

Dude!

OK, that's it. I'm just waiting for the post by the chubby-chaser who wants to be Karl Rove's love slave.

Say. Where is StoneGold anyway?

[JeffreyWKramer]

Say. Where is StoneGold anyway?
Busy with his stash of Janet Reno nudie pics.

[Dreadstar]

Dude!

OK, that's it. I'm just waiting for the post by the chubby-chaser who wants to be Karl Rove's love slave.

Say. Where is StoneGold anyway?

Oh yeah, sure, fake a lob to me and take it yourself.

[Dreadstar]

Busy with his stash of Janet Reno nudie pics.

I may have to kill you for that.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Oh yeah, sure, fake a lob to me and take it yourself.

Damn. My bad. Here's your quarter.

[Tom]

It's so awful. The older I get, the more I find the powerful-man-in-a-suit thing so hot. This goes against everything I believe politically! I'm torn here!

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

It's so awful. The older I get, the more I find the powerful-man-in-a-suit thing so hot. This goes against everything I believe politically! I'm torn here!

Please, God, stop. Otherwise, I'll post a pic of Alan Greenspan and you won't be able to work the rest of the day.

[phoenixrising]

This would all happen on the day I'm acting editor.

What zany fun times.


(and yes, Dr. H, Tucker Carlson is hot enough to overcome his conservatism in my book)

[Tadhg Adams]

It's so awful. The older I get, the more I find the powerful-man-in-a-suit thing so hot. This goes against everything I believe politically! I'm torn here!

Powerful-man-in-a-suit is so hot. I totally agree with you there.

[Tom]

Please, God, stop. Otherwise, I'll post a pic of Alan Greenspan and you won't be able to work the rest of the day.
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/cpress/20051028/capt.w102839a.jpg

I'd hit that in a second.

Minus the crutches.

[Tadhg Adams]

(and yes, Dr. H, Tucker Carlson is hot enough to overcome his conservatism in my book)

That's just gross. He wears a bowtie and ill-fitting suits!

[phoenixrising]

http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/cpress/20051028/capt.w102839a.jpg

I'd hit that in a second.

Minus the crutches.

He's old enough to at least be my dad, but I'd prolly hit that too. He's a good-looking guy in a nice suit, I'm helpless.

[Dreadstar]

http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/cpress/20051028/capt.w102839a.jpg

I'd hit that in a second.

Minus the crutches.

OH bullshit.

You know you'd use the crutches as a "prop" so to speak.

[Hoss]

It's so awful. The older I get, the more I find the powerful-man-in-a-suit thing so hot. This goes against everything I believe politically! I'm torn here!


During the Katrina thing Texas Governor Rick Perry came on TV. My wife looked up from her cross stich and said, "He should run for President. He's hot." Friggin soccer moms and gay comic book fans are going to be the ruin of American politics.

http://img491.imageshack.us/img491/6433/magch242uj.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

You know, I couldn't help myself when I saw this:

http://www.bobfromaccounting.com/5_1404/greenspanlarge.jpg

[Tom]

OH bullshit.

You know you'd use the crutches as a "prop" so to speak.
Well he'll definitely need the crutches when I'm done with him. OH YEAH. I WENT THERE.

[Tom]

See, this is the kind of political discussions we should have more of: who we'd hatefuck.

[Tadhg Adams]

This is the kind of political discussions we should have more of: hatefucks.

Will you still love me if I tell you I so want to have sex with Coulter and/or Hannity?

[Dreadstar]

See, this is the kind of political discussions we should have more of: who we'd hatefuck.


...

I notice a real dearth of hatefuckable female politicos.

Well, OK, I could see Anne Coulter through some serious beer-googling, but still...

[Tom]

...

I notice a real dearth of hatefuckable female politicos.

Well, OK, I could see Anne Coulter through some serious beer-googling, but still...
Crazy-ass Michelle Malkin will do in a pinch.
http://goldsea.com/Personalities/Malkin/malkin.jpg

[Tom]

Will you still love me if I tell you I so want to have sex with Coulter and/or Hannity?
Hey, i want to do Cheney's chief of staff. Who am I to throw stones?

Except your choices are, y'know...ugly.

[Ray R.]

See, this is the kind of political discussions we should have more of: who we'd hatefuck.

Michelle Malkin
Kyra Phillips (CNN)
And Andrea Phillips while her husband Alan Greenspan got rode hard by Tom on the other side of the bed....

I wouldn't fuck Anne Coulter with Anne Coulter's dick......

[Tadhg Adams]

Hey, i want to do Cheney's chief of staff. Who am I to throw stones?

Except your choices are, y'know...ugly.

Take that back! Hannity is hot!

Coulter is a dog but still, I can't help love her.

[Cyke]

I was about to chastize you all for denigrating a serious topic with criminal ramifications into a series of odd political sex fantasies...

...and then I remembered how hot Anderson Cooper is.

Damn you all!

