Bush "specifially authorized" Libby to leak Plame info

[scorpio]

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0406061libby1.html

APRIL 6--A former top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney told a federal grand jury that President George W. Bush authorized him to leak information from a classified intelligence report to a New York Times reporter. Details of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's testimony were included in a court filing made yesterday by Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, who is prosecuting Libby for perjury, obstruction of justice, and making false statements in connection with the probe into the leaking of CIA agent Valerie Plame's identity. According to Fitzgerald's filing, an excerpt of which you'll find below, Libby, 55, testified in 2003 that he provided reporter Judith Miller with information from a classified National Intelligence Estimate after being told by Cheney that Bush "specifically had authorized" him to "disclose certain information in the NIE." Libby also testified that Cheney specifically directed him to speak to other reporters about information in the classified NIE (which addressed Iraq's purported weapons of mass destruction programs) as well as a cable authored by Plame's husband, former ambassador Joseph Wilson. The leaking of the classified material was apparently done in an effort to counter claims made by Wilson regarding the White House's justification for invading Iraq. The Fitzgerald filing also notes that Libby told grand jurors that he conferred with David Addington, Cheney's counsel, about the leak directive and that Addington told him "that Presidential authorization to publicly disclose a document amounted to a declassification of the document." While both Bush and Cheney have been interviewed by Fitzgerald, it is unknown whether they confirmed or disputed Libby's assertion that he was authorized to disclose findings in classified reports. Libby, Cheney's former chief of staff, resigned his White House post last October following his indictment on five felony counts. (7 pages)

[Spider]

sounds like someone is using thier get out of jail card for free

[Taco John]

That's going to leave a mark...

[Rohirrim]

Well, it sounds bad, I've got to admit. But it still doesn't rise to the level of oral sex between consenting adults. ;D

[Mile High Shack]

ouch

[Rascal]

dang that's gotta hurt.

[Rascal]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/06/libby.ap/index.html

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,190843,00.html

Both sides of the biased media :)

[Spider]

and you guys thought I hated Bush before ? this is nothing short of treason

[clarker]

Jeffery Toobin(SP?), CNN SR. legal anylaist(SP?) just said on CNN that Bush has the power to declassify(SP?) any thing he wants at any time so no law was broken, but it is a political nightmare for Bushie. And that it means that both Bush and Cheney could be called in as witness vs. Libby.

In other words Bush can tell Cheney to that Plume's name can be declassified but Cheney can't do it on his own. At least that is what I got out of it. I'm sure there will be more details comming out.

I'm not defending Bush,BTW just saying what I saw on TV.

[Rascal]

Yeah that is going to be his excuse. What political power he had left just went out the window.

[clarker]

Yeah that is going to be his excuse. What political power he had left just went out the window.I agree with you about the political power. What he had left is now gone. And even if he has that power, which Toobin says he does, I think it is a horrible abuse of that power.

[Spider]

All the more reason why we have to be carefull with our votes ....... president , Congress , Senate , right on down to the local level ........

[clarker]

All the more reason why we have to be carefull with our votes ....... president , Congress , Senate , right on down to the local level ........Excellent point.

[Spider]

Excellent point.
I got burned by trent blankenship here in Wyoming , the manactually sat at my table and we talked , Blankenship is a hard core republican I liked where he stood on issues , he gave me the right answers without any lead ins from me , so I voted for the man , told a few of my Friends to vote for him , afterwards he gets into 1 argument with the govenor , he QUITS!!!!!!!! moves to alaska to run the schools there , now they want him gone ............. He had me fooled.....

[clarker]

I got burned by trent blankenship here in Wyoming , the manactually sat at my table and we talked , Blankenship is a hard core republican I liked where he stood on issues , he gave me the right answers without any lead ins from me , so I voted for the man , told a few of my Friends to vote for him , afterwards he gets into 1 argument with the govenor , he QUITS!!!!!!!! moves to alaska to run the schools there , now they want him gone ............. He had me fooled.....Chose the wrong line of work if he quit after 1 argument with a Governor.

