Why they are fighting testifying openly

[frogcycle]

They know there are a ton of other investigations on other topics that go to much greater criminal activity, probably involve more people. Even if this one would not "nail" Rove, or bush, or cheney, et al, the others might. They can't possibly set a precedent on this one.

[ronatchig]

1. For the first time,

they would be under oath, and could be asked questions that
could only be answered with a lie or by taking the 5th. Also there are enough people in the know on this, that turning one is a real possibility.

[ClassWarrior]

2. And let's not forget that it's all connected.

NGU.

[Norquist Nemesis]

3. Maybe Harriett's crack legal mind doesn't work with her mouth

and Karl tends to blurt things in the heat of the moment. :evilgrin:

[Javaman]

6. You are right about the crack part...

but it has nothing to do with her supposed intelligence. LOL

[ChicagoRonin]

4. Don't discount ego

Part of this is also simply the arrogance of W and his cadre: they don't like the idea of doing anything they don't want to do.

[Norquist Nemesis]

7. Ah, yes, the EGO (Extremely Generous Offer)

But yeah, they probably are piping in "Can't Touch This!" music to rally the troops.

[emulatorloo]

5. Because they plan on lying. What else can it be?

n/t

[frogcycle]

8. my point was

that even if they felt they need not lie on THIS one, they know damned well there are a ton of others that would nail them. so they dare not take an oath now even if they would tell the truth.

I rather expect this could be part of dem strategy - try to embarrass them into cooperating on this, then use that precedent on the really snarky ones. They know it and that is why they are taking such a hard stand on this one.