Friday’s New York Times tells us that Karl Rove and Lewis “Scooter” Libby are definite targets of Fitztgerald’s investigation of the Plame leak.
They may not be busted on the most serious offenses, but it’s likely they will be indicted on lesser offenses that would still ruin their political careers, seeing them frog-marched right out of Washington.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 – As he weighs whether to bring criminal charges in the C.I.A. leak case, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the special counsel, is focusing on whether Karl Rove, the senior White House adviser, and I. Lewis Libby Jr., chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney, sought to conceal their actions and mislead prosecutors, lawyers involved in the case said Thursday.
Among the charges that Mr. Fitzgerald is considering are perjury, obstruction of justice and false statement – counts that suggest the prosecutor may believe the evidence presented in a 22-month grand jury inquiry shows that the two White House aides sought to cover up their actions, the lawyers said.
Mr. Rove and Mr. Libby have been advised that they may be in serious legal jeopardy, the lawyers said, but only this week has Mr. Fitzgerald begun to narrow the possible charges. The prosecutor has said he will not make up his mind about any charges until next week, government officials say.
According to the NYT article, it is still quite possible that someone may be charged with espionage. Fitzgerald’s people are mum on the speculation though.
Blogger Matthew Gross thinks that Wurmser and Hannah are the most likely leakers, thus the rumours that they’ve both turned on their higher-ups who orchestrated the conspiracy.
Meanwhile, back at the conscience-challenged White House ranch, Bush referred to the investigation as background noise. I guess that’s what it sounds like when you hold your hands over your ears like a toddler and scream “I can’t hear you! La la la.”
In related news, Gallup informs us that the administration’s support is melting faster than an ice cream cone in the Sahara desert:
A new CNN/USA Today/Gallup survey finds the public in the most dour mood ever measured during the Bush presidency. The public’s approval of the way President George W. Bush is handling his job is at 39%, public approval of Congress at 29%, and overall satisfaction with the way things are going at 31%.
And, Cheney’s approval numbers are at their lowest.levels.ever.
Just wait until these indictments are brought down. They might incite a revolution! And, this revolution will be televised.
