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Picking up after lunch.
To remind you of housekeeping. This is not a transcript. It is as close as I can get.
And I'll timestamp my updates. I'll try to update every 15 minutes. So don't overtax the servers by trying to update every two minutes.
Before the jury comes in, Fitzgerald lodges two complaints:
Fitz up, I can't tell you whether she was or wasn't classified. We've taken the issue out of the case, but to leave the issue as if Wells wanted to say something but couldn't.
Also, Wells saying, they're making me reading a script. After all we went through in the CIPA process as if it's inappropriate I think is something that should be addressed.
Wells, I don't think I said anything wrong with her job status being taken out of the case.
Walton has no problem with the first issue.
I am more troubled by the second part of the statement, bc it suggests that the government has put a straitjacket on you. To the extent that the govt has constrained you from making your case.
Wells says he'll fix it.
Fitzgerald wants Walton to fix it.
Walton will wait to hear what Wells says.
1:46
We're waiting on the jury right now. Here they come.
Wells: I hope all of you had a good lunch. I only get to talk to you directly twice. Once in the opening and once in the summation. I know after lunch people get a little sluggish. I hope you stay.
Back to his timeline. This is on a white background. With a squished July 6 though 14 marked on it--with almost nodetail, then the 3 months and the 9 months marked to the dates when Libby testified.
Interesting, Wells says the investigation is reported on September 28--it was first reported, IIRC, on September 26. On MSNBC.
Wells is looking at the Russert conversation. Russert testified that it was on the 10th or the 11th. Wells says the 11th was a very important day [though Walton has specifically said it is outside the days that are key for the memory defense--Libby's team is trying to shift the dates Walton has given].
If Libby had been talking about the wife on a Monday or a Tueday, and then said he learned it again on the 10th. That's not what happened. Mr. Libby is talking about it three months later. When Mr. Libby when questioned in October what happened in July, he gave an honest, faithful recollection about what happened in July.
Wells is trying to eliminate any discussion of Libby's mindset during the Russert conversation. [That is, how could be be so surprised on the 10th if he had just passed it on.]
One of the first things Libby said was "I first heard about Valerie Wilson from the Vice President." In the first 15 minutes. I learned it from the Vice President. I have a note, that I have produced that the VP told me about the wife on or about June 12." [I guess that answers that--this was a big outstanding question.]
And he produced a note that showed it. [Well, then why weren't his notes enough to spark his memory?!?!?!]
When Mr. Russert told me on the 11th, I felt a sense of surprise. [Interesting tactic--rather than trying to impeach Russert by saying Mitchell had already heard of it, they're going to say that Russert heard of it from the wire of Novak's article.]
He's not saying that Russert or Miller or Cooper are going to lie, they're going to give their good faith recollection. They may, however, be mistaken. Just like Mr. Libby may be mistaken.
Mr. Libby thinks Russert is one of the most respected reporters in the United States and Russert deserves that respect.
Maybe Mr Russert forgot too. Tim Russert is a great reporter but he's a human being. Everybody makes mistakes and Tim Russert can have misrecollections. So can Matt Cooper. So can Judy Miller. You don't have to conclude that anybody is lying. If I believe Russert, then Libby must be lying. The question is is someone telling an intentional lie. It may turn out that Mr. Libby and a reporter both got it wrong.
2:00
Wells' demeanor has changed dramatically. Now he's mellow and understanding.
Wells just listed a bunch of reporters (including Pincus, Novak, Kessler) whom he talked to but did not mention Plame. [That seemed kind of out of order.]
Now with a slide showing Libby's version and Russert's version of their conversation. They have the whole Russert conversation with Russert highlighted, but they've left out the words "Libby responded to Russert that he did not know that." I guess they realize Libby is lying on that point and don't want to highlight it?
Now describing how Libby came to call Russert.
Wells asserts Matthews' reporting was incorrect. Implies he called Russert bc NBC "owns it all." He's calling Tim Russert in his job as his head of the NBC Washing bureau. Like a consumer complaint.
Mr. Libby says it's during that telephone call that Russert raises the issue of "the wife."
Now in terms of the evidence that Russert may be mistaken, Mr. Russert has no notes, Mr. Libby has no notes.
[Walton is leaning WAY back in his seat.]
You'll find that Tim Russert and NBC were all over this story. The fact that Russert may have heard either a rumor or a fact about the wife, that's his job. [Hey Wells, which job are you talking about--Russert @ reporter or Russert @ Chief Consumer Complaint Representative]
David Gregory, NBC WH correspondant, working on this story. Andrea Mitchell. She was working with Russert on this story. Russert's two top people were working on this story. If Andrea Mitchell knew or David Gregory knew, then it's likely Russert knew, there's no dispute.
Now he's got an Org chart of 3, Russert, Mitchell, and Gregory.
Now shows Ari dislcoses to David Gregory on July 11 that Ambassador Wilson's wife worked at the CIA. Fleischer tells that before Libby was ever indicted. "I told David Gregory." Talks about time difference, says Ari leaked to Gregory first.
Andrea Mitchell, "It was widely known" with the quote from October 3, 2003.
"She says it ON TV"
And as I said, if Andrea Mitchell knew, then doggonit Mr. Russert knew.
She retracts her statement.
And then Mr. Russert, he goes on the TV show.
2:11
Mr. Russert was only questioned for 22 minutes.
Mr. Russert was not even required to go down to court. They interviewed Mr. Russert in a law office. All the Grand Jurors saw was Russert's transcript.
Mr. Russert was not asked one question about David Gregory, or about Andrea Mitchell.
Mr. Fitzgerald says the FBI was concerned about getting to the truth. Tim Russert had a deal. He had a deal with the government. He would only be questioned about his conversation with Mr. Libby. He had a deal. [Says it with a snear in his voice.]
They didn't ask Mr. Russert about Mitchell or Gregory.
Went out and asked if they would submit to an interview.
They don't want to be interviewed. No subpoena. She doesn't talk to the government.
So we have this perverse situation where Imus on the radio is asking tough questions, the guy with the cowboy hat.
Now a slide. Why would Mr. Libby concoct a story with Tim Russert.
- Libby was not a personal friend of Tim Russert--purely a professional relationship.
- Libby's conversation was a viewer complained.
- It was not a protected conversation.
[Now they're usingthe expectations of source protection to twist this--but Wells forgets that Libby testified this was off the record!!!]
"Mr. Libby's not stupid. Nobody's going to tell you he's a nut."
In terms of the Russert conversation--it had nothing to do with a reporter-source relationship.
That was never going to be a protected conversation. There'd be no reason in the world to think Libby would make up a story about Russert. He believed it in good faith to be true.
I think the evidence will show that Mr. Russert made a mistake.
New slide--did Libby confuse Russert with another reporter. New slide:
Novak: tesified that he may have mentioend Wilson's wife ot Libby that week.