[Tom]

Michelle Malkin
Kyra Phillips (CNN)
And Andrea Phillips while her husband Alan Greenspan got rode hard by Tom on the other side of the bed....
I know to a straight guy all men look the same but please tell me you can see at least a slight difference between my boy scooter:
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/afp/20051028/capt.sge.ani33.281005175126.photo00.photo.default-365x282.jpg
and...this:
http://www.jackboulware.com/images/greenspan0225.l.jpg

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Monica Crowley from MSNBC:

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050208/050208_monica03.widec.jpg

"Say it! Say 'Bill Clinton was 1000 times the president that Dubya is!"

[Dreadstar]

Crazy-ass Michelle Malkin will do in a pinch.
http://goldsea.com/Personalities/Malkin/malkin.jpg

Ooo! Yeah, I'd bend that over the back of a couch.

[Tadhg Adams]

...and then I remembered how hot Anderson Cooper is.


And How.


Kyra Phillips

Only if she's wearing her nerd-frame glasses.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Ooo! Yeah, I'd bend that over the back of a couch.

At least that way you don't have to look at that jacked up mug of hers.

[Tom]

Take that back! Hannity is hot!


http://www.kvi.com/Images/200Hannity.jpg
http://www.bearst.com/images/ernie.jpg

[Dreadstar]

Monica Crowley from MSNBC:

OK, I don't think I know of her. But yeah. Good pick.

[Hoss]

Anderson Cooper is gay, right?

[Tom]

And he likey the dark meat.

[Dreadstar]

http://www.kvi.com/Images/200Hannity.jpg
http://www.bearst.com/images/ernie.jpg

HA! Man I'll never be able to see Hannity without hearing that muppet voice now.

THANKS!

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

OK, I don't think I know of her. But yeah. Good pick.

She does a show with Ron Reagan on MSNBC. She used to work for Nixon. She's not as batshit-crazy as Malkin or Coulter, but then again, she's a heck of a lot easier on the eyes.

[Hoss]

And he likey the dark meat.


Is that why he hasn't been tapped to be a network anchor?

Fastball down the middle of the plate - just like you like em

[Tom]

Is that why he hasn't been tapped to be a network anchor?

Fastball down the middle of the plate - just like you like em
That would be my guess.

[Hoss]

That would be my guess.


Darned. He's great on TV.

[Ray R.]

That would be my guess.

Doesn't he do a show called "Anderson Cooper - 360 degrees?"

Double-entendre, anyone?


Oh, and Tom, me doing Andrea Mitchell is taking one for the team as well......

http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/bioimages/mitchell.jpg

[Cyke]

Doesn't he do a show called "Anderson Cooper - 360 degrees?"

Double-entendre, anyone?


Oh, and Tom, me doing Andrea Mitchell is taking one for the team as well......

http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/bioimages/mitchell.jpg

Considering that she sleeps with Greenspan every night...

(shudders)

[PatrickG]

I hear Scooter's lawyer is an expert in how to be a millionaire and not pay taxes.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d7/Tv_muppet_show_steve_martin.jpg

[Wesley Dodds]

Tom and Phoenix, I chide you for your frankly baffling sexualities. I chide you!

In other news, I may be performing the first of my happy Bush Administration indictment dances -- the Scooterband! But will I yet dance the Rovemba? Time will tell.

[Wesley Dodds]

And, for the record, I cannot find these people sexy because they are vile. And that goes double for Andrea Mitchell.

[Wesley Dodds]

Hello, Scooter. Tom has a crush on you.

http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20051028/capt.nyet26010281201.cia_leak_investigation_nyet26 0.jpg?x=258&y=345&sig=iQVRiEMyfpBlSbUOM64a_Q--

"Yezzzz... I am pleazzzzzzzeeeeed..."

[Tom]

Hello, Scooter. Tom has a crush on you.

http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20051028/capt.nyet26010281201.cia_leak_investigation_nyet26 0.jpg?x=258&y=345&sig=iQVRiEMyfpBlSbUOM64a_Q--

"Yezzzz... I am pleazzzzzzzeeeeed..."
That's an awful picture of him.

[Wesley Dodds]

But think how pumped Scooter will become if he goes to jail! He'll work out and become ripped!

[Slam_Bradley]

To move back on topic for a second...that is one convoluted indictment.

[Tom]

But think how pumped Scooter will become if he goes to jail! He'll work out and become ripped!
Feh. the whole point is, he's a good looking man in a suit. Getting ripped will make him look like every other middle-aged gay guy at the gym. Dime a dozen.

[Grant]

Dude!

OK, that's it. I'm just waiting for the post by the chubby-chaser who wants to be Karl Rove's love slave.

Say. Where is StoneGold anyway?

I have no idea. I'm trying to pick up his slack.

So Bea Arthur... pretty foxy huh.

[PatrickG]

This would all happen on the day I'm acting editor.

What zany fun times.


(and yes, Dr. H, Tucker Carlson is hot enough to overcome his conservatism in my book)

Plus, he knows Superman:

http://www.capedwonder.com/Marc_Chris1.jpg

[Tom]

Sort of back on topic...

I'm watching it right now and I've got to say, Fitzgerald gives really good press conference.

[Slam_Bradley]

Feh. the whole point is, he's a good looking man in a suit. Getting ripped will make him look like every other middle-aged gay guy at the gym. Dime a dozen.


