Fitz just put a hell of a lot more pressure on Libby to come

[rateyes]

clean with the truth. Reading between the lines, he was saying he can't prove more until he knows the full truth, and that Libby is the one with the full truth, and that if Libby wants to save his ass 30 years in the hoosegow, he'd better come clean. I hear the canary warming up.

Only thing that stops the investigation in its tracks is a pardon from Bush. But, I'll tell you what, the damned congress and senate needs to get of their asses and start doing their jobs in investigating this.

[Cats Against Frist]

1. That's what I got from it

This is all an exercise directed at Libby to come clean. The more Fitz talked, the more it became obvious: Fitz says he doesn't know the truth, because someone is obstructing. I submit that he knows, and he needs kick-ass, by-the-book, airtight evidence. Libby has 30 years hanging over his head, and Fitz is looking for the roll over. This, I think, would explain Rove, as well -- he's still chasing that dog down, too.

[rateyes]

3. Yep. Clear as day to me...

He is squeezing Libby until the zit pops.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

2. I hope you are right

But I would have charged everything I possibly could against Libby all at once. That's the way to scare him into talking. I still don't understand how Libby could not be charged with violating the Espionage Act. All that needs to be shown is that the leaker has "reason to know" information was classified. I thought that fact was very, very clear from the totality of evidence.

[rateyes]

8. I think that, perhaps during negotiations that Fitz...

told him, I'll charge you with these crimes, and if you don't come clean, I'll charge you with the Espionage Act...that way he holds a card that allows him to "cut a deal" with Libby without letting him totally off the hook.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

10. Fitzgerald said something about the Espionage Act being bad law

to apply to this particular kind of case. He made allusions to a similar law in Great Britain and why it was potentially dangerous to apply it to this type of case where it didn't actually involve espionage. I'm not sure I got all of that, but I didn't like what I heard.

[Jacobin]

4. One little word takes the pressure off Scooter

P-a-r-d-o-n

[NorCalDem]

6. Pardoning Libby would be a DISASTER

for the WH. Of course, not pardoning Libby would be a DISASTER for the WH. Either way, this is a DISASTER for the WH! :)

[LondonReign2]

19. How so?

Was pardoning Weinberger disaster for Poppy? And if the Chimp waits until the end of his term, there won't even be any fall out.

[rateyes]

9. Pardon equals

political suicide.

[stevietheman]

20. Hmmm, then why is Ernie Fletcher still the governor of KY? just a thought

n/t

[LondonReign2]

16. Yup, exactly

Scooter knows a pardon will come down from ChimpCo. What's in it for him to cooperate? At the very worst, if the trial moves quickly, he is looking at doing a little bit of time before Chimp pardons him at the end of his term. Then, he gets to go back to the think tanks/ranks of lobbyists/write a book and make millions.

But if he acts like a true patriot and comes clean and does what is right for the country the BFEE will ruin the rest of his life. he'll end of "suiciding" in a hotel room a few years later.

[Lannes]

5. I dont believe he can be pardoned until he is found guilty of a crime

So the damage would have been done.The only way I can see it hurting is if Bush through back channels tells Libby that if he keeps his mouth shut he will be pardoned if found guilty.

[NorCalDem]

7. That's not true, he can be pardoned before he goes to trial

thus saving the WH from having sordid details being disclosed to the public. That's why the Congress and Senate need to emphatically call on President Bush to NOT pardon Libby, and allow the facts of this case to come to light.

Not sure if that will happen though.

[Lannes]

12. You are right

Forgot about Nixon.

[Chiyo-chichi]

17. right.

pardoned for crimes he "may have committed."

[StefanX]

11. Benedict Arnold, roll over!

At first I was kind of disappointed (only ONE indictment for that nest of worms?!?) -- but now I'm really respecting Fitz more and more for this.

He's gonna lean on Libby until he 'fesses up and tells the TRUTH. This is gonna be the biggest pot-boiler suspense-story the country has ever seen! Everyone's going to be asking:

Who told Libby?

And when THAT person finally gets exposed for being the despicable traitor they are, they're going to be the most hated person in American history. (I have my suspicions as to who it is... but like I say, Fitz won't be satisfied until he can give us solid PROOF!)

Benedict Arnold, roll over!

[rateyes]

14. Who is "official A,"

who told Libby, who told Novak? etc. etc.

[LunaC]

13. Yup - It's a classic "squeeze play"

We see it on teevee week after week...tell us the truth or do not pass Go and go directly to jail. Libby's choice is a possible 30 yrs. in jail or turn State’s Evidence.

Tough spot, Libby. Tough spot. Heh, heh, heh......

Whatcha’ gonna’ do? Hmmmmmmmm?

This is just the prelude. Fitz isn't done yet.

[spuddonna]

15. Exactly...

We'll see if Libby can take the heat, or if he sings...

[rateyes]

18. If I was in his place...

I would be warming up my tenor voice...I would not go down alone, I would be taking people with me.

[zara]

21. Actually Congressional Investigation Might Compromise

Fitzgerald's, as happened with Ollie North, convicted felon.