Opening Arguments Begin in Libby Case

[DoYouEverWonder]

January 23, 2007

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald described for jurors Tuesday a detailed Bush administration effort to beat back early criticism of the Iraq war and accused former White House aide ''Scooter'' Libby of covering up his role leaking the identity of a CIA operative.

I. Lewis Libby's attorney countered with a White House effort of his own, one in which Libby was blamed for the leak to protect Bush political adviser Karl Rove's own disclosures.

''They're trying to set me up. They want me to be the sacrificial lamb,'' attorney Theodore Wells said, recalling a conversation between Libby and his boss, Vice President Dick Cheney, as the leak investigation heated up in 2003. ''I will not be sacrificed so Karl Rove can be protected.''

As the trial opened with a preview of each side's position, it was clear that the jury will be tasked with sorting through conflicting statements in a high-profile case that has opened a very public window on the behind-the-scenes Washington practice of leaking sensitive information to the news media.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-CIA-Leak-Trial.html?hp&ex=1169614800&en=79cae4bd6dfd8ed8&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Popcorn time folks. Libby just threw Rove under a bus. We're off to a great start.

[lisa58]

1. No wonder he hasn't been pardoned yet.

[coalition_unwilling]

2. It's the "SODDI" defense. (Some other dude did it) - n/t

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. I've seen kindergartners

come up with better excuses.

[wryter2000]

3. OMG

Un-freaking-believable. No honor among thieves.