Does anyone know exactly what Karl Rove's job (description) is and

[babylonsister]

if he qualifies for 'executive privilege'?
Just because you're a pal doesn't make you immune, as Fitz showed us.

[Kagemusha]

1. Executive privilege concerns where he works, not what title he has.

And no one ever claimed executive privilege for Scooter, since there were long, hard legal fights that Scooter's lawyers forced upon the taxpayer over what classified information could be divulged without having to threaten to shut down the trial. Congress passed laws to manage such processes and those laws were followed.

[babylonsister]

2. So the wh is probably bluffing. Thanks for that insight. nt

[Kagemusha]

5. No, the WH is probably dead serious... because Rove still works at the WH

IF the admin had been willing to suffer the cost of claiming executive privilege for Scooter's communications which were used at his trial like, say, the Cheney energy committee documents... which by the way, STILL aren't public... Fitzgerald's investigation would have had a terrible fight on its hands. Of course, Bush could simply have fired Fitzgerald on the spot. The White House treaded softly to contain the political pain. If they're willing to have a fight at the Supreme Court because "it's just Congress, it's no business of theirs" then there's not a hell of a lot stopping them from trying.

Clinton tried too, and failed habitually and spectacularly. The Supreme Court took a dim view of trying to get out of subpoenas by Congress. Simple as that. But Bush can push it to that level at any time he damn well chooses.

[babylonsister]

6. So, if the wh claims 'executive privilege' for Rove, they probably have

a lot to hide and are willing to fight for that right (with less than 2 years to have to defend themselves). That thought in and of itself is scary.

[Kagemusha]

11. Yes, I think you're quite correct about that.

To actually resort to it now, when they avoided it at almost all costs earlier in the presidency in order not to take on the aura of an 'embattled presidency', they must think it's a fight that's worth it.

[Bitwit1234]

7. And several of the white house staff when Clinton was impeached had to testify.

[northzax]

9. yes, but what's potentially interesting in this

is that the staff in the Clinton case had to testify (not in the impeachment phase, actually, the Senate never compelled them to) but only on things not related to their jobs. you can make a reasonable arguement, I think, that this was actually Karl Rove's job in the White House, and therefore Executive Priviledge should attach. it will be an interesting fight, if the White House chooses to fight it.

[FatDave]

3. I think it's just "advisor"

At least that's what I hear most frequently. Don't have any idea why an advisor would qualify for executive privilege.

[northzax]

8. he has three formal titles

"Assistant to the President" which, despite sounding boring, is reserved for the most senior staff in the White House
"Deputy White House Chief of Staff" (Think Josh on the West Wing)
"Senior Advisor to the President" a position basically created for him in the "Office of the Senior Advisor to the President"

his brief is domestic politics, special initiatives, public liason and intergovernmental affairs. so basically he is the President's advisor and assistant on all domestic issues.

[robinlynne]

10. I love the west wing reference!

[northzax]

12. well, it was my national television debut

as an extra at least (the assassination scene at the end of the first season. Just as shots ring out, freeze the dvd. I am the tall guy in grey, about to shake the President's hand) good times.

and yes, small as it is, someone from home saw me, without knowing I was on it, and emailed me. strange.

[robinlynne]

14. Congratulations! Martin Sheen is an all around wonderful man.

[Sal Minella]

16. * also assigned him to oversee the renaissance of New Orleans, and we see how well that's going.

[MadMaddie]

4. Yea he sucks * limp#@%^k

Oh, sorry you meant like actual work. From the very first day that he met junior he was smitten with him and he vowed to do anything for his leader.

Rove's history details the lengths, even possible criminal acts to get * where he is today.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

13. At this point, dumbya must consider

rove more turd than blossom so if he invokes Executive Privilege rove must have more on dumbya than even I expected.

[samplegirl]

15. Senior White house

"bullshit" advisor.