Russert Returns: Did Libby Hear About Plame From Tim?

This has all gotten a bit labyrthine, but long story short, Tim Russert's denial about telling Libby about Plame is a narrow one with some wiggle room, and Libby continues insisting he heard this from Russert.

So... why would Russert make the public semi-denial? Because he wouldn't want to be accused of helping the Bush Administration.

'Course, to get information, sometimes reporters have to offer some first, and everyone in DC gossips and speculates about politics.

I don't know. I'm having a hard time seeing what Fitzgerald could prove with regard to the underlying matter. Let's say Russert says he didn't tell Libby and Libby says he did. It's he said, he said. How can you prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt?

Fitzgerald will probably indict; he's been at this too long, and the rules are different for Republicans. For something like perjury or obstruction of justice.

I'll tell you, I don't care if you're innocent or not, don't testify before a grand jury if a prosecutor is gunning for you. Invoke your Fifth Amendment rights and issue a statement that you don't want to have slips of memory turned into perjury charges. Because once a prosecutor has spent this many months investigating a dry hole, he's coming out of there with a bill of indictment, one way or another.

posted by Ace at 03:05 PM

| Access Comments