Yeah, I wonder if Donkey will feel that way when the democrats take the WH in 08. I guess we should thank W for that.
It gets better ... White House Won't Rule Out Libby Pardon Jul 3, 12:01 PM (ET) By MATT APUZZO WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House on Tuesday declined to rule out the possibility of an eventual pardon for former vice presidential aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby. But spokesman Tony Snow said, for now, President Bush is satisfied with his decision to commute Libby's 2 1/2-year prison sentence. "He thought any jail time was excessive. He did not see fit to have Scooter Libby taken to jail," Snow said. Snow said that even with Bush's decision, Libby remains with a felony conviction on his record, two years' probation, a $250,000 fine and probable loss of his legal career. "This is hardly a slap on the wrist," Snow said. U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton, who sentenced Libby to prison, declined Tuesday to discuss the case or his views on sentencing. "To now say anything about sentencing on the heels of yesterday's events will inevitably be construed as comments on the president's commutation decision, which would be inappropriate," the judge said in an e-mail. With prison seeming all but certain for Libby, Bush on Monday spared the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. His move came just five hours after a federal appeals court panel ruled that Libby could not delay his prison term. The Bureau of Prisons had already assigned Libby a prison identification number. Snow was pressed several times on whether the president might eventually grant a full pardon to Libby, who had been convicted of lying and conspiracy in the CIA leak investigation. The press secretary declined to say anything categorically. "The reason I'm not going to say I'm not going to close a door on a pardon," Snow said, "Scooter Libby may petition for one." "The president thinks that he has dealt with the situation properly," he added. "There is always a possibility or there's an avenue open for anybody to petition for consideration of a pardon." Bush's decision was sharply criticized by Democrats. Republicans were more subdued, with some welcoming the decision and some conservatives saying Bush should have gone further. "The president's getting pounding on the right for not granting a full pardon," Snow suggested. Asked whether Cheney had weighed in on the decision to commute Libby's sentence, Snow said, "I don't have direct knowledge. But on the other hand, the president did consult with most senior officials, and I'm sure that everybody had an opportunity to share their views."
So why the hell would Jr commute the sentence now and then pardon him later? Why not go ahead and do the pardon?
There is still the appeals process, which may vindicate Libby (but not likely methinks). I bet W will pardon Libby on the way out the door. It would be interesting if Libby gets a new trial, what Fitzgerald would do. Why bother with it when Libby will get no time and eventually pardoned? Or he might take off his kid gloves and go after all of them: Libby, Rove and Cheney.
If he were pardoned now, there would be no legal reason for Libby not to testify before Congress. With this angle by Bush and company, he can claim that he can't testify due to the issues being involved in his appeal. D&D. Left at the Light.
I NEVER post in here, but I had to say something somewhere. What happened to all the "rule of law" crap spouted so often by so many when it comes to Clinton/Lewinsky, Whitewater, illegal immigrants, etc??? Where is all the rhetoric about preserving the rule of law in our democracy now? All presidents pull off these bull**** pardons on their way out of office. It's insulting and completely amoral. It's the exact reason why I hate politics. Carry on.
...And they all do it, but it seems the "reasoning" is lost to those on the other side of the political leaning fence...Either way, you are completely right on the last paragraph...
i hate politics for a lot of things as well. Mostly because not many real issues get addressed because they are too busy throwing a hissy fit over things like this. Is it shady and suspicious, sure. But i really dont care as much so long as real issues, like immigration, healthcare, education, etc etc, are handled and a rational and common sensical bill is passed.
how did clinton subvert any of that stuff. he was investigated, he was impeached. the two aren't analogous
yeah, especially when its not ones particular party. How is he abusing power if he is granted that power? regardless, i'd rather politicians spend their time on real issues that affect everyone. would you rather time by politicians be spent arguing over whether libby should be pardoned? or time on education/healthcare/Soc Sec/ etc,reform? given those two issues, i'd choose the latter. It would be nice to have both, but this is the govt and its politicians...you cant have your cake and eat it too.
I'm beginning to think that Bush isn't pardoning scooter because he is his buddy. I think he's doing it because Scooter has a lot of dirt on the administration. Rule number 1 with Bush is that he ALWAYS lies. I think more than anything, he's covering his ass from blackmail instead of helping a friend.
usually sentences are commuted after someone has served time. its not an acknolowgement of a miscarraige of justice. your question is basically pretty stupid. of course you abuse power you're granted, I can't abuse the power because I don't have it.
well your stupid for not answering my other question and not understanding my point nice conversation
A trip down memory lane -- <embed src="http://www.veracifier.com/embed/player" width="425" height="340" allowScriptAccess="always" FlashVars="video_file=http://www.veracifier.com/embed/play/TPM_20070703" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed>