Cooper: testified he asked Libby about Wilson's wife that week.
At around the same time he talked to Mr. Russert, he talked to Mr. Novak.
[Say, did anyone ask Novak whether Libby told Novak that Plame was an "operative"?]
The questions are basically teh same questions at about the same times.
Mr. Russert [I think he misstated--he means Cooper]. His question to Mr. Libby was about the same as Mr. Russert said.
Mr. Libby said, "I heard that too."
2:20
Now onto Cooper.
Mr. Libby talks to Cooper on July 12.
Mr. Cooper is bugging Cathie Martin. I want you to answer these questions. On Saturday July 12.
Now talking about his family. Harriet boy and girl of 13 and 10.
Mr. Libby and his family go on AF2, they leave Andrews Airforce Base to Norfolk VA. They fly because a ship is going to be commemorated.
It's a Saturday, it's like his day off.
Mr. Libby goes up to talk to Cheney. Goes up to get a note. The card has been saved. Mr. Libby was supposed to make certain statements refuting Wilson's allegation. And there is not a word on that card about "the wife." Mr. Cooper was trying to keep Libby on the phone. Mr. Libby was trying to get off the telephone. He's got his wife and two kids in the next room. Mr. Cooper says, in an effort to keep the conversation, he throws out this statement. And that's where the dispute starts. Mr. Libby recollected that he just said, I heard that too, but I don't know if it's true. Mr. Cooper says differently. If Mr. Cooper took notes of the conversation. Because Mr. Libby gives information. You will not see in those notes. There's not one word about "the wife." Not one word. not a word about the notes. The notes do not support Mr. Cooper's recollection, at all. Mr. Libby has no notes. For all practical purposes, Mr. Cooper has no notes. Right after he gest off the call with Mr. Libby send an email to his editor. Doesn't say anything about "the wife."
But Mr. Cooper says that Karl Rove had told Cooper about the wife, the day before. It's right there. Mr. Cooper comes back and types a email to his editor. But if you look at the notes about Mr. Libby it doesn't say anything about "the wife."
This suggests Mr. Libby's recolelction is correct.
Onto Judy.
There's no separate count involving Judy Miller.
Unflattering picture of her on the slide.
- Quotes. "I'm just speculating," "My memory is fuzzy," "I might have been confused"
- Has Wilson's phone number
- Got the name of WIlson's wife from multiple source
Libby has a recollection that he said the same.
The only reference to Wilson's wife in Miller's notes of this call reads:
Victoria Wilson works in unit.
She says she might have been trying to trick Mr. Libby.
What you're going to see in terms of all of these conversations.
Russert has no notes.
Cooper's notes do not support his story.
Miller: what few notes she has are extraordinarily cryptic.
"Stay with me for a second."
This whole prosecution is built on a false premise.
This is what Fitz said: What Scooter Libby wanted to do was make up a phony story about Russert, so when he was asked questions about Judy or Cooper, he learned about it from Russert.
"That theory is illogical and intellectually flawed."
On July 11, Mr. Libby is told by Karl Rove that Novak has already written a story. About Valerie Wilson that she works at the CIA.
If Mr. Libby needed a reporter on the 11th so he could say to Miller or Cooper, he didn't need to invent a story with Russert. He heard on the same day that Novak had already written a story.
2:34
Now moves to government witnesses. I don't have time to talk about all six. To show you that their recollection of what happened is not too good either.
Reiterating that Libby never said he first learned about Wilson's wife from Tim Russert.
When Mr. Fitzgerald rolled the screen with all these witnesses you would have thought these people had perfect recollection.
Grenier. Associate Director of the CIA. One of the top people at the CIA. Interviewed in December 2003. Said he did not remember discussing Wilson's wife with Libby.
January 2004, I have no recollection of talking to Scooter Libby about the wife.
A year and a half, after the first interview, he then tells the FBI that he remembers a conversation with Scooter Libby.
The Wife was not that important to anyone. Let's talk about Mr. Schmall. Every day Libby began his day sitting with a CIA agent.
Says his memory was quite poor.
May 27, he finds a note with a name Valerie Wilson. Joe Wilson.
Now his thinking is, though he doesn't recollect the conversation, he must have had a conversation.
Those people have recollection issues also.
Because "the wife" was not that important.
He says he had a lunch with Mr. Libby.
Going-away lunch. Most of the conversation involved football.
You should know in substance, the wife works at the CIA.
When the FBI wanted to talk to Ari, he pled the fifth, refused to testify unless he was immunized.
After being immunized he said he had this conversation with Libby.
While in Africa,
While on the plane he has a conversation with Mr. Bartlett,who is the head of Communications or Bush. Didn't mention to Bartlett about Libby
Right after Mr. Bartlett says to him that "the wife" works at the CIA. Conversations with reporters.
2:47
Two distinct allegations. There's the wife, then there's Wilson.
Whether there was a plan in the WH, Scooter Libby was replying to Mr. Wilson's allegations.
You'll learn that the VP asked Libby to respond to the controversy. That's what the reference refers to.
Mr. Libby was known in the office as having a bad memory. He did not have a good memory. WOW. [The media room erupts in disbelief]
There's a lot in his notes about Mr. Wilson. But there's only one mention about "the wife." [Now Wells is investing in the value of "government witnesses. But only if they're from OVP]
He had a day job.
Wilson goes public on July 6.
Shows Libby discussing the NIE on July 8--makes no mention of the earlier leaks of the NIE.
Who's at home. As this whole thing is blowing up. Miss Rice [that'd be Dr. Rice!!] she's trying to deal.
A decision is made that George Tenet, he's going to make a statement that says, in effect, that the CIA screwed it up. [Note,he says this started on July 9]
The drafting on that statement is very contentious. Mr. Tenet is none too crazy about saying that the CIA screwed it up.
Mr. Libby is asked by the VP to get in the middle of drafting the statement. [This is going to be significant.]
The statement comes out late. These are the things that are going on.
2:55
Wells just claimed that the note said, "Discuss NIE." Huh?
On July 8, as this whole controvery is blowing up. I want to withdraw what I said that it happened on July 8. Bush is going to make a decision that he is going to declassify the NIE. It is not publicized. Only three people are to know about that decision: Bush, Cheney, and Libby. Powell's not told, Condi's not told.
I want to declassify certain portions of the NIE.
Says Cheney: I want you talk with certain reporters. Give them an exclusive. [Wells is trying to suggest ALL the NIE leaks came at the order of Dick, even though Libby has testified differently. Game ON!]
Mr. Libby on July 8 was basically put in the spot, this is still the meat grinder. He was being tasked to go meet with Judy Miller. He makes disclosures to Ms. Miller. What the NIE showed is that at least with respect to the Iraqis trying to buy uranium, it was done in October.
