Plame, Libby, Novak and Matt Cooper

[nixonwasbetterthanW]

Novak asserted early on that whoever leaked Plame's name was "no partisan gunslinger." To the extent that Novak's credibility is not totally ripped to shreds, that pretty much ruled out Rove.

It has been apparent in recent months that Lewis Libby is central to the investigation. It was his conversation with Matt Cooper that Cooper testified about when he was first called to the grand jury. Now that Cooper has been recalled by Fitzgerald, the focus on Libby intensifies.

Novak could justify to himself that Libby is "no partisan gunslinger" because Libby had, for one, once represented Marc Rich, who received the infamous pardon from Clinton.

[billyoc]

1. To assume Novak is simply lying

would be a pretty good bet. :grr:

[Dhalgren]

2. Why is it that some reporters get sent to jail for protecting

a source, but not Novak? Is there something technically different about this case?

[H2O Man]

3. A couple things:

You raise a good question. Keep in mind that the reporters having problems in this case have been resisting obeying the court orders.

With Novak, it is not clear if he has been called to testify, or not. It is known that he hasn't been called and refused; thus, there are two possibilities: he hasn't been called yet, or he has already testified.

If he refused or refuses to testify, he will face the exact same problems that the others face.

Also, keep in mind that "reporters" such as Ms. Miller might very well be attempting to avoid facing questions that would indicate that their primary role in this case is NOT one of being a "reporter," or protecting sources. Ms. Miller's role may very well turn out to be far uglier than the public may suspect.

[izzie]

4. What did they build all those prison for? These guys

--

[nixonwasbetterthanW]

5. Cheney and his parallel CIA

I'm wondering whether Fitz has already or wants to turn Libby for a lighter sentence. Libby then squawks that he was doing Cheney's bidding.