Bush faces dilemma in case of ex-Cheney staffer Libby

[liberal N proud]

Pardon a sensitive topic for White House
Bush faces dilemma in case of ex-Cheney staffer Libby

The prospect of a pardon has become so sensitive inside the West Wing that top aides have been kept out of the loop, and even Bush friends have been told not to bring it up with the president. In any debate, officials expect Vice President Cheney to favor a pardon, while other aides worry about the political consequences of stepping into a case that stems from the origins of the Iraq war and renewing questions about the truthfulness of the Bush administration.

"Obviously, there'd be a significant political price to pay," said William P. Barr, who as attorney general to President George H.W. Bush remembers the controversy raised by the last-minute pardons for several Iran-contra figures in 1992. "I personally am very sympathetic to Scooter Libby. But it would be a tough call to do it at this stage."

At the same time, some White House advisers said the president's political troubles are already so deep that a pardon might not be so damaging. Those most upset by the CIA leak case that led to the Libby conviction already oppose Bush, they noted. "You can't hang a man twice for the same crime," a Republican close to the White House said.

The issue comes at a time when the Bush administration already has been trying to deflect allegations of cronyism stemming from the dismissals of U.S. attorneys. After resisting months of bipartisan calls for Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales's resignation, the White House had hoped that the matter was fading from the headlines and was relieved that the latest corruption news was the bribery indictment of a Democratic congressman, William J. Jefferson (La.).

Much more garbage at link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19058717/

[izzie]

1. I think Bush will do what he wants to do

What we have is a man who seems to think he is right and can do as he likes so why should he change now? If it hurts his party I do not think he cares. This whole business of Bush as president is about Bush.

[Ganja Ninja]

2. For someone that's suppose to prize loyalty so much in his ...

underlings one would think he would jump at the chance to return the loyalty Scooter has shown by taking the fall for him and Cheney. I suppose that in the end hired help is just hired help.