Mr. Libby has to stay silent! [Wells is trying to pre-empt the most damaging parts of the grand jury testimony!]
You want to talk about the week this guy was having?
The last thing I want to discuss is what his day job was about.
What it was about in terms of being the National Security Advisor [suggests Libby was THE NSA, not Cheney's NSA]
Judge Walton has made the decision about the parameters that I can discuss. I'm not faulting the government in any was shape or form.
I want to walk you through the statement. This is what I'm permitted to say. He's doing it on those days. The 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. [doesn't mention 12--which is after all one of the days Walton has allowed this kind of testimony in for!]
Both Chief of Staff and NSA to Vice President. Worked long hours. Attended many meetings concerning important matters of national security. [This statement is up on the powerpoint.]
If you're going to judge him, judge him fairly in terms of the total picture, not the distorted picture of the wife.
Now a list of his duties: with big red dangerous highlights.
The red statements are:
- terrorist threats,
- homeland security
- develop nuclear weapons ... North Korea Iran
- AQ Khan ... develop nuclear weapons
- war in Iraq
- Middle East
- Turkish soldiers
- Liberia
There's one more very scary paragraph there. Highly classified! Classified even today!
More scary red:
- Ansar al Islam ... al-Qaeda [I think they weren't supposed to mention Ansar al-Islam...hmmm]
- nuclear weapons
- anthrax
I'll post these later.
Preview of the Dot Chart.
Only it's totally illegible, at least to me in the third row in the media room.
Wells still complaining about reading these verbatim.
On Sunday July 6, Libby also participating in discussions about the Turkish troops.
Monday: An Iraqi terrorist group making ties with AQ.
They want to attack the president and the senior aides. That's his morning.
Possible assassination attempt against President.
July 9, Libby's morning intell briefing included plan to assassinate Bush in Uganda, nukes in North Korea (corrected--Wells originally said North America)
July 10, in addition to having to complain about "Tim Matthews"
Plan for AQ attacks.
Information concerning possible terrorist groups.
Sunday, possible AQ operation to use tanker trucks to bomb skyscrapers.
Good faith recollection
Innocent mistakes
No knowledge of plame's status
Did not leak to Robert Novak
"Not going to protect one staffer and sacrifice the guy that was asked to stick his neck in th emeat grinder because of the incompetence of others."
Going to bring reporter after reporter after reporter so you can see he was responding on the merits.
Wells ends with war in Iraq.
"Only way I lose this case is if somebody starts to interpret the evidence [or facts?] based on your feelings about the war."
Walton: before we break. Want to make sure about classified info.
Restrictions have been made. These restrictions were not imposed by the government, they were imposed.
Don't know what's up--whether this is a break, or the whole day.
Btw, the NBC folks don't know about the Gregory leak.
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FITZ!
FITZMAS!
Zed says go Fitz! Go Christy!
YES!!!
remember everybody: don’t feed the trools ….
just sayin’
Fitz!!
So, I’ve been out of the country for a couple of days. Did I miss anything?
:)
Drat…foiled again!
Mr. President, the Vice President is holding on line two. Something about inviting you on a hunting trip tomorrow.
What’s a trool? Sounds quite disgusting.
fitz!
HuffPo says that Scooter is trying to throw Rove under the bus. Can this be true?
We got linked from Froomkin, guys, which may explain why we’re getting slammed so hard.
Drooling trolls.
They are quite disgusting.
President Nancy Pelosi!
Re: Yaaaay!!!!
Just saw the Libby photos at HuffPo. He has really aged; compared to the usual “file” photos.
Just finished reading previous liveblog posts. Kudos and Good on ya!
One question I have about the names used. Somewhere in the blog, you mentioned “Scotty” and “Dick” — at which point I thought you were assigning your own names to the players.
Then, later, you made a point about “The Vice President” vs. “the wife” as the way that defense lawyer is couching things.
When you have a spare moment (!!) would you clarify how you’re naming people and if you’re writing ‘em down as named, or assigning your own names for em?
Many thanks!
Fram a daily x3 lurker,
Just had to take a moment to say a BIG thanks.
Dick is the Vice President
Scotty is Scott McClellan
emptywheel, you are doing a really great job today.
Redshift @
12
It’s not that. Someone made the poor decision to hook the FDL servers to the same power supply as the popcorn maker.
Once Fitz pointed the finger at Cheney in his opening statement, and then Wells took aim at Karl Rove in his… well, you can imagine the demand overload that happened.
don’t know if this is reported yet, probably, but in case not;
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/.....bby-trial/
there’s a video up too, must see TEEvee
Let me see… Wells is trying to get a jury to believe that Libby was so busy that he couldn’t recall the.. minor “wife” thing, that it was just a speck in his day … YET they claim that he was upset about being SET UP in regards to it? What am I missing?
Swopa, this is so damn more exciting than I thought it would be, I just spent the lunch break teaching myself how to text the spouse on the teenager’s heavily coded phone !
Marcy,
You are doing an AWESOME, AWESOME job. To express my thanks, I am sending you a check for two billion dollars.
Well, isn’t that interesting…
DAMN! An org chart of NBC news? Now we know why O’Reily has been “immunizing” his base against NBC news. Russert has the bad memory, don’t you know…. those damn NBC guys…
I second Sparkles’ emotion. But I only have half the money.
me likeeing this trial!!
Beth@19, thanks for the ID on scotty and dick. That’s as I thought (and helpful, too). But my question is, Is Defense Attorney Wells calling them Scotty and Dick or is emptywheel? (Later on, emptywheel emphasizes titles that Wells is using for Plame-Wilson and Cheney)
btw, this question isn’t urgent, but a point of clarification I’d like eventually, when it’s convenient. (in fact, I’m gonna duck out and, er, become productive [ahem!] and check back later and keep load on the servers down.)
mmmm . . . a USB powered popcorn maker!!!
**Is it possible that K-K-Karl is the “immunized one?”
-ck- @ 29
But… I thought you guys just hired Lieberlier’s website firm and techie.This shouldn’t be happening.
wonder if Cheney, when he testifies, will blame Rove.
(my “to do” list is sooo not getting done today)
quietly, inobtrusively waving to Sharkbabe - been missin’ ya gal, hope all is well ;)
Hey, just open up the servers CPU case and pour in the popcorn. I imagine we’re running hot enough today.
You might want to wait on the butter…
Lordy … they are hinging Scooter’s defense on Don Imus.
Many have assumed Ari was cooperating, and were correct.
Interesting that so much of the media in this case are NBC. That might explain Faux News’ obsession with them lately (besides the fact MSNBC’s starting to kick ass in the ratings.) They’re trying to discredit them in the public’s mind to help Scooter’s case.
