to cheney connected to Lam firing.
This may well have been a huge find by Whitehouse.
(Link same as in OP above)
FWIW, Jeff and Posaune, I'm more worried about Cheney interfering with the Mitch Wade investigation than the Plame one. Wade has bragged he had Dick in his back pocket. Dick hired Wade for his first contract, and MZM appears to have been intimately involved in the other domestic surveillance program, the TALON/CIFA program. You know, the one from whihc the records were unfunded and disappeared when people started looking closely.
Posted by: emptywheel | July 24, 2007 at 14:10
You don't suppose this gave OVP access to any of Fitzgerald's case against Libby do you?
Posted by: mainsailset | July 24, 2007 at 14:16
I'll be glad to hold the bet money for all of you...
Posted by: JEP | July 24, 2007 at 14:16
EW - That is a fair point; however, I am worried about a whole raft of investigations, both ongoing and that have yet to be initiated. the concept is the same as the DOJ conundrum. Hell, it IS the DOJ conundrum. In addition to the investigations and prosecutions that Cheney actually involves himself in, the taint permeates EVERY significant matter they work on because of the appearance and potential for impropriety. It is almost more corrosive than the actual interference you know about because that is, well, a known; where appearance of, and potential for, impropriety affects every nook and cranny imaginable.
Posted by: bmaz | July 24, 2007 at 14:18
In fact to add to my earlier comment that I think this is Wade/MZM and not Fitzgerald: the date of the memo was May 2006 (per Christy's liveblog). Right when DOJ got freaked about Lam, right when the investigation turned to MZM, right when Cambone and HPSCI made bogus moves at a self-investigation.
Posted by: emptywheel | July 24, 2007 at 14:19
I think I'm finally beginning to understand what Gonzo is doing.
He's trying to secure the position of greatest douche in the history of American Politics for himself.
Yellow showers ain't nothing to this guy.
Posted by: Dismayed | July 24, 2007 at 14:19
Gonzales can offer nothing more than an explanation that he continues to study why Ashcroft made the change, and that he has no idea how the changes got into the memo that he himself signed.
It would be so convenient to have executive privilege:
"I have no idea how, 'I am responsible for all charges,' clause got into my credit card agreement. I am continuing to study the matter. While this ongoing investigation is in progress, I cannot answer any further questions about the matter. I will continue to use the card. Don't bother to send me any more bills, as my boss has made a determination that I am not going to pay them."
"I don't know how this weapon got into my hand and where the blood came from. Well, I have to be going now. I have an appointment with the VP."
Posted by: Ralph | July 24, 2007 at 14:21
Shifting themes a little, I have to wonder how well the MSM will pick up on what came out today. It is beginning to appear to me that the MSM have hired all their reporters (especially TV reporters!) from an institution similar to Regent (does Regent have a School of Journalism, by chance?). Is no one paying attention out there? When I was in J-school, we were hammered to ask questions and delve into the facts!
Today's hearing is MAJOR news, in my opinion. I hope to God that it is treated as such.
Posted by: Sojourner | July 24, 2007 at 14:24
It is hard to believe Cheney wasn't able to see any or ALL communications about any investigations before May 2006, including the Plame case. I suspect he got them straight from Gonzo. I suspect somebody must have questioned the practice so that Cheney demanded a memo giving him official access.
Posted by: chris | July 24, 2007 at 14:27
From the Dept. of Things That Don't Surprise Me
CNN headline on their only front-paged AGAG story: "Gonzales explains bedside meeting with ailing Ashcroft."
Explains. I see.
Posted by: &y | July 24, 2007 at 14:28
Emptywheel @ 14:19: Forgive me if I am repeating old news as I have been out of pocket for several days. McClatchy Newspapers had an interesting story over the weekend about a major accounting fraud investigation that got dumped last year. A federal prosecutor, David Maguire, was removed as lead prosecutor after he wrote a draft indictment in May 2006. That coincides with what you were referring to... (See
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/18223.html)
Posted by: Sojourner | July 24, 2007 at 14:33
And another interesting comment:
Cheney's behind the firings. It makes perfect sense now in light of Whitehouse's question ( Gawd, I loves that man!) Ashcroft leaves DoJ after 2004 elections. Gonzo is sworn in, writes the changes into allowing OVP and minions access to DoJ investigations. Therefore Cheney knew all about Fitz's case against Scooter, but he was also able to derail the Wang stuff in LA by getting her a job, and get Carol Lam fired, and that will help protect MZM more than if she weere still investigating. We always thought Karl and Gonzo were the uber loyal Bushies, but something in, I think the WaPo 4 parter on Shooter, made me wonder weather Rove might have 2 masters. And there was something Gonzo said a few months back, I'm blanking sorry, but it made me wonder if he too was a Cheneyite.
And let me tell you another scary thought I had watching todays hearing. Gonzo even smirked whilst his butt was being chewed by the Reps on the committee. I turned to my mother and said, OMG they're planning a coup. No one as smart as Gonzo is supposed to be, wouldn't be terrified right now, and the sociopath is smirking, he knows he'll never be punished! And this was after Spector was taliking about Special Prosecutor or impeachment.
So Cheney had access and influence in DOJ investigations.
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