Yeah...but then he could at least kick the ass of whoever saddled him with the nickname "Scooter."

[Davideaux]

I think Andrea Mitchell is kinda pretty, but then again I love Eleanor Clift too.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

To move back on topic for a second...that is one convoluted indictment.

How dare you go back on topic!

I listened to the press conference. It's really not all that convoluted after Fitz walked through it. Basically, Scooter told the FBI that he learned Plame's name from reporters and passed it on to other reporters, carefully stating that he didn't know whether or not the info was true. He told a similar story in front of the grand jury.

It turns out, however, that none of the reporters (Cooper, Miller or Russert) backed up his version of their conversations. Additionally, testimony from other government officials revealed that Scooter was discussing Plame's identity with them in the weeks before the conversations with the reporters where he alleged that he first learned about her.

So, he's a big, fat liar, liar pants on fire.

Allegedly.

[Slam_Bradley]

So, he's a big, fat liar, liar pants on fire.



Is that in Black's Law Dictionary?

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Is that in Black's Law Dictionary?

Well, as much as I eschew the technical legal terms in front of the, you know, lay folks, I thought I'd sneak one in, just this once.

[Tom]

How awesome would it be if we could charge Karl Rove with "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire?"

[Ray R.]

Is that in Black's Law Dictionary?

I think it follows the "I know you are, but what I am" defense....

[Dreadstar]

How awesome would it be if we could charge Karl Rove with "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire?"

Only if you could, y'know, actually set his pants on fire.

[Tom]

Can we charge W with "Baby, Baby, Stick Your Head in Gravy?"

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I think it follows the "I know you are, but what I am" defense....

And the "I don't make monkeys, I train 'em" surrebuttal.

[Slam_Bradley]

I think it follows the "I know you are, but what I am" defense....


I love that one. Not as good as the "John Wayne" or the "Ike Turner" defenses, but a certifiable classic.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Can we charge W with "Baby, Baby, Stick Your Head in Gravy?"

We'd never be able to get Rove's piehole out of there to make room for Dubya.

[StoneGold]

Dude!

OK, that's it. I'm just waiting for the post by the chubby-chaser who wants to be Karl Rove's love slave.

Say. Where is StoneGold anyway?
Hey, I am 100% all about the clam and you know that!

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Hey, I am 100% all about the clam and you know that!

I know. What can I say? I missed you and deliberately said mean things to draw you out. I have soiled our friendship garden. I'm sorry.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Ooo! Yeah, I'd bend that over the back of a couch.

Not on a dare. Malkin is the kind of crazy that tends toward stalking jilted lovers, setting their houses on fire and putting poisonous snakes in their mailboxes.

[Dreadstar]

Not on a dare. Malkin is the kind of crazy that tends toward stalking jilted lovers, setting their houses on fire and putting poisonous snakes in their mailboxes.

Enh, it's been a pretty boring year, except for the occasional wedding. I could use the challenge!


Besides, it's been a while since I bent someone over the back of a couch.

[Davideaux]

Besides, it's been a while since I bent someone over the back of a couch.

I thought that was the subject of your bestiality thread.

[Ray R.]

I know. What can I say? I missed you and deliberately said mean things to draw you out. I have soiled our friendship garden. I'm sorry.

Oh, and I'm sorry. I took a leak in yours and Stonegold's friendship garden. Might want to keep an eye on the azaleas......

[JeffreyWKramer]

Enh, it's been a pretty boring year, except for the occasional wedding. I could use the challenge!

I prefer challenges that aren't likely to involve molotov cocktails or blades shoved into my genitals, but to each his own.

Besides, it's been a while since I bent someone over the back of a couch.

Well, that is an understandable reason to take the chance. There are few sights more wonderful than that of a woman bent over the back of a couch.

I still prefer it be a non-psychotic woman, though.

[Ray R.]

Not on a dare. Malkin is the kind of crazy that tends toward stalking jilted lovers, setting their houses on fire and putting poisonous snakes in their mailboxes.


Well, I'd have pictures of the act for insurance for just that occurrence.

"Hey Malkin, live by the blog, die by the blog, if you know what I mean."

"It's a Blog-Eat-Blog world out there."

"Leave me alone or I ruthlessly butcher another cliche."

[Slam_Bradley]

Oh, and I'm sorry. I took a leak in yours and Stonegold's friendship garden. Might want to keep an eye on the azaleas......


Did you dance on their friendship grave while you were at it?

[JeffreyWKramer]

Well, I'd have pictures of the act for insurance for just that occurrence.


She might not show up on film. Kinda like vampires, y'know.

Hell, she might have fangs down there.

[Ray R.]

Did you dance on their friendship grave while you were at it?


Saving the Snoopy "happy" dance for Reagan.

I long to see BlairH weep in lament.

[JeffreyWKramer]

I long to see BlairH weep in lament.

It's good to have life goals.

[Dreadstar]

Did you dance on their friendship grave while you were at it?

No, but he humped their friendship leg, if that counts.

[Slam_Bradley]

Saving the Snoopy "happy" dance for Reagan.