Best comment competition nominees:
Valerie Plame Wilson was born on April 19th - Patriot’s Day. How appropriate. My best to Marcy, Christy, Pach and esp. Jane. Go get em Fitz!
Wells is baffling them with bullshit. No way they should have brought this to trial. Maybe Libby really expected a pardon.
April 19 - Waco. Oklahoma City.
Oh, my.
Prizgar @ 39
yep. it’s the old “confuse the hell out of them and hope for reasonable doubt” strategy.
TiredFed @
38
There’s a Patriot’s Day?!
How cool is THAT?!
neil @
37
Ok, that last one was really funny.Swopa @
25
Maybe we should review the press conferences where Gregory asked Scotty about the case and Scotty did his automaton “I can’t comment about an ongoing investigation” schtick. What questions was Gregory asking? Was he trying to clue us in on something?
Susan Kitchens @ 17
Emptywheel is using the names that the judge, prosecutor and defense attorneys are using (Walton, Fitz and Wells.)
I am beginning to buy into the defense’s argument. We all know how pathetic the Washington press corps is. They have all shown repeated signs of deep, persistent anmesia over Bush’s mistakes these last 6 years. So maybe it really is possible that 6 or 8 reporters did misrecollect and only Scooter got it right. *g*
April 19, 1775. The REAL Patriot’s Day. A few ragtag farmers beat back the British Army. Here we go again!
Best comment competition nominees:
Fitzmas @
8
too funny!
um, Good Luck with that Counselor,
Team Fitz successfully prosecuted Gov Ryan of 18 counts corruption, his co defendant w/ 12 within a RICO framework - assuredly a “reasonable doubt” enriched scenario - nothing about Wells says he’ll fall asleep at defense table, but that dog wont hunt
I guess Ari is the (an?) immunized witness. Jason, stop trolling!
neil @
45
Please use caution attributing quotes, guys!
Emptywheel has said repeatedly, her own liveblogging comments are NOT to be considered a transcript. If you want exact quotes, I’d suggest waiting for the official transcript, just as she suggested earlier.
Kudos to fdl for putting us in the room with the blogs. It’s great. Not getting much work done today.
I have to say that the defense is doing a good job of demonstrating to the jurors just how CONFUSING all these claims and counter-claims of who told/knew/heard what and when did they tell/know/hear it. Fitz is going to have to simplify it (and I have every confidence he will, as he did in his press conference) otherwise the jurors are going to be able to relate to Scooter’s failed memory story.
““They’re trying to set me up. They want me to be the sacrificial lamb,” Wells said, recalling the alleged conversation between Libby and Cheney. “I will not be sacrificed so Karl Rove can be protected.””
Libby doing his best Marion Barry impersonation. This makes the whole trial that much sexier for the media.
Best comment competition nominees:
Am off for bed, being in Europe and having to get up at the crack of dawn, but having followed this story for two years now on this site…
You sure do good work….
the Fitz intro, thanks to Marcy’s unbelievable ability to paraphrase was good, from my POV. Not emotional, down to the point. Good
From what I have seen of the defense thanks to Marcy–snivelling Rep. who doesn’t have a case.
Period. You don’t make ‘excuses’ for your client, and that is all he’s got`?? ‘oh, he was overworked, and she was under his radar?’ And then protecting KKKaarl Rove? (I got a feeling he’s gonna GET him.)
If I were on the jury right now…. well it wouldn’t be good. Wood chipper. Feet first so it hurts a long time. Better than the guillotine, ask AnntiChristSCoulter. (s. Jesus’ General, comments.. good lady) Good for the rose garden with a new president.
Well we can dream.
Nite, will catch up in the morning.
lina @ 42
He might have been promised one. Another promise not kept. Now he knows how Valerie Wilson felt at being outed!
lina @ 42
AKA the chewbacca strategy!
Ha!
So I guess it’s official who the immunized witness is.
Helluva time to stop for a break there, Marcy. ;)
Huh. And here I thought “Scotty” was Scotty Pippen ex- of the Chicago Bulls, and “Dick” was Dick York from “Bewitched”.
“Because the wife was not that important.”
Unless you were interested in national security and in tracking nuclear materials around the world.
She might as well have been a cookie baker.
Susan Kitchens @
17
MSM?
Is the defense going to call Mitchell and Gregory? They complained that the prosecution didn’t interview them.
Am I recalling correctly that most of these jurors are women? Will there be repercussions from repeatedly referring to Valerie Wilson as “the wife?” I understand that they’re trying to downplay her importance, but I know I certainly find it irritating when men refer to their own wives as “the wife”.
If he had seen “the wife”, I’m sure he would have remembered. But only bearly. :)
spurious @ 62
Spurious - yours is my best comment of the day!!!
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/01/23/chen ey-libby-trial/
Among the new claims:
– “Vice President Cheney himself directed Scooter Libby to essentially go around protocol and deal with the press and handle press himself…to try to beat back the criticism of administration critic Joe Wilson.”
– Cheney personally “wrote out for Scooter Libby what Libby should say in a conversation with Time magazine reporter Matt Cooper.”
– “Scooter Libby destroyed a note from Vice President Cheney about their conversations and about how Vice President Cheney wanted the Wilson matter handled.”
there’s a video up too, must see TEEvee
Oh, GOD IN HEAVEN, This is Exciting!
Go Patrick and TeamAmerica!!!!!!!
:D
Tithonia @ 63
Excellent point. I think this will backfire.
zeppo @ 60
I thought Dick was a perjorative for Scotty when he wouldn’t pass the ball to the open teammate.
Saint Brigid @ 53
look at yer own comment again… why do you think Wells is doing everything in his power to make things sound more confusing than they really are? duh.
Todays Tuesday Afternoon Massacre brought to you by;
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I’m confused about why the Defense made such a fuss about the jurors’ attitudes toward the WH since they seem to want to paint Libby as a victim of the WH?
Thought to throw into the hopper from Pach’s blog yesterday about official press colleagues:
I think having bloggers there will also affect the way the official press covers the trial. Make ‘em more unbiased?
Yowza! Holy Goddess having both Dastardly Dick and Rove da Rat thrown six feet under. They must be mainlining the meds on a full drip for Bloody Bush as we speak.
Fantastic job Marcy and everyone else. To hell with the popcorn, lay out the buffet.
This gives new meaning to “full court press”.
Neil,
Best Comment Nominee - particularly biting for those of us who have been here a while - and a certain human companion to poodles will dig the crap out of it;)
GSD says:
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:41 am
This kabuki has turned into a bukkake.
-GSD
Shopgirlove @ 73
Sweet’eart: to get the most pro-admin people possible on the jury. Period.
Just what you want in a chief of staff.
Mr. Wells has to be hating the fact that it’s the worst criminals who can afford the best lawyers.
