Friday 15 July 2005

White House To Ice Down Rove, PR Effort

New Charges Emerge As GOP Rallies Around Leaker

Just as news was breaking that White House Chief Strategist Karl Rove was one of the two sources for columnist Robert Novak's column, exposing CIA agent Valerie Plame, wife of former Ambassador Joe Wilson, who criticized the Bush Administration, the White House announced late last night that there will be changes made in Rove's schedule and workload.

Beginning today, Rove, and not President Bush, will take long bicycle rides when urgent and critical matters are discussed. Additionally, Rove will begin working out of Vice President Dick Cheney's secret bunker, in an effort to lower his public profile.

Chief of Staff Andy Card announced the changes, as, throughout the day yesterday, the GOP Chairman, as well as others, defended Rove.

Card indicated that the President was "disappointed" and will miss ride his bicycle but was understanding of the need "to make this sacrifice, for the good of the country".

Documents show that Rove gave information to Time Magazine Reporter Matthew Cooper, referencing Plame, but not directly naming her.

Ken Mehlman, GOP Chairman, vehemently defend Rove, saying that "he was just warning Cooper off a bad story".

"Karl has always been helpful to reporters", said Mehlman. "He confirms stories, gives them leads and other information that allows them to do there jobs better, more accurately"

Sen. John Cornyn said;

“Sadly, These attacks are more of the same kind of anger and lashing out … While Republicans focus on accomplishing an ambitious agenda for the American people, some Democrats, and their allies in the hyper-partisan interest groups continue on their path of smear and distract …"

Rove will also be given an iPod and must wear it when in public, so he will not comment on any questions he may be asked, according to Card.

"It's a successful exercise" stated Card. "We've used it with the President, around the White House, many times … Very effective results"

Robert D. Luskin, Rove's lawyer, said yesterday, "Any pertinent information has been provided to the prosecutor." Mr. Luskin contends that he was advised by Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald that Rove that he is not a target in the case and is not likely to be charged with a crime.

"We can't take any chances" offered Card.

Card would not say if a similar program will be in place for White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan.

McClellan, who early on in this now two-year-old case, said that it was "ridiculous" to suggest that Mr. Rove had any role in the disclosure of Ms. Wilson's name, has come under intense fire this week from the media and has refused any further comment on the matter.

"Having to give press briefings" stated Card, "I don't think we could get away with Scott using an iPod".

Card was asked if this meant that the President would be more involved in the critical matters, Card was non-committal.

"We have some other changes in place that I can't discuss at this time"

Card would not comment on the report that the White House has hired a Pilates instructor.