[TailgateNut]

and you guys thought I hated Bush before ? this is nothing short of treason

But he will just convieniently forget! He needs to be BOOTED OUT OF OUR WHITE HOUSE AND SENT TO THE BIG HOUSE!

[Spider]

Chose the wrong line of work if he quit after 1 argument with a Governor.
I agree Bro , thats why now I look past thier words and go striat to thier past actions ........ if I had researched Blankenship , I would have saw he was a flake ......But I am not bitter , just consider it lesson learned .......

[Spider]

But he will just convieniently forget! He needs to be BOOTED OUT OF OUR WHITE HOUSE AND SENT TO THE BIG HOUSE!
sure does look that way , only I dont want Cheney running the country or Denny hassert ......... I wouldnt mind Mitch Romney , if they could get him to take over , then haul Bush to the big house

[clarker]

I agree Bro , thats why now I look past thier words and go striat to thier past actions ........ if I had researched Blankenship , I would have saw he was a flake ......But I am not bitter , just consider it lesson learned .......That is all anybody can do. I wish the media would do a better job of telling people where they can go to find more about the records of the people running for office and the issues up for vote.

I don't trust either political party to just post the record without some sort of spin.

[Spider]

That is all anybody can do. I wish the media would do a better job of telling people where they can go to find more about the records of the people running for office and the issues up for vote.

I don't trust either political party to just post the record without some sort of spin.
Thats why we need real reporters old school guys , not these freaking news analyst bull ..........Just lay yhe facts out there on the table , no spin , lets us decide ........

[alkemical]

hey, in that funny document, called the constitution - we can abolish the current gov't and install a new one based upon the same premise, we can just kick all the old guys out.

[clarker]

Thats why we need real reporters old school guys , not these freaking news analyst bull ..........Just lay yhe facts out there on the table , no spin , lets us decide ........I don't mind some analyst on the news, but it seems like that is all there is anymore. A nice balance would be good, IMO.

[Spider]

hey, in that funny document, called the constitution - we can abolish the current gov't and install a new one based upon the same premise, we can just kick all the old guys out.
get a fresh new crop of crooks ;D

[scorpio]

hey, in that funny document, called the constitution - we can abolish the current gov't and install a new one based upon the same premise, we can just kick all the old guys out.


I think that would require us to have an actual citizen legislature in the first place. The guys in office right now love the current system.

[Mile High Shack]

and as long as the Dems aren't stupid enough to nominate Hillary

the Dems will get the presidency in 2008 and the majority in congress

way to go Bush

oye

[alkemical]

get a fresh new crop of crooks ;D


why not these guys are pretty boring.

[Spider]

why not these guys are pretty boring.
Thats true , but when the old guys get reelcted , we know what we are getting so in 07 we shoudlnt be shocked by anything they do ;D

[alkemical]

I think that would require us to have an actual citizen legislature in the first place. The guys in office right now love the current system.


so if it takes effort, don't even try?

[Mile High Shack]

I think that would require us to have an actual citizen legislature in the first place. The guys in office right now love the current system.

we haven't had a citizen legislature since the early 1800's

all these idiots in washington are just high priced lawyers and doctors and career politicians...they wouldn't know real life if it stepped up and bit them in the face

[alkemical]

Thats true , but when the old guys get reelcted , we know what we are getting so in 07 we shoudlnt be shocked by anything they do ;D


spider - i think we'd be shocked at what goes on

[scorpio]

so if it takes effort, don't even try?


yes, that's exactly what I said. :oyvey:

[Spider]

spider - i think we'd be shocked at what goes on
I am sure we would be , we only know what they want us to know .......

[alkemical]

yes, that's exactly what I said. :oyvey:


Look, it won't be easy to reclaim the power that the citizens of the USA should have. We are the kings of this country and the gov't should FEAR us. Maybe that's the problem now, they do fear us and are working to further reduce our impact to make changes.

I had often thought about what would happen if you would sue the gov't for being unconstitutional - i do understand the irony of using the system to invalid the system.