Shopgirlove @ 73
Give them a break…they obviously worked out their defense strategy over pizza and beer last night.
cbl @
76
Just don’t let darkblack see that….
itwasntme @ 74
Has got to absolutely. Neil Lewis’ piece in the NYT today was much more in tune with events than the piece the day before which got creamed here. But remember, its the NYT, they are slow learners on issues related to the U.S. mid-East conflict.
choochmac @ 72
Thanks for reminding me.
Hillary was good for (ahem) several clickthroughs.
MsAnnaNOLA @ 68
This has been ticking at me too. If I were on that jury, it would ruffle me a little.
Richmond @ 77
‘K, but if Rove and Tricky D2 are the bad guys, wouldn’t a pro-admin jury be less sympathetic?
Sonoma Rus @ 83
It also looks so ou
Shopgirlove @
73
They’re trying to separate OVP from the White House. They’re setting it up for Toad-In-The-Hole to ride in and save the day (guns blazing, no doubt). They’re trying to show two different factions–nasty old Rove bunch that was mean to Scooter, and the kindly, saintly Cheney who just wants to set the record straight, that no one in his office would ever lie about something so serious as national security….
let me finish that: t of fashion. Like he’s not with it - like his case!? Especially with a professional spy like Ms. Wilson
Best comment competition nominees:
[Did I get this right, CBL?]
Do you get the feeling that George Tenet put up with a lot of #$% from these incompetents? He tries to warn them about 9/11. They don’t listen. He tries to warn them not to use the 16 words. They do it anyway. Then they tell him to take the fall for the words and out one of his NOCs. Is he a masochist? Or did he resign because he had just had enough?
yes you did dahlin’!
I’ll tell you what/
I’ve said this before to you emptywheel, it doesn’t make any sense rove avoided endictment unless he’s cooperating
More incoherence. Wells was just laying out the argument that a whole load of reporters had bad memories (and curiously all their memory lapses seemed to fall the same way). Now Scooter has the bad memory? Does anybody here have a half decent memory, including Wells, or is this the brain rot that accompanies life in Washington?
Bustednuckles @ 71
don’t forget all the clouds of kudos from MSMs flitting about.
enuf! i’m off to get a flyswatter…
or a blowtorch…
carry on B’nuckles… be strong… *SWISH! THWACK! BLAGHTTTH!*
ah-h-h there y’go
Hugh @ 92
I’m sorry, what was the question again?
*g*
Mr. Libby was known in the office as having a bad memory. He did not have a good memory.
I say WOW too and say it backwards, WOW! This statement will come back to bite the defense.
If Libby is known for having a bad memory aroubd the office, then:
1. Why hasn’t Libby seen a doctor with that problem?
2. Why was he holding 3 jobs?
3. Did Libby have a bad memory in his personal life and outside of his jobs?
4. Why was a person who had a bad memory allowed to rewrite the sppech of Powell and Scooter McFelon?
5. Why was Libby that crisp and sharp with to pressure Richard Clarke about information on a Saddam/9/11 connection according to Clarke’s interview on PBS show, Frontline?
6. And how in the hell did an attorney like Libby got Rich pardoned by Clinton, and collected 2 million dollars of attorney fees?
7. Why is Libby still have a license to practice?
8. Why is that Libby’s two jobs, Chief of Staff and Asst, to the Prez were split after Libby resigned?
9. Why did Libby joined the Hudson Institute as a senior advisor, with a focus on “issues relating to the War on Terror and the future of Asia in January 2006?
portia.vz @ 89
In explanation of this, as I recall, there was a quote attributed to Bush something to the effect of, “you’re not going to hang me out to dry on this, are you?” And Tenet said, approximately, that he would never do that.
Tenet, down deep, was a toady.
I smell an A-Bomb in Iran, best way to confuse the base… They’ll stop at nothing, they’ve proven it often.
7. Why is Libby still have a license to practice?
Correction: 7. Why is Libby still have a license to practice law?
choochmac @ 72
this has got to be the hottest blog around for the coming weeks. I love you guys for your lack of comercialism, but if I were you I would use the momentum. This is a historical moment in many ways. The trial combined with live coverage from a blog. Go for it.
Um, doesn’t Scooter have a photographic memory???
Shorter summary: The rats are chewin’ each other’s nuts.
It’s too bad that smart-ass defence attorneys don’t seem to realize that every snear (the wife - thingy) just splashes right back on them. They could be covered in sh*t before this is over.
MsAnnaNOLA @ 68
sh-h-h-h! ;->
lilnubber @ 99
Yes, but apparently the images are fuzzy and smudged.
lol adie @ 103….I thought of that after I wrote it….
I don’t get what Wells is trying to do.
It seems like he can’t decide between two theories of the case.
One theory seems to be that Libby may have been wrong when he made his statements to the FBI and GJ, but it wasn’t intentional; he just forgot the sequence. This theory is not very plausible, but easier than discrediting multiple witnesses who contradict Libby’s statements.
The second theory is that all of the government’s witnesses are lying or “misrecollecting”, which seems to be an impossible case to make. (Perhaps that is the value of the Rove scapegoating claim, that everyone is lying b/c Rove made them? Or is that just generalized sympathy pandering?)
By trying to argue both points, it makes him look like he is grasping for anything rather than presenting a plausible alternative story to the government’s. He is supposed to be the best, so I don’t get why he would make his case that way. Any suggestions?
I remember, as a 19 or 20 year old, being glued to the TV during the Watergate hearings. I still remember some of that explosive testimony, like when Whatsiname Butterfied let slip that Nixon had recorded all his Oval Office conversations.
This is just as good, or even better. Emptywheel, you are doing a MASTERFUL job! Thanks to everyone at FDL. Best wishes to Jane….
Maybe I am way off the reservation here, but bear with me.
Here goes:
It seems to me that if Libby couldn’t remember something, he would have said “I don’t remember.”
Instead, Libby somehow came up with some pretty detailed “recollections” that conveniently passed culpability for any leaks onto reporters.
What’s up with that?
Great reporting - thank you FDL.
Can’t wait to see Speaker Pelosi greet Cheney this evening in her perfect San Fran ladylike manner:
“And how are you today, Mr. Vice-President?”
lilnubber @ 100
Yes, but he keeps taking pictures of his thumb.
EW–can you clarify your cryptic final comment about Gregory? Does that mean you asked them there in the media room, or that everybody who’s been paying attention already knows this (if so, sorry I missed class one day), or that Wells said something to that effect? (I know you’re in a rush–when you get a chance to get around to it.)
Wordsmith @ 43
Yes, anyone from New England knows that. Except the dummies in DC that decided to name 9/11 Patriot Day. Only those damn secular progressive liberals in Massachusetts actually honor the day with a holiday and the running of the Boston Marathon. Seems a little US history lesson is in order for the rest of the country, outside of FDL country that is.
