Frog March!

[Stephanie]

I can almost taste it...

_______________________________________________________________________

Why Bush Needs a Lawyer
By John Dean, FindLaw.com
June 7, 2004

Recently, the White House acknowledged that President Bush is talking with, and considering hiring, a non-government attorney, James E. Sharp. Sharp is being consulted, and may be retained, regarding the current grand jury investigation of the leak revealing the identity of Valerie Plame as a CIA covert operative.

<snip>

This action by Bush is a rather stunning and extraordinary development. The President of the United States is potentially hiring a private criminal defense lawyer. Unsurprisingly, the White House is doing all it can to bury the story, providing precious little detail or context for the President's action.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Bush explained his action by saying, "This is a criminal matter. It's a serious matter," but he gave no further specifics. White House officials, too, would not say exactly what prompted Bush to seek the outside advice, or whether he had been asked to appear before the grand jury.

<snip>

Nor, based on the few existing precedents, can a sitting president refuse to give testimony to a grand jury. And that appears to be the broad, underlying reason Bush is talking with Washington attorney James Sharp.

<more>

http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18886

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[flewellyn]

1. The irony is...

It was because of the massive witchhunt perpetrated against Clinton that a sitting president became vulnerable to legal action by parties other than Congress.

I bet the VRWC (Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy) is really kicking itself now.

[Stephanie]

2. Karma's a bitch.

Welcome to DU!

[DieboldMustDie]

8. "...under existing law, a journalist cannot refuse...

to provide information to a grand jury."

Sounds like Novak can be forced to testify. :evilgrin:

[havocmom]

3. Yeah, but do we really want Hastert in the Oval Office letting in all the

flunkies with paper shredders? That is my fear. I just don't wan any Republican at that desk handing out pardons. Still pissed about Ford/Nixon.

Gotta love John Dean. He must be shaking his head every day.

[Stephanie]

5. I'm sure with various proceedings the trial would take many months

I imagine it would be fall before it really got rolling. Remember how long the whole Martha Stewart thing took, from first reports to verdict? Takes time. But it's scary to think what they might do in the meantime...

[Walt Starr]

12. Hastert will pardon the lot of them and everybody knows it

but even my cat could beat Hastert in November.

[ProfessorGAC]

17. Yes.

Hastert is a water carrier, not a puppet master. Besides, what would need to be shredded, if the frog march has already taken place? The evidence would already be in the prosecutors' offices.

Better Denny is there, knowing his every move is being scrutinized, and trying to keep his hands clean, than the criminals there now.
The Professor

[Wapsie B]

4. Yes., frog-walked

right to the Hague. After they stand trial for the Plame affair, let the World Court have a crack at them.

Welcom to DU flewellyn!

[Stephanie]

9. Treason, war crimes, lying to Congress, obstruction of justice

I think that BushCO better lawyer up like crazy. They are going to be in court for the rest of their careers. If not in jail.

[drb]

6. I love Dean's closing line...

"...and it should be interesting."

Ah, yes! "Interesting!" It has a lovely ring to it, don't you think?

:*

[Stephanie]

10. What constitutes "high crimes"?

It seems to me a crime like this is equivalent to what Robert Hansen did.

[HootieMcBoob]

15. plus combine the plame case with

the chalabi/iran thing and you got yourself one real big mess. it's amazing how badly they've managed to screw things up.

[Just Me]

7. Gee, what does John Dean have against the Bushes *LOL*!!!

</sarcasm>

I can only imagine Dean's frustration,...after having been through a far less abuse of power.

On the other hand, I have an incredible capacity to imagine.

[Stephanie]

11. Dean's pissed

But I wonder if we will ever see this story on the news. And WHEN will Bush be deposed.

Remember Bush's recent statement: "I don't testify"

I was sure that would come back to bite him.

[seemslikeadream]

13. I'd like to see the trial here Just Me

[Cat Atomic]

14. I heard a report on NPR about this, and the two "experts"

were both of the opinion that Bush's rentaining of a lawyer meant nothing. They said it was "routine".

I just laughed my ass off. Like hell it is. For a president to seek legal defense in an ELECTION YEAR is no small thing.

[Stephanie]

16. Here's Josh Marshall on this:

(June 03, 2004 -- 01:18 PM EDT // link // print)

Mike Allen has some good follow-up on the president and his decision to bring on a personal lawyer in the Plame matter. Allen quotes the president as saying, "This is a criminal matter. It's a serious matter. I met with an attorney to determine whether or not I need his advice, and if I deem I need his advice I'll probably hire him."

This follows the White House line from last night. The president 'consulted' Jim Sharp to advise him on whether or not he needs Sharp's advice. And based on that advice, if the president decides he does need Sharp's advice, he'll probably retain him so he can get the advice.

-- Josh Marshall

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_05_30.php#003037

[Stephanie]

18. Why is this man laughing?

Things aren't really going his way.

Remember this, from last February?

________________________________________________

RUSSERT: Will you testify before the commission?

BUSH: This commission? You know, I don't testify. I mean, I will be glad to visit with them. I will be glad to share with them knowledge. I will be glad to make recommendations, if they ask for some.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23218-2004Feb8.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/

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old DU thread