President Bush moved to distract the nation from the fact that his White House is the first to sustain an indictment of one of its most senior officials in 130 years by nominating Appellate Court Judge Samuel Alito Jr. to the Supreme Court.
After Fitzgerald’s announcement of five indictment charges against I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, I have to admit that I felt sick to my stomach about this whole affair. It is a great national tragedy to have someone of Libby’s stature fall from his post — but it is something that had to happen.
Bolton in the clear. This from a tuned-in TWN reader. His comment seems right: The Undersecretary of State referenced in the indictment is not John Bolton — it is Marc Grossman, the former U/S for Political Affairs. Because Powell and Armitage were out of the country at the time, Grossman was Acting Sec State.
Here is the current roster of senior State Department officials. Robert Joseph now holds the portfolio previously held by John Bolton. My hunch — given the other options at the Under Secretary level — is that John Bolton was one of Libby’s four sources on Valerie Plame Wilson. It would be nice to have confirmation….
According to Patrick Fitzgerald comments now being made, Libby had four sources for his information on Valerie Plame: 1. Senior CIA Officer 2. An Under Secretary of State 3. Vice President Cheney 4.
Here is text of Vice President Cheney’s Statement: Mr. Libby has informed me that he is resigning to fight the charges brought against him. I have accepted his decision with deep regret. Scooter Libby is one of the most capable and talented individuals I have ever known.
One count obstruction of justice. Two counts of false statements. Two counts of perjury. Nothing on Intelligence Identies Protection Act or Espionage Act. More here.
I’m off this morning to meet with Nancy Roman, Washington Director of the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss her report that calls for a bipartisan foreign policy. (. . .but just popped a couple of pain pills.
In my report the other morning after my accident, I mentioned that a prominent journalist had shared this: My sense is that the Rove team is feeling more confident today, the Libby team despondent This squares with the New York Times report this morning that Libby is up for indictment this morning — and Rove…
After yesterday’s goof — I’m letting all know that all I have is an ongoing swirl of rumors. But here is a note I received from a friend: Steve: First, I hope you’re feeling better. A conspiracy theorist would have a field day with this incident.