If I’m reading the comments correctly, there’s a “Fitz” candle group over at the site that has candles for Jane. See if I’m reading this right.
I don’t think that people with poor memories are admitted to Yale and Columbia Law School. Memorization is half the battle for kids in our school system. It’s no wonder the crowd in the media room was choking when Wells said that.
lilnubber @ 100
Don’t know about Scooter/photographic memory, but for sure that’s been attributed to Karl Rove.
Obviously, the Scooter/weak memory defense is a weak position.
“Says Cheney: I want you talk with certain reporters. Give them an exclusive. [Wells is trying to suggest ALL the NIE leaks came at the order of Dick, even though Libby has testified differently. Game ON!]”
Hence my confusion…
Okay…detail folks help me here. “was blind but now I see (a little better)…but still a little blind. What does this say about the charge of leaking classified information…it seems obvious to me that the whole cabal was leaking (as we expected) and that there is proof of this. Why has there been no charge on that note..??? Was it in the hopes of getting to the big fish…and is it possible that Rove did cut a deal and therefore does not have to worry about prosecution, as well. So then in the end what do we have?? We have the President and V.P committing treason?? Ari won’t be prosecuted, Rove won’t be prosecuted…who does that leave?? Will there be NO prosecution on the leak itself…when it seems pretty obvious that a conspiracy was in play??
dab @ 106
It is the spitball on the wall defense. You throw several up at once and see what sticks.
Okay, let me see if I understand this correctly.
1. Scooter Libby forgot that he learned about Plame’s identity from The Dick, even though he was given a new job on top of his day job by The Dick specifically to counter “the husband’s” allegations.
2. Scooter Libby shouldn’t be blamed for lying during an investigation when it was really other guys like Ari Fleischer and Karl Rove who were leaking like a sieve.
3. Scooter Libby is the innocent victim of a Rovian strategery to scapegoat him.
4. The OVP, on the other hand, was valiantly trying to deal with someone else’s screw-ups (the CIA, although the opening makes it sound like Tenet thought he was being scapegoated too).
5. Scooter Libby, well known control freak and all-round super-meticulous lawyer, was known around the White House as a virtual amnesiac.
6. The discrepancies between Libby’s recollections of his conversations with Russert, Miller, Cooper and others are each and every one the result of innocent misunderstanding and misrecollections — on the part of the people other than Scooter Libby.
7. Libby forgot to testify about notes he had from Cheney, written by Cheney himself,about what Cheney wanted him to say to reporters. He either “wiped” it from his memory, or his computer.
8. And yet, somehow, the notes were recovered by Fitz (per msnbc.com frontpage article).
This is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
perris @ 91
Grafitti on Courthouse wall -
WARNING
Karl Rove Has Rolled On You
cbl @ 76
BUKKAKE!!
portia.vz @ 89
he didn’t “try”, he told them in no uncertain terms, the had a template to follow and they ignored that template to do nothing
he didn’t “try” to warn them, he clearly warned them, they wanted to lie regardless
this is the only thing I have trouble with, I was certain he was retiring because he had enough and wanted to make it right, he wanted to expose the deliberate, wonten, depraved actions taken by the administration against the United States of America
I really expected him to do the right thing once he was out of the administration…tenet is one of the biggest dissapointments I have
I suspect he served the country well until such time as his own judgment and integrity was corrupted by the President, who so desperately wanted to kick Saddam’s ass all over the Middle East, and at whose pleasure he served.
Skeptic @ 102
hush, grasshopper. must one repeat brainless thots to understand? does every thot seek an audience? go back to your grassblade and hush, think, listen but mostly, think ;->
re XYZ @ 108…
That’s the same thingthat’s always bothered me…
If they (Fitz/DOJ) have Martin (for example) testifying they discussed Plame on AF2, don’t they ask Libby about that during his appearence(s)?
I guess that’s a question for the lawyers- would they ask Libby specifcs (didn’t you on Jun XX discuss Plame with ____, did you not discuss Plame with ____ on Jul ___, etc) or just ask him if he an recall any convo’s?
cbl @ 76
No habla nihon-go.
I know that kabuki is a Japanese theater form (ritualized, even?). But what’s bukkake?
BC
cbl-
You forgot “Mr. Libby was known in the office as having a bad memory. He did not have a good memory.” - Ted Wells
Of course, maybe that’s why he’s always taking notes all the time. Kind of like that guy in Memento.
you may write me down in history
with your bitter twisted lies
you may trod me down in the very dirt
and still like the dust i’ll rise
does my happiness upset you
why are you best with gloom
’cause i laugh like i’ve got an oil well
pumpin’ in my living room
so you may shoot me with your words
you may cut me with your lies
and i’ll rise
i’ll rise
i’ll rise
out of the shacks of history’s shame
up from a past rooted in pain
i’ll rise
i’ll rise
i’ll rise
these words (from ben harper) addressed to dick cheney, fuckwad, karl and scooter ……
and remember:
don’t feed the trools!
Nice summary, litigatormom.
HI Everyone! Great Job EmptyWheel and Christy!
I’m with everyone irked by “the wife” comment. Next thing you know he will be calling her “the little women”.
Marcy did Wells actually call her “Ms. Wilson” instead of “Mrs Wilson”? You werent’ sure, but haven’t you noticed how the right loves to hiss the word “Ms” as a perjorative. It’s to bad the jury won’t meet Valerie Plame who I understand is a smart, articulate, and capable women who was serving her country in a very tricky situation until these idiots outed her.
Inverse relationship.
gotta chatchup …again.
EvilDrPuma @ 109
and that’s pretty hard to do, considering it’s location …..
The Wife is a perfect title for the movie, in which Valerie Plame will be played by Cate Blanchett. Ryan Gosling as Fitz, Kevin Spacey as Irving.
Frears will of course direct.
Adie at 70
look at yer own comment again… why do you think Wells is doing everything in his power to make things sound more confusing than they really are? duh.
—-
That was my point, sweetie. Have a nice day.
Cover your monitor and keyboard, then Google it.
VERY NOT SAFE FOR WORK.
litigatormom @ 119
But his super bad memory, remembers that Rove told him on July 12 about ‘the wife’.
Bargain Countertenor @ 125
It’s also a ritualized theater form - but very, very naughty. Don’t Google it if you aren’t ready for that.
Thanks for the excellent writeup, emptywheel!
Tithonia @ 105
gawleeegeewhiz! w/ MY big mouth(!), it took till just now, oh sigh. tried ta hit a couple more. don’t want much. sharp puppies runnin’ way ahead-a likes a me. see ya later. this’ drivin’ me nuts, & “the Mr.” wants the toobez, heh. ;->
Shall we recap who has forgotten evreything about everything?