I long to see BlairH weep in lament.


I keep picturing you looking like my avatar as you say that. It makes it that much funnier.

[Slam_Bradley]

No, but he humped their friendship leg, if that counts.


Over the back of the couch?


Oh...and I'd happily bend her over too.

[Ray R.]

She might not show up on film. Kinda like vampires, y'know.

Hell, she might have fangs down there.

Yowza. That'll leave a mark.

Hell, I know how to get her out of bed in a hurry.

"Michelle, sweetie, I know we've consummated our love in various ways, including the back of a couch, but have I mentioned my admiration and deep abiding love for the Clintons?"

Buh-bye.

[Ray R.]

It's good to have life goals.

Shoot high, aim low, that's what I always say.

Speaking of guns.....

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Yowza. That'll leave a mark.

Hell, I know how to get her out of bed in a hurry.

"Michelle, sweetie, I know we've consummated our love in various ways, including the back of a couch, but have I mentioned my admiration and deep abiding love for the Clintons?"

Buh-bye.

More subtle: "Michelle, my little snoggly-woggly, have I ever told you that in this light, you look just like Hillary Clinton?"

[JeffreyWKramer]

Speaking of guns.....

Is it true Scots folk tend toward the short-barreled variety? Or sawed-off? And shoot a lot of blanks?

[Ray R.]

I keep picturing you looking like my avatar as you say that. It makes it that much funnier.


I told you, I was getting over mono when that was taken. Plus, it was my "awkward" stage. Or as my mom put it - "The Jerry Lewis Years."

Crisco really keeps the hair in place, though.

[JeffreyWKramer]

More subtle: "Michelle, my little snoggly-woggly, have I ever told you that in this light, you look just like Hillary Clinton?"

No, end it with "... like Hillary Clinton, but with a fatter ass."

Of course, that pretty much would assure the carbombing

[Dreadstar]

Crisco really keeps the hair in place, though.

That and fried chicken are the only things it's good for.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

No, end it with "... like Hillary Clinton, but with a fatter ass."

Of course, that pretty much would assure the carbombing


Excellent. Pure evil.

[Ray R.]

No, end it with "... like Hillary Clinton, but with a fatter ass."

Of course, that pretty much would assure the carbombing

If not a "Bobbitt" incident.

"Nurse, we've got a Snip and Flip. Get the sewing kit in here, stat!"

[Slam_Bradley]

That and fried chicken are the only things it's good for.


I've always been a lard man, myself.

[Dreadstar]

I've always been a lard man, myself.


...


...too easy.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I've always been a lard man, myself.

OK, StoneGold, slowly back away from the yahoo image search engine and nobody will get hurt.

[Slam_Bradley]

If not a "Bobbitt" incident.

"Nurse, we've got a Snip and Flip. Get the sewing kit in here, stat!"

While painful, if it is indeed true that they put in a spacer...I dunno.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

...


...too easy.

Geez, how much did you pay him?

[Ray R.]

OK, StoneGold, slowly back away from the yahoo image search engine and nobody will get hurt.

Pop-up blockers set on "Stun," Captain.....

[Dreadstar]

Geez, how much did you pay him?

Still a quarter. He's just really hittable.

[Slam_Bradley]

Still a quarter. He's just really hittable.


You said you'd hump my leg, too.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Pop-up blockers set on "Stun," Captain.....

Thank you, Sulu. Now get your hand off my ass.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Our fearless leader's statement today:

3:51 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Today I accepted the resignation of Scooter Libby. Scooter has worked tirelessly on behalf of the American people and sacrificed much in the service to this country. He served the Vice President and me through extraordinary times in our nation's history.

Special Counsel Fitzgerald's investigation and ongoing legal proceedings are serious, and now the proceedings -- the process moves into a new phase. In our system, each individual is presumed innocent and entitled to due process and a fair trial.

While we're all saddened by today's news, we remain wholly focused on the many issues and opportunities facing this country. I got a job to do, and so do the people who work in the White House. We got a job to protect the American people, and that's what we'll continue working hard to do.

I look forward to working with Congress on policies to keep this economy moving. And pretty soon I'll be naming somebody to the Supreme Court.

Thank you all very much.

[HomerJay]

Thank you, Sulu. Now get your hand off my ass.
Best post I've read today.

[Ray R.]

I say we rename this thread:

"White Collar Workers on a Friday Afternoon"

[Dreadstar]

I say we rename this thread:

"White Collar Workers on a Friday Afternoon"


But what about SCOOTER???

[Slam_Bradley]

I say we rename this thread:

"White Collar Workers on a Friday Afternoon"


It's a good thing I don't have about half a dozen orders that need to be drafted. And a forfeiture to file. And a P & Z decision to write. And a....

[HomerJay]

It's a good thing I don't have about half a dozen orders that need to be drafted. And a forfeiture to file. And a P & Z decision to write. And a....

Don't forget the cover sheet on your TPS reports.

[Slam_Bradley]

Our fearless leader's statement today:


Is it just me, or did that seem kinda rambling and all over the place?

[Ray R.]

