Obama's campaign legal counsel calls for a pardon of Libby

[Robbien]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-f-bauer/the-progressive-case-for-_b_51983.html

Basically Bauer says that if Bush pardons Libby, that is proof Bush is deeper involved in the Plame case than he has previously admitted.

I say Bah! All a pardon does is show that Bush doesn't want one of his own to sit behind bars because of a dumb Dem witch hunt. "No underlying crime" he will smirk.

But there you have it, no matter the reason, Obama's campaign counsel is officially calling for a Libby pardon. Go read Bauer's essay, it is a real condescending piece of work. Small sample:

Progressives are not so much appalled by Libby's lies as they are frustrated that this is all they have: Libby and only Libby. Left with only this, they want this small victory unspoiled. They want someone to pay.

But if the President pardons Libby, and by this act makes the case his own, he will have picked up a portion of the cost. Libby will fall back, restored to obscurity. Bush will step forward and take the lead role. He will have to explain himself; he will have to answer questions.

Yeah, right.

[Cha]

1. Stupid...why should libby be

pardoned? For whatever reason?

Candidates should do their own thinking and fuck the advisors.

[Colobo]

2. Advisers should speak for themselves. I don't even think Obama agrees with this.

[Tom Joad]

5. Right. i will hold obama responsible for his remarks, not the

remarks of any of his supporters.

[hlthe2b]

15. Exactly... when you represent a candidate... you need to put

a major zipper on your own opinions, if you ask me.... In this case, it pisses me off no end...

[Cass]

3. WTF?

Stupid mumbo jumbo nonsense. Does this guy really think this writing this was a good idea?

[Totally Committed]

4. FDL: Pardoning Scooter-Still a Bad Idea, says Senator Obama

http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/06/13/pardoning-scooter-still-a-bad-idea-senator-obama

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1104298

TC

[Robbien]

6. Obama isn't saying that, Firedoglake is saying that to Obama

Read the article and diary entry. Obama has not said a thing as of yet.

Christy from FireDogLake is saying to Obama, hey bad idea Senator. Rein in your guy and rein him in fast.

[Missy Vixen]

7. Evidently Obama's office is playing dumb on this

It's being reported at firedoglake that they've already had calls and are claiming no knowledge.

In the meantime, this confirms my original thoughts about Barack Obama -- if I wanted Republican Lite, I'd switch parties.

Julie

[frazzled]

8. I get what he's saying ...

Libby has been convicted and sentenced (pending appeal). If Bush pardons him, it not only will impicate him but show the Republicans' thorough disregard for the rule of law (as if we didn't know). I've kind of wished from the beginning that Bush would use the big "P." I'd get a kick out of it.

So I get what he's saying; not quite sure whether I agree. But it's not an argument saying Scooter should be pardoned because he didn't do anything serious. It's a political argument, which is about all we have left. We can't turn back the clocks of time to get the truth on WMD and prevent the invasion. All we can do is inflict damage on the Bush administration.

Perjury and obstruction of justice (REAL perjury, on a significant matter of national security) is a serious charge; and I believe he should serve the time. But musings by someone on the political implications of this should not be treated as advocacy one way or the other: they are political musings, nothing more or less.

[Robbien]

10. Musings are something one does in private or among friends

Statements made in the public forum are not just innocent little musings. Obama's campaign counsel is making a very public call for the pardon of Libby on political grounds.

Don't believe for a second that this statement is not being discussed with glee all over the right side of the internets.

[OzarkDem]

12. Does he also think

We should "pardon" everyone else in jail who has committed perjury? Or just Scooter? Was his crime different somehow?

[sandnsea]

9. Oh blather blather blather

Some people will do and say anything to draw attention to themselves. This Bauer clown is clearly one of them.

[OzarkDem]

11. Obama can't be that dumb

there must be some other reason why he's willing to go to bat for Libby and carry water for the Bush WH.

Money? Corporate donations?

Obama is toast, he doesn't have a shred of credibility after this.

[Bake]

13. If someone in Obama's campaign staff is calling for Libby pardon

That person should no longer be on the campaign staff. His public statements reflect on the candidate, and if the candidate does not repudiate them and get rid of the person, then it's tantamount to tacit approval.

Bake

[Robbien]

16. Yup

shore 'nuf.

Obama's office has been contacted by Firedoglake. She has given them several opportunities to rebuff the statement.

Crickets are chirping.

[dogday]

14. No, LIbby needs to go to jail... Whether Bush pardons him or

not, it won't matter... He is up to his neck in ca-ca and nobody does a thing, why would he think the pardoning of Libby will matter?

Send Libby to Prison Now

[bunkerbuster1]

17. ...and earns Atrios' coveted "Wanker of the Day" award.

deservedly so, IMHO.

http://atrios.blogspot.com/2007_06_10_archive.html#2803246640667631228