Comments on: (Updated) Pardon Me, But As Expected

By: kritter

kritter — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 04:29:55 +0000

DLS- Since I live here, I kept an eagle eye on Libby’s trial. The defense was laughable- they originally had Cheney, Rove and Libby himself on the witness list. Then —–at the end none of them testify. There were a lot of rumors swirling around that an intermediary set up a deal for Libby and his lawyer had to completely change his defense. By the end of the trial —his high-powered attorneys —the best that money could buy had presented an incoherent defense. The jury had no choice but to convict.

So, it was pretty obvious that Libby was protecting Bush and Cheney and that he expected to serve no jail time. No major Washington news analyst thought he’d serve his sentence. I don’t think it was partisanship- just the administration protecting itself. The reason there is so much loyalty is because the long term politicos like Rove, Libby and Gonzales all know too much about how things really work.

By: DLS

DLS — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:27:55 +0000

K. Ritter:

corrupt Washington cronyism

That’s what it looks like to me, too. I’m unsure about “blatant partisan gamesmanship” on the GOP side because many Republicans are critical of Bush; but it may have been an intentional slam at the Congressional Democrats.

By: kritter

kritter — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:31:57 +0000

The base will be thrilled, but not the majority who will see this as corrupt Washington cronyism. I think only 18% believe Libby should be pardoned. It will be interesting to see how the Democrats capitalize on Bush’s decision to stray from another one of his campaign promises.

By: DLS

DLS — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:28:22 +0000

Bush commuted Libbyâ€™s prison sentence

“I did not pardon that man, Scooter Libby…”

The GOP candidates take a hit on this, anyway.

By: kritter

kritter — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:00:03 +0000

Shaun you might want to update your post. NBC just reported that Bush commuted Libby’s prison sentence. He will still have to pay the $250,000 fine and will lose his law license. Bush’s reasoning was that the 30 month sentence was excessive.

Did you really think Scooter would see the inside of a cell? I’m sure if any of the rest of the motley WH crew were convicted of anything, that Bush would likewise pardon or commute them as well.
Why bother hiring a special prosecutor in the first place? Just give the executive branch unlimited power and put them above the law. Saves time and taxpayer expense.

They have proven today that the law does not treat well-connected Republicans the same as a poor black teenager who made the mistake of having oral sex with a minor, two years younger.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:58:36 +0000

Correction, he just commuted Libby’s sentence. And I said worst case as in for Libby. The guy was not ever going to see the inside of a jail cell.

By: DLS

DLS — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:57:14 +0000

Sam:

Worst case Libby gets a lame duck pardon before Bush leaves office.

Worst case for who, Bush? What will a Libby pardon do for the Republicans’ prospects (hold your laughter) in 2008?

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:28:15 +0000

Worst case Libby gets a lame duck pardon before Bush leaves office.

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By: DLS

DLS — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:52:37 +0000

“As anticipated,” that is. “As expected” reveals “as hoped.” (Note that I’m not denying he should go to prison. I’m surprised Bush didn’t pardon him yet.)