“Maybe Mr Russert forgot too. Tim Russert is a great reporter but he’s a human being. Everybody makes mistakes and Tim Russert can have misrecollections. So can Matt Cooper. So can Judy Miller.”
Don’t forget the six (!) government witnesses and Libby.
No one in our government, or in the media, can hold a thought in their head for any length of time? Why do I find this unbelievable??
How do they find their cars in a parking lot?
This is the WORST defense since OJ.
Thanks, Christy, et. al. Kudos to FDL and get better, Jane!
Shall we recap who has forgotten evreything about everything?
“Maybe Mr Russert forgot too. Tim Russert is a great reporter but he’s a human being. Everybody makes mistakes and Tim Russert can have misrecollections. So can Matt Cooper. So can Judy Miller.”
Don’t forget the six (!) government witnesses and Libby.
No one in our government or media can hold a thought in their head for any length of time.
How do they find their cars in a parking lot.
This is the WORST defense since OJ.
Thanks, Christy, et. al. Kudos to FDL and get better, Jane!
Richmond @ 118 It is the spitball on the wall defense. You throw several up at once and see what sticks.
I would think that a danger of such a defense is that each argument tends to discredit the others. IANAL but arguing “My client didn’t do it, and even if he did, there were extenuating circumstances” would be more harmful than helpful.
This poor jury must be asking “Is there gonna be a quiz?”
I like Fity’s tactic, when he said “don’t worry you don’t have to remember all the names.” He knows it’s confusing to the jury, so he’s going to dribble it out a little at a time, to make sure the jury grasps it. So the jurors will feel more confident when it comes time for the “final exam” at the end.
Wells, on the other hand, just gave out an entire semester’s worth of material, hoping that the jury gives up early on passing the final.
can’t…..keep…..up…..with….all….the…news!!
Russert’s not a reporter, he’s a two-bit whore.
P.S. Regarding bukkake — Wikipedia has a “safe” entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukkake
Hugh @ 140
I would think that a danger of such a defense is that each argument tends to discredit the others. IANAL but arguing “My client didn’t do it, and even if he did, there were extenuating circumstances” would be more harmful than helpful.
My point exactly.
Consensus here demonstrates believers in the Fitz. All doubts are gone. I thought the opening statement was solid and strong. The Cheney connection was never leaked and here the Fitz lays it on the table - that was strong!
The scope of this trial is narrow, but we are hopeful that it is the thread that unravels the cloth. Bush will make numerous pardons if he can stay in office. If Libby went to cushy fed prison, he will not stay long, unless Bush is removed before he can make pardons. Pardons will be done on the last day. Bush doesn’t care that pardons might hurt his party.
I worried that Fitz might lay down, but it appears that he is not. He let fly the Cheney connection.
SP Biloxi @
95
Bustednuckles @ 134
I went to wikipedia instead of google. Very safe for work … very enlightening.
BC
dupe
SB 133
Bless ya. Knew that. Apol. for inexcusably crude ‘duh’.
My plans are to return to my grassblade and hush, think, listen but mostly, think.
Big diversified crowd swirling ’round today’s toobez, eh? ;->
Lessee, back to basics, which Wells is doing his best to avoid. The only reason “the wife” even enters the picture is that the whole fuckin’ White House seizes on her position as a means of smearing Wilson for daring to say, in the holy NY Times, of all places, that they’re all a bunch of pissant liars. They all want to intimate that she used her position to send her husband on a spending spree to sunny, humid Niger at government expense (because it’s got such great night life), and all because these emotional seven-year-olds think, “yeah, that’ll get back at Joey for tellin’ teacher on us. Nobuddy’ll believe him now.”
If it weren’t so damned serious, it would be hilarious. All Fitzgerald has to do is show the mood inside the White House, and it becomes apparent that these people were so afraid of being caught in their lies that they would do anything. They had told so many lies by that time that at least one of them was bound to unravel.
M’self, I think the business about Valerie Plame’s status just got lost in the midst of damage control. It probably wasn’t that they all had well in mind what she did–they just didn’t care. It was a convenient hook on which to hang their story to discredit Wilson, and it was the only one they had. And they were all scrambling because Wilson pissed in their Cheerios. Rove’s attitude, Cheney’s attitude, just infected them all.
Good loyal (to Cheney, not the people he was sworn to serve) Scooter, too. The marching orders were simple: “get `im, any way you can.”
katie jensen @ 117
I think Doonesbury has cliff-notes-type summaries bound on pretty much every subjective, eventually. ;->
*xyz @ 108
Right on. Maybe this is why Mr. Fitzgerald encouraged the jurors to apply common sense and their experience of human nature.
perris@121: “I really expected him to do the right thing once he was out of the administration…tenet is one of the biggest disappointments I have.”
If the old guard in the CIA didn’t want this trial to happen, I doubt we’d be seeing this now. Ex-chiefs don’t write tell-alls, and the Company doesn’t like publicity. This trial is Tenet’s and the Agency’s revenge. But there’s only so much they’re willing to reveal about Brewster Jennings, and the fallout (were any American agents killed? any foreign contacts killed? we may never know).
I wonder if the CIA isn’t calling the shots, i.e. providing fitz with the resources he needs, but at the same time imposing constraints on what he can address in court.
Do I hear national calls for Congressional hearings into the OVP? You listening, Nancy?
btw perris, I believe you were a big and early booster of fitz on this blog, so props and a merry fitzmas/happy birthday!
I see this image in my mind of scooter hiding in a dark closet behind a blue dress sucking his thumb.
Hugh - I thought of the throw it against the wall scenario except with pasta but Wells has thrown the whole pot. Jurors must be confused today but I would think they will sort out enough to just be pissed at the insult to their intelligence in a very short time.
*xyz @ 108, exactly.
Adie @ 150
Apologies accepted.
I’m probably typing too fast to be clear. Not a lawyer. Don’t play one on TV, either. Just when I have to write sweepstakes rules. And I’m not a troll (sorry–didn’t mean for that to sound so Nixonesque). Just lurk more than I contribute.
This is big fun, though isn’t it?
Slainte’
P.S. Is it happy hour yet? Dang I could use a dirty big pint.
The cocktail hour in many parts of the country started this morning.
I’m gonna watch the speech. It’s my civic duty.
Besides, there’s this dy-n0-mite of a gramma I just can’t wait to see.
Gonna bet they don’t get away with hiding her chair behind the podium & headhonchospeechifier like they did last time, neither.
C’mon folks. Gather up the family. Make a mess’a popcorn, -uh- set out plenty napkins, & go for it.
I was holding out for AI and SOTU ;-)
But now I’m thinking Harball may be the ticket!
Random comments here after reading this.
Wells opening statement seems a bit scattered and rambling at times…perhaps purposefully..to confuse/bore the jury?
