Will Bush pardon Scooter Libby? WH spokesperson "Aware of no such request"

[maddezmom]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush has the constitutional power to pardon Lewis "Scooter" Libby, but will he do it?

Democrats were immediately suspicious that he will, the White House was careful not to rule it out, and Intrade, an online prediction exchange on issues from politics to weather, opened a futures market on whether it would happen.

" President Bush should now pledge that he will not pardon Scooter Libby," scolded Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy (news, bio, voting record) shortly after Libby was convicted on Tuesday of obstructing justice and lying to investigators.

He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Democrats have cause for suspicion. One of their own, President Bill Clinton, continues to receive flak for a pardon he handed out on his last day in office in 2001, when he granted then-fugitive Marc Rich immunity from prosecution on tax evasion charges.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino, pressed on the possibility of a Libby pardon, talked all around the subject but never ruled it out.



more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070306/pl_nm/usa_crime_libby_bush_dc_1

Perino refused to discuss whether Bush would consider pardoning Libby, who was found guilty of obstruction of justice and perjury in a case closely tied to the flawed case for war in Iraq, saying she was "aware of no such request."

"As is afforded to all Americans, there is a process that is followed in which to apply for a pardon. And I don't think that speculating on a wildly hypothetical situation at this time is appropriate," she said.

Perino also indicated that the White House would pursue its strategy of refusing to comment on the case while Libby continues to fight in court -- his lawyers have said they will seek a new trial or appeal the verdict.

"You know, hypothetically, had their been an acquittal today, then our conversation might have been very different," she said, indicating that the White House Counsel's office imposed the restrictions.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070306/pl_afp/ustrialpoliticsspy_070306202940

I'm sure they'll be hearing of one soon, not only from Libby but from Cheney.

[Duer 157099]

1. Not only, but will throw in a Medal of Freedom to boot

just wait

[LiberalinNC]

2. Just like daddy, he'll pardon him on Christmas Eve 2008!!!

[rkc3]

3. Bush mentioned he was "saddened" by the verdict.

Leads me to think Georgie thinks Scooter is innocent - hopefully he'll wait until all other appeals are exhausted before he pardons Scooter.

[emulatorloo]

4. Serious Question -- Why **would** Bush pardon Libby?

Everybody talks about it as a given. And I kinda believe it too.

But knowing that Bush is a vindictive little thing like his Momma Barbara, and assuming that he is pissed big time at Dick Cheney for sullying his "Legacy," I can see him saying NO WAY AM I PARDONING DICK'S BOY.

First it gets Bush in hot water to do so.

Secondly I think Rove Co is ready to throw Cheney under the bus so that they can blame all of the BUSH ADMIN FAILURES on Dick Cheney.

At any rate, If I were Convicted Felon Scooter Libby I am not so sure I would be counting on it.

[Demeter]

5. From Your Lips To God's Ear!

The Two Cats of Kilkenny

There once were two cats of Kilkenny.
Each thought there was one cat too many.
So they fought and they fit.
And they scratched and they bit.
Until, except for their nails,
And the tips of their tails.
Instead of two cats, there weren't any!

http://petcaretips.net/rhymes_about_cats.html

[dweller]

6. Dear Unka Dick,

What's the poop in pardnering Scoot-shoot? Do I just right a note like I did to Condi at the You In?



This presidentin' is hard work. I'm due for my nap before din-din.
You can fill me in at story time tonite.

G.Dub


dp