Rove's Defense: I NEVER SAID HER NAME

[ruggerson]

So, in other words, this is the Bush presidency's version of "what the definition of 'is' is."

If Rove told Cooper, as is now apparently verified by documentary evidence, that Joe Wilson's "wife" was a CIA agent, is that not the same thing as identifying her by name? One phone call and Cooper would have her name. The crime is the identifying and outing of a CIA agent.

And if you think that Rove did not know that she was a covert operative, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.

And if you think that Bush has not been actively involved in helping Rove cover up his crime, if not participating and authorizing the original outing itself, I have a bridge to sell you in Baghdad.

[jsamuel]

1. Its the "name", stupid! (not the "knowingly")

I have been saying that since the first denial came out

[TheGoodCitizen]

14. That's Okay....

....we'll just say it for him.



What Would Rove Do? <<< (KEEP THIS IN MIND AT ALL TIMES)

www.freewayblogger.com

[blm]

2. Agree one thousand percent.

.

[ruggerson]

3. I hope the NY Times has this on Page 1 tomorrow AM

[JohnnyRingo]

4. "Tell it to the judge"

He can try that defence, but it will sound more childish in a courtroom full of dour judges and prosecutors.

He's gonna have to do better than that. ...Indeed, I expect better from this weasly bunch.

[HereSince1628]

5. The "documentary evidence" also seems to lack words such as

covert and agent.

We should have no doubt that Rove was careful in what he said.

Who is the second administration official referred to Novak?
And who told Rove anything?

[ruggerson]

9. The problem is Novak will lie his ass off to save Rove

and whatever went down between them will stay between them, unless of course, it was taped.

[kentuck]

6. Yes, he just said "his wife" rather than saying her name?

Big difference, no?

[BattyDem]

7. He never said her name ... so what?

The name is irrelevant. If he leaked the fact that Joe Wilson's wife was a CIA agent, THAT is the crime! Any decent reporter could have easily found out her name.

[K-W]

8. If he wants to get laughed out of court by the judge.

You dont have to identify someone by name to identify them.

[rock]

10. Gosh, I hope they don't ask if

I just spelled it.

[uppityperson]

11. He pointed to her, showed a pict, said "that woman"...

but never said her name. That convinces me of his innocence.

[Armstead]

12. Where did you see that?

I've been staying away from the media loop becauase it's nothing but hurricanes and terror the last few days.

Has Rove admitted to this?

[ET Awful]

13. He'll just hang himself if he tries that defense

If he says "Wilson's wife" he's as good as said her name since marriage records are public. After hearing that, any competent reporter would just check public records for a name.

[Vinca]

15. What a lame defense.

Are we supposed to believe Wilson has multiple wives or something? Something tells me Karl's been contemplating life behind bars.

[Zen Democrat]

16. Exactly. Especially since she did go by the name Wilson, not Plame.

I read recently where she specifically said that she's been using the Wilson name since she married Wilson.

It's probable that the "Plame name" was used strictly for covert operations in the Middle East when she was posing as an analyst for the CIA front company. Therefore, Novak identifying Mrs. Wilson as "Valerie Plame" was the crux of the unmasking -- and the danger in the disclosure.

[ruggerson]

17. Yep, and Rove must actually be hoping that the masses will buy it

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

18. "Identity" can be DEFINED by means other than one's name.

The statute states that it is a crime to "reveal the identity" of agents and IS NOT limited to not naming the person. I'm no lawyer, but I think this scumbag defense of not saying her name is VERY SHAKEY. The key will be in how the judge interprets the statute and what instructions he gives to the grand jury as to the definition of "identity" and the revealing of said "identity."

JB

[Terran]

19. Link please?

I havn't seen this story today; please provide a link. Or are you making this up to amuse us?

[Zorbuddha]

20. This is a classic difference without a distinction.

He identified her.

This is a typical example of Bushco truth-telling/law-abiding by technicality. Lies are lies, dude.

[SoCalDem]

21. The people who turned in the Frank family probably told the SS

"There are Jews hidden at ....(address here...)".. They probably gave no names either :(

[rumpel]

22. Maybe nor to Cooper but to Novak