For Two Aides in Leak Case, 2nd Issue Rises

[brettdale]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/22/politics/22leak.html?ei=5088&en=ac978c17cf0d7b38&ex=1279684800&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1122005118-XkVowxetlZMLiT7OSynoKQ&pagewanted=print

For Two Aides in Leak Case, 2nd Issue Rises


WASHINGTON, July 21 - At the same time in July 2003 that a C.I.A. operative's identity was exposed, two key White House officials who talked to journalists about the officer were also working closely together on a related underlying issue: whether President Bush was correct in suggesting earlier that year that Iraq had been trying to acquire nuclear materials from Africa.

The two issues had become inextricably linked because Joseph C. Wilson IV, the husband of the unmasked C.I.A. officer, had questioned Mr. Bush's assertion, prompting a damage-control effort by the White House that included challenging Mr. Wilson's standing and his credentials. A federal grand jury investigation is under way by a special counsel to determine whether someone illegally leaked the officer's identity and possibly into whether perjury or obstruction of justice occurred during the inquiry.

[autorank]

1. First Cheney goes (Libby), then a "neutral VP," the Bush goes (Rove)

Voila, it's the Nixon "resignation." I'd sure hate to be among the crew delegated to tell * to resign. After all, the Nixon crew had Barry Goldwater, who was fearless. Who could tell * to go...his father, nah; Powell, no way; McCain, oh sure. That will be the problem, "kicking and screaming" he was dragged from the Oval Office in a scene reminiscent of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Lovely...

[ladjf]

3. I love you guys for you optimism about this. But, it's all based

on the assumption that Fitz is a man that would go through with this to the end. Isn't he a Republican and he's still alive.

[Walt Starr]

4. Fitz took down Gotti, the Illinois GOP, and is currently working on Daley

His political affiliation is American first and foremost.

[Erika]

2. Nixon is looking better all the time

when compared to this administration.