I got a job to do

I HAVE a job to do.

Can't we get Harriet Meiers to tutor him after school or something?

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Is it just me, or did that seem kinda rambling and all over the place?

That, allegedly, is the WH strategy on this one: change the topic whenever possible. Although, I'm not sure the strategy was to change the topic every other sentence...

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Don't forget the cover sheet on your TPS reports.

Where's my stapler?

[Michael P]

Um, yeah, I'm gonna have to ask you to come in tomorrow, say, 9. So, I'll see you then.

[Ray R.]

That, allegedly, is the WH strategy on this one: change the topic whenever possible. Although, I'm not sure the strategy was to change the topic every other sentence...

I liked "Rainman", I'm sure Middle America does too.....

[Slam_Bradley]

I liked "Rainman", I'm sure Middle America does too.....


We'll fix the economy right after the trip to K-Mart.

Definitely ten minutes to Wopner.

[Noah Johnson]

Ooh, nice little tidbit buried in the Libby indictment: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/006881.php

Basically, it's now known that Cheney and company knew perfectly well that Plame was not "just an analyst" and that her operative status was a secret.

Another lie goes down...

[Paul McEnery]

"Scooter has worked tirelessly on behalf of the American people and sacrificed much in the service to this country."

Anyone want to tell me exactly what Scooter sacrificed?

As opposed to the 2000 servicemen he got killed?

[JeffreyWKramer]

Anyone want to tell me exactly what Scooter sacrificed?

He worked for Cheney. I'd suspect he sacrificed many virgins, as well as giving over deed to his soul.

[Ray R.]

Ooh, nice little tidbit buried in the Libby indictment: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/006881.php

Basically, it's now known that Cheney and company knew perfectly well that Plame was not "just an analyst" and that her operative status was a secret.

Another lie goes down...

It's not even buried. It's paragraph 9, page 5 of the indictment.

"On or about June 12, 2003, LIBBY was advised by the Vice President of the United States that Wilson’s wife worked at the Central Intelligence Agency in the Counterproliferation Division. LIBBY understood that the Vice President had learned this information from the CIA."

Can you spell "smoking gun"?

[Paul McEnery]

He worked for Cheney. I'd suspect he sacrificed many virgins, as well as giving over deed to his soul.
Well, I also think it's a bit of a warning.

Note that the Rove indictment got hindered. And Libby's now on crutches.

Think the consigliore popped round for a visit, and delivered a little history lesson about roman senators?

[cactusmaac]

They'll probably go for the "I'm sorry, I forgot" defense. It's an easy defense because the underlying facts are so trivial.

[JeffreyWKramer]

They'll probably go for the "I'm sorry, I forgot" defense. It's an easy defense because the underlying facts are so trivial.

Yeah, lying under oath - multiple times - is so trivial. Basic honesty is so trivial.

[Wesley Dodds]

They'll probably go for the "I'm sorry, I forgot" defense. It's an easy defense because the underlying facts are so trivial.

Is this the next talking point, that the facts are so trivial? Please explain to me how outing a non-official cover officer and obstructing justice are trivial. For bonus points, explain why the Clinton impeachment was justified at the same time.

[cactusmaac]

Is this the next talking point, that the facts are so trivial? Please explain to me how outing a non-official cover officer and obstructing justice are trivial. For bonus points, explain why the Clinton impeachment was justified at the same time.

Clinton was a sleazebag who needed to get nailed for something.

[Paul McEnery]

Clinton was a sleazebag who needed to get nailed for something.

No no no.

Clinton was a sleazebag who needed to get nailed.

But seriously -- and I love the complaints about Clinton -- what is it he did policy-wise that was so dreadful?

[cactusmaac]

Nothing that comes to mind.

He was a decent enough President, but his personal behaviour left a lot to be desired.

[PatrickG]

Is this the next talking point, that the facts are so trivial? Please explain to me how outing a non-official cover officer and obstructing justice are trivial. For bonus points, explain why the Clinton impeachment was justified at the same time.

You want the real conservative answer?

*ahem, tapping into the right brain*

Saddam had it coming. Nobody who treatens our interests should be able to walk away and anybody who disagrees with that is putting American lives at risk, to be dealt with through any means necessary. The elder George Bush screwed up by not finishing Saddam and especially after 9/11, we needed to get back into the region. Saddam's refusal to cooperate with weapons inspectors created the doubt we needed to fry his ass. Enemies of the United States must be deposed and, preferably, dead for freedom to exist and freedom is the byproduct of the United States having a healthy economy and an absence of millitary rivals in order for the ideals of Western Democracy, Christianity and Capitalism to spread. There can be no true freedom outside the context of these three things.

Bonus:

Clinton violated the sanctity of his marriage just as he trampled on venture capitalism, exceptionalism and the ideals upon which this country was founded. He exceeded the bounds of his power not for the greater good but for his own personal pleasure thus relinquishing any claim to morality in his expansion of the federal government. He set a bad example for the youth of this country (who should not be engaging in lose sexual relations outside of marriage) and he was smug about it.