[alkemical]

I am sure we would be , we only know what they want us to know .......


Spider, i've found some rumor and conjecture on some of the sex slave trade - and while there is no concrete proof - if often points to people in high positions either knowing or participating in such events.

Sad.....

[Rohirrim]

and as long as the Dems aren't stupid enough to nominate Hillary

the Dems will get the presidency in 2008 and the majority in congress

way to go Bush

oye

I think you grossly underestimate their stupidity. :rofl:

[TailgateNut]

I am sure we would be , we only know what they want us to know .......


One thing we know for sure is that there is a "whole lot of strokin' goin' on"!
If we could prevent the constant "good ol boy" manipulation, we might actually be able to see what a particular representative is supporting, and why!

[Mile High Shack]

Look, it won't be easy to reclaim the power that the citizens of the USA should have. We are the kings of this country and the gov't should FEAR us. Maybe that's the problem now, they do fear us and are working to further reduce our impact to make changes.

I had often thought about what would happen if you would sue the gov't for being unconstitutional - i do understand the irony of using the system to invalid the system.

I believe if you fed that info into a computer, it would cause armageddon or at least what people thought Y2K would be

[Mile High Shack]

I think you grossly underestimate their stupidity. :rofl:

call me a ames conspiracy guy

but I still think the only reason Kerry was nominated was so Hillary could run in 2008

[alkemical]

I believe if you fed that info into a computer, it would cause armageddon or at least what people thought Y2K would be


haha!

[alkemical]

call me a ames conspiracy guy

but I still think the only reason Kerry was nominated was so Hillary could run in 2008


i think bush v kerry was someone hedging their bets (skull/bones)

[Rohirrim]

call me a ames conspiracy guy

but I still think the only reason Kerry was nominated was so Hillary could run in 2008

I have never seen a Dem party so adept at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Their stance on immigration is already torpedoing their chances in November. 80% of American people want illegal immigration stopped. You'd think one of their pollsters could inform them of this fact.

[sisterhellfyre]

I'm not surprised. The tone of any complex organization is set at the top. Whether it's a sole business executive, a board of directors, or a President, the corporate culture responds quickly to what the boss says and does. When Bush and Cheney have no apparent respect for the truth, why should anyone else in the administration?

It may be within Bush's authority to declassify any document at any time under his sole discretion, but to declassify *this* document at *this* time, and authorize the disclosure of its contents for purposes of political revenge... that's below and beyond what I'd call a reasonable standard of ethical executive behavior.

The office of President of the USA carries, or should carry, an awesome public trust. It's a cliche now, but with great power comes great responsibility... to use that power wisely, if nothing else. I'd say we haven't seen that power exercised wisely, or truly in the best interests of the people, since Eisenhower's terms of office in the late 50s.

But then, again, I'm not surprised. Bush has a longstanding history, among those who have known him personally, as a petty and vindictive person accustomed and "entitled" to the perks of the station in life to which he was born. Regardless of whether or not he did much to actually earn them. The biggest political miracle of the past hundred years was Rove's successful effort to repackage this spoiled aristocratic loser as a good ol' boy. Someone you could have a beer with... if you're willing to pay $20,000 in campaign donations for the privilege.

Are any of us really surprised at this revelation?

Regards,
m.

[enjolras]

It may be within Bush's authority to declassify any document at any time under his sole discretion, but to declassify *this* document at *this* time, and authorize the disclosure of its contents for purposes of political revenge... that's below and beyond what I'd call a reasonable standard of ethical executive behavior.


Its even more serious than that. While Bush has a lot of leeway in terms of declassification, he does not have carte blanche to break the law.

This leak broke the law...

[clarker]

Its even more serious than that. While Bush has a lot of leeway in terms of declassification, he does not have carte blanche to break the law.

This leak broke the law...Not according to every news show going today. They say it was legal but will kill him politically. I've heard on MSNBC and CNN that Bush didn't break the law, but it creates a political mess for him.

