So Armitage Blabbed to Woodward . . . .

[Sugarcoated]

on June 13th, then Libby and Armitage blabbed to Miller and Novak June 24th. Do I have this correct, this is what the Rethugs are shrieking about? This is a big deal why? How does this change the fact that Bu$h declassified Mrs. Wilson's status in March, Cheney got the declassified memo, ordered by Libby, etc??? What am I missing here?

[radwriter0555]

1. You're missing the fact that niether Rove nor anyone else has been cleared

of wrong-doing.

They're all still on the hook. Eventually the Sealed vs Sealed indictment will be unveiled.

Rove still has to tell all that he remembers (cough) when he's testifying.

Libby is still guilty as hell, and so is dick cheney.

Bush is still "lawyered up". Nothing has changed at all... but apparently some shit is about to hit the fan if they're shoving armitage out front to take the first round of bullets.

[Sugarcoated]

2. I'm aware of all that

I just don't understand what or how Armitage's involvement has the rethugs writhing and shrieking. I think maybe they're jumping the gun this time.

[radwriter0555]

3. No, there is some puzzle piece that's missing, but it's not from the dems.

The gop is taking a big hit.

[fooj]

4. Yep. Now it gets dangerous. Really dangerous.

These evil, maniacal madmen will do whatever it takes, IMO.

[Sugarcoated]

5. I sure hope you're right

They're some evil fuckers.

[me b zola]

6. Woodward & Miller are neocon tools

I don't believe a word out of their mouths, and am highly skeptical that Armitage was the leaker to Novak.

[Garbo 2004]

7. A few corrections. Bush didn't "declassify" Plame's status. Her status

and employment with the CIA was and remained classified info when all these people were passing on info to journalists. Cheney didn't need a "declassified" memo (which btw wasn't declassified until this year) to learn anything when reportedly he was briefed by the CIA regarding Wilson's trip and his wife. Cheney then passed the info on to Libby around June 12 (according to Scooter's own notes that had been turned over to investigators). Of course, Libby already knew that Valerie Wilson worked at the CIA from a briefing by State's INR in late May. And Libby also was briefed by a CIA fellow in June.

Libby met with Judy and discussed Wilson's wife on June 23 and then again on July 8. Armitage spoke to Novak on July 8. Rove also spoke to Novak on July 8 about Plame's employment. Rove told Matt Cooper about Wilson's wife on July 11. Libby spoke to Cooper on July 12 and was a confirming source for the info Rove had given Cooper. While accompanying the President on a trip to Africa in July, before Novak's column appeared on July 14th, WH spokesmen Fleischer and Bartlett were encouraging reporters to look into the origin of Wilson's 2002 trip to Africa (nudge, nudge). The WH clearly wanted to get Plame's identity out to the media, regardless if Armitage had said anything or not.