Umm when he claims Libby said the following, or close to the following “I will not be sacrificed so Karl Rove can be protected.” Just what was Karl Rove needing to be protected from Mr. Libby?
And it’s already been mentioned but feel it is important enough to repeat it but that “the wife” reference reads (and most likely sounds) pretty demeaning. Why would he mean to demean Mrs. Wilson if his client was innocent and above board here why would you demean someone if you really felt confident about yourself and your convictions/case and especially since he claims his client is also protecting kkKarl (from what he does not say) and being made the sacrificial lamb…why be so mean spirited when you are attempting to garner some sympathy as a victim and when you’re real gripe here isn’t with Mrs. Plame, but actually with kkKarl and perhaps all those reporters who contradict him?
It’s more like the musical chair theory;Rove and Scooter were leaking to those most likely to leak further (Armitage and Fleischer). When the music stopped, everyone had immunity but Scooter because he lied. Probably per VP Cheney’s assurances he would protect him.
It’s probably way too early in the game for this, but it doesn’t seem to me Mr. Wells is living up to his advance billing.
Sally @ 163
He was dealt a bad hand and is probably doing the most he can, which ain’t very much.
I think he should just go all the way and refer to Mrs. Wilson as “the little lady”.
edit
Will GWB turn his back on Shooter tonight? Literally and figuratively.
new thread
We should all make the money Wells is making with the bad hand he was dealt.
“Common Sense” tells me that someone with a known poor memory shouldn’t be placed in such a responsible position. The paradox just doesn’t fly. Scoot damn well knew exactly what he was saying and doing.
Patsy Stone @ 138
Let’s hope this jury does a better job noticing that.
SB @ 157
Haven’t decided yet if it’s fun, but it sure is a breath of fresh air.
Happyhour hasn’t quite started here yet, but the kitties always get a treat same time, & they’re gettin’ restless, heh.
Tip o’ the glass to ya. A good day today and yesterday, over-all. Guess we just better take ‘em one at a time. Cheers! ;->
{{{{{{PEACE}}}}}}
Adie @ 159
Dubya’s SOTU should be a big hit with the 28 percenters. I will watch it to see Cheney. I expect to be sickened and embarrassed by both its content - the mendacious warmongering, pseudo-patriotic hairy-chested bombast - and the Bicycle Chief’s monosyllabic infantile delivery.
The delivery might be funny if the guy were a comedian and not the leader of the free world.
hackworth at 172
I can’t argue with a thing you’ve said. I may very well mute & put a paper bag over part of the screen.
Nancy Pelosi will be my focus - one of the best things to happen in Congress in a very very long time. ;->
Um, you guys? There’s a new thread!
I am looking forward to the SOTU tonight with an odd excitement. After yesterday’s 28% poll numbers, and today’s Fitz revelations and the major news coverage of them, I can’t wait to see what Little Boots’ demeanor will be. Will he still do that shoulder shruggy inappropriate smiles thing, or will he revert to the belligerent but whiny thing he does whenever the greatness of himself is not being properly acknowledged? Will he come up with a new -er name for himself? What will he do when he pauses for the clapping and there isn’t any?
Will the doctors have concocted the right combination of meds for him?
I will have one hand hovering over the mute button and one wrapped around a glass of something, but I will watch. This could be historic.
EvilDrPuma @ 170
I’m wating for this from Wells:
“Your Honor, having presented no credible line of reasoning, and having exausted the witness list, the defense wishes to punt.” :)
I just remembered a dream I had last night…..
I really think this would make a great cartoon but I can’t draw very well so if someone can, please do so and let me know.
Shrub (little bush) is standing at the pearly gates covered by a little leaf and looking sheepishly at St. Peter.
St peter tells him in a booming voice……
“Actually George I am the decider” he opens up the book of George’s life and starts to read the highlights
HMMM….Let’s see here George…
Lying seems to be one of your strong points… Check
Using God for your personal gain..Check
Responsible for at least 100,000 innocent deaths…..check
Peddling Fear for greed….Check
Copious drugs and drinking….Check
Blaming everyone but yourself….Check
Participating in smearing “the wife”…Check
Wow this list is one of the longest I’ve seen George and not one item on here is in your favor….I don’t think I need to see any more.
“And you thought it was hot in Texas when you were clearing brush….maybe that was the best thing you were doing to prepare you for the rest of your eternal life. At least you’ll enjoy it.”
Next….
Hmmm… Dick you have an even darker side than George…I hope you enjoy clearing brush as much as George. Good thing that void that was supposed to occupy your heart isn’t an issue in eternal damnation.
Next…
Can I call you Don….
And soon the whole gang was clearing brush…
JM
Tithonia @ 64
Agreed. Annoying as hell. Why doesn’t he just call her “the little lady” or “the ball and chain” and be done with it.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 178
He might have another strategy in mind. Libby’s defense might include the confusion generated if/when the crucial information was listed in bits and pieces and sometimes obscure references.
For instance, Rove referred to her as “…Wilson’s wife is fair game” which I took to be a sign of Rove’s malicious intent.
Cooper also says this about Rove after Rove mentioned “nonchalantly” that Wilson’s wife worked for the CIA on WMD’s.
“The notes, and my subsequent e-mails, go on to indicate that Rove told me MATERIAL WAS GOING TO BE DECLASSIFIED in the coming days that would cast doubt on Wilson’s mission and his findings….”Don’t get too far out ahead on Wilson…I’ve already said too much”.
So what material was the WH trying to get declassified? Plame’s employment with the CIA…which really was the only item that Rove revealed to Cooper that was clearly “off-limits”!
Aaah. Now I get it. It took me forever to get spurious’s joke. I guess he took me for a member of the MSM. Oh. (um, spurious, I do link my own blog in my comments. But I know that some things go by too fast to check out.)
This made it all the more puzzling.
Ah well.
Now we know why the petulant boy king ribs Gregory so much and why Gregory does his pit bull thing every now and then. NBC pundits/reporters/legal know that Libby, Cheney, Bush, Rove lied to the FBI, the grand jury and the public about the smear leak. They also know that Libby’s defense is that NBC managers and employees are a bunch of misrecollecting (the defense’s term, not mine) idiots. I really dont think ‘lil’ Rus is going have his professionalism impeached by Libby (unless of course advised not to by ‘Big’ Russ). Not with Bush at 28% in CBS’ latest poll and Fitz laying out his cards on Cheney The Lying Fucking Bastard.
*xyz @ 108 and Sally
Tweety said it great the other day: Who the hell misremembers something in detail that never happened to them? And the misrembered details being exactly those used by someone trying to cover up their actions. And as we know after today, there is evidence to show what a liar Libby is.
Telling you… NBC is in soo deep. They sure are lucky that the public trusts Bush and Cheney less than they do the reporters that cover (or should we say (cover up) the Administrations’ actions.