The reason the leak wouldn't be a crime if Bush said to leak it is because they are saying a President has the power to declassify her name if he/she wants to.

IMO, even though he didn't break the law it was still a horrible abuse of power and could be impeached for it. You don't have to break the law to be impeached. I don't think Bush will go to jail over it but he could be kicked to the curb or feel he has to resign. Of course, it will be funny to watch the look on Dems faces when they realize that if Bush resigns or is impeached that means that Cheney will be President.

[Mile High Shack]

Not according to every news show going today. They say it was legal but will kill him politically. I've heard on MSNBC and CNN that Bush didn't break the law, but it creates a political mess for him.

IMO, even though he didn't break the law it was still a horrible abuse of power and could be impeached for it. You don't have to break the law to be impeached. I don't think Bush will go to jail over it but he could be kicked to the curb or feel he has to resign. Of course, it will be funny to watch the look on Dems faces when they realize that if Bush resigns or is impeached that means that Cheney will be President.

talk about a perfect fail safe for him

[alkemical]

Of course, it will be funny to watch the look on Dems faces when they realize that if Bush resigns or is impeached that means that Cheney will be President.


you mean he isn't already?

[clarker]

you mean he isn't already?LOL

[alkemical]

LOL


seriously congress is growing a set against bush, but how will they deal with cheney when he shoots you in the face?

[clarker]

seriously congress is growing a set against bush, but how will they deal with cheney when he shoots you in the face?The same way they handle Teddy Kennedey when he has askes them go for a drive with him.

[alkemical]

The same way the handle Teddy Kennedey when he has askes them go for a drive with him.


I'd like to see a reality show with cheney and kennedy - actually they are probably too much alike....

[clarker]

I'd like to see a reality show with cheney and kennedy - actually they are probably too much alike....It would suck. Cheney would mumble all the time and you wouldn't be able to understand a damn thing he said and Ted would always be passed out in the corner.

[alkemical]

It would suck. Cheney would mumble all the time and you wouldn't be able to understand a damn thing he said and Ted would always be passed out in the corner.


ted's drunk and mumbling and cheney grumbles - lol sounds like drunk dino's walking around.

[clarker]

ted's drunk and mumbling and cheney grumbles - lol sounds like drunk dino's walking around.They could throw in Mike Tyson in there to make it a trio. Of course you would have to have closed caption on at all times.

[alkemical]

They could throw in Mike Tyson in there to make it a trio. Of course you would have to have closed caption on at all times.


and ozzy!

[Rohirrim]

The reason the leak wouldn't be a crime if Bush said to leak it is because they are saying a President has the power to declassify her name if he/she wants to.



Depends on what the meaning of "is" is. Ha!

[Taco John]

The Democrats nominating Hillary would be awesome, because people would start looking at third party candidates more seriously.

[clarker]

Ted, Dick, Mike and Ozzy.

Which one is the real prince of darkness. I'm betting is not Ozzy.

[alkemical]

Ted, Dick, Mike and Ozzy.

Which one is the real prince of darkness. I'm betting is not Ozzy.


i think cheney is the lizard king

[baja]

Check out the main board i put this development there (didn't know it was here) but this does belong on the main board.

This is an unbelievable story. If Bush's own people did not say hey wait a minute when they realized what bush was doing than who knows what else he was allowed to do.

America is in deep trouble when things like this can happen.<b> Doubt it not!</b>

[Rohirrim]

Check out the main board i put this development there (didn't know it was here) but this does belong on the main board.

This is an unbelievable story. If Bush's own people did not say hey wait a minute when they realized what bush was doing than who knows what else he was allowed to do.

America is in deep trouble when things like this can happen.<b> Doubt it not!</b>

Uhh, got any space down there Baja. ;D

[ClevelandBronco]

I have a dream.

Cheney resigns due to health concerns. Bush names Condi as VP. Congress confirms the nomination. Bush resigns due to whatever. Condi runs in 2008 as the incumbent.

Sleep well, everyone.

[alkemical]

that's a nightmare

[Blueflame]

I have a dream.

