Rove testifies on CIA leak for fourth time
President George W. Bush’s top political adviser, Karl Rove, went before a federal grand jury for a fourth time on Friday as prosecutors neared a decision on whether to bring charges over leaking a covert CIA operative’s name.
Rove, the most powerful and controversial political strategist in Washington, made no comment as he entered the federal courthouse to begin his testimony, hoping to convince grand jurors that he did nothing illegal. He had not departed at midday (1600 GMT).
Prosecutors have told Rove they can not guarantee that he will not be indicted over the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame’s identity.
I think there may be a couple of reluctant jurors who want to make certain before indicting him. As long as they get it right — the charges have to stick, and I hope they stick really well.
If there’s no indictment from Fitzgerald, I’ll state it clearly that he investigated and could find no clear enough evidence of wrongdoing. I don’t think the guy is a political hack, like Ken Starr, etc.
It should be obvious that something is not lining up right in all of this. It will be funny to listen to how Fitzgerald magically becomes a political hack if there are no indictments. One possibility is nothing on Plame but some finding against somebody who forgot something they wrote three decades ago.
Dugger
If Rove is indicted, it may not please Jaguar that he is driving their product.
GJ’s need not be unanimous as in trial cases.
My guess is that Rove’s fate has been decided before this date; the likely purpose of today’s proceeding is for Rove to cut or not cut a deal.
But Rove siad he did nothing illegal. Why are they even having the investigation?
Dugger’s preparing to board the excuse train.
Here’s the question to Dugger: if there are indictments, will you continue to defend this illegitimate admin? After all, their campaign was all about honesty and accountability.
Already with the excuses?
The indictments should at least be, you know, legtimate. Not of the Earle “3 Grand Juries and you’re out!” variety.
So its the right now who slimes the “slack-jawed yokels” in Texas? (news alert: grand juries are made up of citizens)
Jadegold,
“Here s the question to Dugger: if there are indictments, will you continue to defend this illegitimate admin? After all, their campaign was all about honesty and accountability. ”
That doesn’t even meet your typically low standards. You can get an indictment of anything. It is not a finding of guilt. And the administration is completely legitimate. So other than the asinine, factually challenged question, howzwe it goin.
Semant, Well you’re allowed your guess too. I think every special prosecutor wastes time and feels his performance will be measured solely on the basis of getting indictments and then (more work!!) convictions. They are incentivized that way.
Quake,
“Already with the excuses?”
Well yes. I like Rusert and even as a partisan Democrat, would hate to see him do the ol’ Joe Wilson perp walk.
Dugger, “my object, so sublime, which I shall achieve in time, to let the punishment fit the crime “
Dugger;
After waht I’ve been reading about Fitzgerald, he doesn’t waste time on a case that requires a lot of fishing. He’s brilliant and a workaholic. Indictments will come. But whose?
(news alert: grand juries are made up of citizens)
So was the OJ jury and look how bright they were.
Russert and Wilson indicted? Sure. Right after you say, “Thanks Ms. Alba, that was even better than last time.”
But before you wake up.
You can get an indictment of anything.
I can see it now: Dugger: ‘Convictions mean nothing. This was politically-motivated. They jailed Nelson Mandela, you know.’
Let’s review the facts, shall we? We know at least Rove has lied to AWOL George. We also know AWOL George stated he would punish anyone in his illegitimate admin that was found to have leaked on this subject; we know Rove leaked.
Jade, It is not a fact the President was AWOL. It is afact that the Admin is not illegitimate. We don’t know Rove leaked. Other than all of the major premises of your remarks being 100% factually wrong, good post for you.
Dugger
Even though this is a Rove thread, I’ll point out that according to the NYT (10/16/05):
Just wanted to add that when i say “allowed to fingerpoint” i mean in
general terms, saying republicans are corrupt or democrats are corrupt
is just plain silly. One must speak with specificity and accept the fact that
there are corrupt scumbags on his/her side, whichever that may be.
Jade)
If Karl has done something wrong, I hope he gets it good.
OW- might want to wait til there is a conviction, or maybe an indictment
before you label him a Perp.
Another question for Jade-
Now that Sandy Berger has pled guilty to stealing and destroying those documents, are you going to stop defending the Clinton administration?
Now that Air America has admitted to misappropriating funds meant for needy children, are you going to denounce them?
Have you ever noticed that there is enough bad behavior on both sides of the aisle that neither side should be allowed to fingerpoint?
Ever heard of innocent until proven guilty?
Also, while you sneer at W and improperly label him as AWOL, I wonder
do you hold similar contempt for Bill the Draft Dodger?
Let it be known that I too would of dodged the Vietnam draft, I do not judge Bill for that, my point being you seem to have selective outrage
and a faux respect for the military.