Political power is to be wielded for moral reasons. It is a mandate from God and to be elected is a blessing and a sacred duty. Sometimes people fall short but they can be forgiven as long as the thrust of their political ambitions is to promote the ideals on which this country was founded. Clinton not only ideologically opposed the ideals of great men like Adam Smith, he undermined his credibility to wield great power in the name of Godly virtue.

Saddam posed a moral and a tactical dilemma to the United States both in terms of our commerce, our credibility as a millitary force in the Muslim world and our ability to scare our enemies into wetting their beds every night. While I am not admitting that any abuses occured, some boundaries are worth stretching in order to eliminate Saddam and liberate the Iraqi people. No one who opposes the United States in a war should live to tell about it.

In turn, Clinton opposed traditional American interests and in doing so had no divine mandate founded in higher law to violate the protocols of the office.

*clears throat again*

How was that for my conservative impression?

[Wesley Dodds]

Pat, I'm very impressed.

[Samurai]

Ooh, nice little tidbit buried in the Libby indictment: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/006881.php

Basically, it's now known that Cheney and company knew perfectly well that Plame was not "just an analyst" and that her operative status was a secret.

Another lie goes down...
That doesn't say anything at all about her status as a secret operative in a foreign country, which is the requirement for the 1982 law. If that law was actually broken, why wasn't Scotter indicted on it? Answer: She wasn't covered by the law, and so the only charges they could bring were obstruction of justice and perjury... and we've yet to see if he's actually guilty of those. Shame on him if he is.

[Paul McEnery]

That doesn't say anything at all about her status as a secret operative in a foreign country, which is the requirement for the 1982 law. If that law was actually broken, why wasn't Scotter indicted on it? Answer: She wasn't covered by the law, and so the only charges they could bring were obstruction of justice and perjury... and we've yet to see if he's actually guilty of those. Shame on him if he is.
Oh bollocks.

The reality is that there's wiggle room on the issue of knowing she was undercover.

The extra bonus reality is that Libby knowingly perjured himself. Now why would he do that?

The big fat reality is that the administration lied us into a war, which is treason.

[Paul McEnery]

Nothing that comes to mind.

He was a decent enough President, but his personal behaviour left a lot to be desired.
As I thought. Nada.

[Nick Soapdish]

Is it just me, or did that seem kinda rambling and all over the place?

Maybe not. He talks about a Supreme Court vacancy and how Scooter's currently in the job market. Could be a connection. :p

[PatrickG]

Pat, I'm very impressed.

What I'm saying is, from a conservative perspective:

You can break a few eggs to make an omlette of security and American prosperity. You may be able to get by with moral indiscretions but only if your main objective as a public figure is to promote traditional American corporate and religious interests. If you oppose American corporate and religious interests, you create an environment in which the country might dissolve.

From a liberal perspective:

Everybody does it. People use power for personal pleasure. As long as he isn't mucking up the social progress of the country, infringing on civil rights and is actively working to improve the environment and restrain inhuman corporate interests, let him have a BJ. He deserves it. I'd give him one myself if he could eliminate the greed that corporations like Microsoft, McDonalds, Wal-Mart and Starbucks represent while insuring quality standards for the poorest Americans. Success is something everybody deserves.

From my own libertarian perspective:

These guys are all crazy. Wild sex romps in the oval office are in poor taste but what people do in private is their own business; credibility is a factor, however, and Clinton was sloppy in his choices, lending itself to some doubt as to whether he's up to the task of managing the bloated federal government, if any human can ever genuinely be up to that task. American business interests should be protected and not penalized for their success as they do lead to freedom. Self-interest (aka "greed") is what holds this or any other country together and we're not using it nearly as efficiently as we could, wasting tax dollars on busting people for sex and drugs, denying people marriage and starting wars. Government needs to be put in check. Corporations like Microsoft, McDonalds, Wal-Mart and Starbucks are to be commended for their success in spite of Federal interference. However, violence is not a means for acheiving prosperity. Economics is.

And the best thing we can do is offer anyone the chance to acheive whatever they want as long as it doesn't forcefully impose upon another person. But only the chance. Success is a goal, not a thing that everyone can share.

[Wesley Dodds]

That doesn't say anything at all about her status as a secret operative in a foreign country, which is the requirement for the 1982 law. If that law was actually broken, why wasn't Scotter indicted on it? Answer: She wasn't covered by the law, and so the only charges they could bring were obstruction of justice and perjury... and we've yet to see if he's actually guilty of those. Shame on him if he is.

You mean she couldn't be covert under the 1982 Intelligence Identities Protection Act. However, the 1917 Espionage Act also forbids the unauthorised release of classified information.

I think by only discussing the 1982 act conservatives are trying to mislead people about this case.

In fact, although Fitzgerald has said that he would investigate whether any violation of the 1982 act had occured, the CIA's Justice Department "crimes report", which orginally requested this probe, didn't mention the 1982 act at all.

[Cyke]

Wait... all this talk about Scooter Libby in a Scooter Libby thread...

...does this mean we've stopped talking about politicos and pundits that we find hot?

[Wesley Dodds]

Phoenixrising's baffling fondness for Tucker Carlson kind of killed all that.