Cheney resigns due to health concerns. Bush names Condi as VP. Congress confirms the nomination. Bush resigns due to whatever. Condi runs in 2008 as the incumbent.

Sleep well, everyone.

Condi's as inept, incompetent, and bumbling as the rest of this misadministration, imo. Remember, she was shoe-shopping in NY while New Orleans drowned...

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Well, it sounds bad, I've got to admit. But it still doesn't rise to the level of oral sex between consenting adults. ;D

:rofl:

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

I have a dream.

Cheney resigns due to health concerns. Bush names Condi as VP. Congress confirms the nomination. Bush resigns due to whatever. Condi runs in 2008 as the incumbent.

Sleep well, everyone.

Condi "we never could have imagined" Rice?

Surely you jest?

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

I have never seen a Dem party so adept at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Their stance on immigration is already torpedoing their chances in November. 80% of American people want illegal immigration stopped. You'd think one of their pollsters could inform them of this fact.

Yep. Either they're dumber than a sack of hammers, or they just don't want to win.

Methinks it's the latter.

[baja]

Uhh, got any space down there Baja. ;D

if you want I can find you some nice fertile remote piece of land (5 to 10 acres) for about 20 grand

[Garcia Bronco]

that's a nightmare


I would never vote for a woman....but I'd think long an hard about not voting for condi

[Garcia Bronco]

Yep. Either they're dumber than a sack of hammers, or they just don't want to win.

Methinks it's the latter.


This is where you are dead wrong!!!

It's bag of hammers...a bag...not a sack...GAWD!

[Garcia Bronco]

Condi's as inept, incompetent, and bumbling as the rest of this misadministration, imo. Remember, she was shoe-shopping in NY while New Orleans drowned...


There might be good reasons to not like her...I just don't that's one of them.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

This is where you are dead wrong!!!

It's bag of hammers...a bag...not a sack...GAWD!

Bag? Sack?

Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Re: the thread topic:

Did anyone honestly believe Smirk was "out of the loop" on this whole deal?

[baja]

Uhh, got any space down there Baja. ;D

if you want I can find you some nice fertile remote piece of land (5 to 10 acres) for about 20 grand

[baja]

Condi's as inept, incompetent, and bumbling as the rest of this misadministration, imo. Remember, she was shoe-shopping in NY while New Orleans drowned...

The Bush adminstration lost it's one good man, Colon Powell. How I would love for him to wake up one morning and say,"I owe it to America tyo tell all I know." That would be a banner day.

[elsid13]

The Bush adminstration lost it's one good man, Colon Powell. How I would love for him to wake up one morning and say,"I owe it to America tyo tell all I know." That would be a banner day.


Powell would never do that, he might not agree with the position of the president or those around him, but he understand two things really well- loyalty and politics. He served at the pleasure of the president and when you do, you follow your boss's lead and don't make throw him under the bus. Second, if he wants any political career to do so would kill his potential base in the Republican party.

[Blueflame]

There might be good reasons to not like her...I just don't that's one of them.

If she were "running for president in 2008 as the incumbent" as Cleveland hypothesized, I'm pretty sure a lot of Americans would, indeed, recall that she was shopping, rather than making any effort whatsoever to relieve the suffering of Americans struggling to deal with the aftermath of Katrina.

[Blueflame]

The Bush adminstration lost it's one good man, Colon Powell. How I would love for him to wake up one morning and say,"I owe it to America tyo tell all I know." That would be a banner day.

Sadly, I don't think that's gonna happen, Baja... I certainly won't be holding my breath waiting for such an epiphany to bring out all the secrets.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

He served at the pleasure of the president and when you do, you follow your boss's lead and don't make throw him under the bus.

Sounds like organized crime ethics 101.

Just replace "president" with "mob boss."

[Rohirrim]

if you want I can find you some nice fertile remote piece of land (5 to 10 acres) for about 20 grand

I need an ocean view. Sounds good. At least I know I wouldn't have to worry about illegal immigrants tramping all over my land. They don't allow that shiite in Mexico. ;)