[PatrickG]

She's just a closet Jimmy Olsen Fan Club member.

[JeffreyWKramer]

That doesn't say anything at all about her status as a secret operative in a foreign country, which is the requirement for the 1982 law. If that law was actually broken, why wasn't Scotter indicted on it? Answer: She wasn't covered by the law, and so the only charges they could bring were obstruction of justice and perjury... and we've yet to see if he's actually guilty of those. Shame on him if he is.

As usual, you are 100% wrong here here. Or lying. Hard to tell. Anyway, what you are saying is not true.

The fact is, conviction under the 1982 law requires evidence that the perp knew the agent was undercover and was intentionally trying to blow said cover. Thus far the prosecutor can't prove that in Libby's case, so the current charges are all there is. Whether more are added - always an option, depending on the progress of the investigation - remains to be seen. But, in fact, it has been proven Plame was undercover. What has not been proven was the intent of those blowing her cover. The lying is pretty much a matter of public record at this point, though.

Also, it should be noted that the lying, obstruction, perjury and such carry a possible penalty of 30 years.

[Dennis K]

Doesn't he do a show called "Anderson Cooper - 360 degrees?"

Double-entendre, anyone?


Oh, and Tom, me doing Andrea Mitchell is taking one for the team as well......

http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/bioimages/mitchell.jpg


If the Joker was a drag queen, he'd look like Andrea Mitchell

[Alex]

This is pretty lame.
Cheneys chief of staff, a guy i didn't even know exsisted till this started.
I was hoping they would get someone famous, like Micheal Vick.

[JeffreyWKramer]

This is pretty lame.
Cheneys chief of staff, a guy i didn't even know exsisted till this started.
I was hoping they would get someone famous, like Micheal Vick.

It's not over yet. We may still see Rove get zinged. Who knows, maybe even Cheney, though I doubt he's dumb enough to leave a clear trail.

[Wesley Dodds]

Cheneys chief of staff, a guy i didn't even know exsisted till this started.

Libby actually had three jobs in the White House. He was Cheney's Chief of Staff and National Security Affairs Advisor but he was also an Assistant to the President.

[cactusmaac]

This is pretty lame.
Cheneys chief of staff, a guy i didn't even know exsisted till this started.
I was hoping they would get someone famous, like Micheal Vick.

Yeah, the Moveon.org and DU guys were hoping for a Watergate-style Gotterdamerung and anxiously fingering their copies of All The President's Men, praying and chanting for this to be the scandal that brings down the Evil Bush Presidency.

What they got was Libby being indicted on charges that don't even relate to breaking any secrecy laws.

[cactusmaac]

As usual, you are 100% wrong here here. Or lying. Hard to tell. Anyway, what you are saying is not true.

The fact is, conviction under the 1982 law requires evidence that the perp knew the agent was undercover and was intentionally trying to blow said cover. Thus far the prosecutor can't prove that in Libby's case, so the current charges are all there is. Whether more are added - always an option, depending on the progress of the investigation - remains to be seen. But, in fact, it has been proven Plame was undercover. What has not been proven was the intent of those blowing her cover. The lying is pretty much a matter of public record at this point, though.

Also, it should be noted that the lying, obstruction, perjury and such carry a possible penalty of 30 years.

Unless you're a Quintesson, accused parties generally enjoy the right of presumption of innocence before guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt.

[SUPERMANIAC]

Shame they have such liars in gov. over there.

[Jesus]

totally stupid if you want my opinion

[Michael P]

Unless you're a Quintesson, accused parties generally enjoy the right of presumption of innocence before guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt.Or a talk radio host.

In any case, I believe Jeff was saying that reasonable doubt has been satisfied in his case.

[Wesley Dodds]

What they got was Libby being indicted on charges that don't even relate to breaking any secrecy laws.

Perhaps the grand jury's work isn't done because Libby "knowingly and corruptly endeavored to influence, obstruct and impede" (in the words of the indictment) the grand jury's efforts to find out who leaked Plame's status?

I suppose so long as they keep obstructing justice they'll be able to put off Plame indictments until they run out of kamizake senior members of the White House staff.

[Wesley Dodds]

Yeah, the Moveon.org and DU guys were hoping for a Watergate-style Gotterdamerung and anxiously fingering their copies of All The President's Men, praying and chanting for this to be the scandal that brings down the Evil Bush Presidency.

For the record, I was anxiously fingering my penis, but that's by the by.

[Michael P]

I forget, who was the first guy to be indicted for Watergate?

[Wesley Dodds]

7 people were indicted simultaneously (on 15 counts): the 5 Cubans, Liddy and Hunt. Hunt was, of course, Nixon's covert operations chief.

[Karl J. Barnes]

For the record, I was anxiously fingering my penis, but that's by the by.

Well, don't chafe yourself...

[Harry Angel]

What they got was Libby being indicted on charges that don't even relate to breaking any secrecy laws.

As the Prosecutor explaned, by obstructing justice and commiting perjury, Mr. Libby interfered with the investigation finding the truth out one way or another.

The charges as such are absolutly related.

[spoon_jenkins]

That doesn't say anything at all about her status as a secret operative in a foreign country, which is the requirement for the 1982 law. If that law was actually broken, why wasn't Scotter indicted on it? Answer: She wasn't covered by the law, and so the only charges they could bring were obstruction of justice and perjury... and we've yet to see if he's actually guilty of those. Shame on him if he is.
Like Kramer said, being in a foreign country is in no way a requirement ot the 1982 Act. That's just an objective fact. You can read the text here. (http://foi.missouri.edu/bushinfopolicies/protection.html) Furthermore, some conservatives have tried to float the lie that the law would not be violated if someone said "Joe Wilson's wife" rather than "Valerie Wilson." The text of the statute read "intentionally discloses any information identifying such covert agent." So saying the spouse of so-and-so or woman living at so-and-so address is sufficient. (It's ridiculous that some conservatives used that argument to say that an act with just as disastrous effects is a-okay.)

Fitzgerald explained why he hadn't charged someone for the underlying statute. The obstruction of justice prevented him from determining whether all the elements of the crime (maybe the intent element) had been met. So he didn't determine that the statute wasn't violated. Rather, he said a cover-up impinged on making the case. He's charging based on that cover-up.

[Hiromi]

Also, it should be noted that the lying, obstruction, perjury and such carry a possible penalty of 30 years.

http://mattbrundage.com/random/laughing.jpg

[Harry Angel]

http://mattbrundage.com/random/laughing.jpg


That's a great picture and all, but it doesn't change the reality that Clinton was never convicted of any crime and that while he was impeached by the House he was found not guilty in his trial before the Senate.

He did agree to have his licencse to practice law suspended in return for having the Starr Investigation end and he did get a good size fine for contempt of court. But none of those led to any kind of criminal charges or a criminal conviction.

[Slam_Bradley]

Unless you're a Quintesson, accused parties generally enjoy the right of presumption of innocence before guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt.


They have that presumption in the eyes of the law and of the Court of law. The Constitution provides no such presumption in the court of public opinion.

[Slam_Bradley]

As the Prosecutor explaned, by obstructing justice and commiting perjury, Mr. Libby interfered with the investigation finding the truth out one way or another.

The charges as such are absolutly related.


As a prosecutor, I view Obstruction and Perjury as EXTREMELY serious offenses. I'm a lot more likely to deal what others would view as "more serious" or "real" crimes than I am obstruction or perjury charges. There are a number of reasons for this. First, they strike at the very heart of our system of justice. Second, dealing or poo-pooing these types of charges is extremely demoralizing to law enforcement. Third, it sends a very clear message that these types of behaviors will not be tolerated.

I fully supported the House in impeaching Clinton. I fully support this indictment and if he's found guilty, would hope that Mr. Libby will do signifigant jail time.

[StoneGold]

And then there's that issue that someone kind of touched on earlier, if Libby and Rove are any good at what they are accused of doing, of course there's no evidence of them actually providing the leaks. They covered it up! That's why there's a crime against covering things up, so if you're good at it, you're still screwed.


Now what they needed to be better at was covering up the cover up.

[Dreadstar]

That's a great picture and all, but it doesn't change the reality that Clinton was never convicted of any crime . . .

So far, Libby hasn't either.

Not that he won't.

Just that he hasn't.

[Paul McEnery]

Unless you're a Quintesson, accused parties generally enjoy the right of presumption of innocence before guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt.

In our system, each individual is presumed innocent and entitled to due process and a fair trial.

Well, that's fine and dandy.

Except under the provisions of the Patriot Act, that right went clean out the window.

Bush has some nerve.

[Harry Angel]

So far, Libby hasn't either.

Not that he won't.

Just that he hasn't.


But keep in mind that Clinton was never indicited for any crime either, which certainly has something to do with why he was never convicted.

While it's true that impeachment is a very serious matter, it needs to be remembered that the sole purpose of the act is to see if a President should be tried by the Senate to determine if he should be removed from office. So that while the House can say that they want the President removed becuase he commited perjury, obstructed justice, or had sex with a goat, that is not the same thing as being indicited, charged or convicted with perjury, obstructing justice, or goat sex.

I know that there is a tendency on the right to pretend otherwise, but that's still the reality of the situation.

[PatrickG]

Unless you're a Quintesson, accused parties generally enjoy the right of presumption of innocence before guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt.

Thanks for the avatar inspiration!

[StoneGold]

Thanks for the avatar inspiration!
Hey, they're still better than the judges from the Planet of the Apes.


Wait a minute... Statue of Liberty.... that was our planet!!!

DAMN YOU!!! YOU BLEW IT UP!!!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELLLLL!!!!

[PatrickG]

It's a great way to get five justices to stack the appointment.

And being from Texas, the Quintessons are pro-life.

Here's a court transcription to prove it:
Quintesson: Does a fetus constitute a human life distinct from the mother?
Quintesson: Yes.
Quintesson: Feed them both to the Sharkticons.

[mgs]

Sort of back on topic...

I'm watching it right now and I've got to say, Fitzgerald gives really good press conference.
plus, he's a really good guy.