Monday 31 October 2005

Cheney Reportedly Takes Blame For Libby Charges

"Didn't Set Up Fall Guy", Says Disheartened VP; Hopes There's Time 'To Fix This".

A senior administration source told The Garlic that Vice President Dick Cheney spent the weekend "agonizing" over the indictment of his Chief of Staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby and took responsibility for it happening.

Cheney, reportedly, said over, and over, that it was "his fault".

In a heavily somber conversation, the senior aide said, Cheney was "going off on tangents", alternately blaming the Special Prosecutor and liberals, and, at other times, pointing the finger at himself.

"He was all over the place", said the source. "He didn't weep or sob but he was clearly depressed."

In his wide-ranging rant, Cheney admitted that "I didn't set up a fall guy" and is said to have mentioned that "Scooter didn't have to do this" and that "Scooter is taking a mighty big one for the team".

On Friday, Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald leveled five counts of indictment against Libby, for perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements during Fitzgerald's investigation to the leaking and revelation of the identity of CIA Agent Valerie Plame.

During Fitzgerald's investigation, it was learned that Libby first heard about Valerie Plame from his boss, Vice President Cheney, who was making his own inquiries to the CIA about Plame's husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who has been an outspoken critic of Cheney and the Bush Administrations run-up to the reasons for invading Iraq.

Cheney's compassion for Libby is at odds with reports, that in the weeks leading up to the indictments, Cheney and Libby were arguing and fighting over the potential defense, should an indictment come.

Libby was hoping to plead "Nolo Contendere" and Cheney squashed that strategy, reserving that defense should Cheney also be indicted.

The White House had no comment on Cheney's alleged remarks about Libby. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said that, while the President spend the weekend at Camp David, "we have no idea what the Vice President was doing or where he was doing it."

On Friday, Cheney was in Georgia, appearing at a $250-a-plate fund-raiser for former Rep. Max Burns, and later attended a rally for airmen at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga., and then on to hold a reception in Perry, Ga., for former Congressman Mac Collins

Cheney released a written statement, saying he accepted Libby's resignation with "deep regret" and cited Libby as "one of the most capable and talented individuals I have ever known"

"In our system of government an accused person is presumed innocent until a contrary finding is made by a jury after an opportunity to answer the charges and a full airing of the facts. Mr. Libby is entitled to that opportunity

Cheney added that "because this is a pending legal proceeding, in fairness to all those involved, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the charges or on any facts relating to the proceeding."

It is not clear from the senior administration official if Cheney has plans to come forward, or to speak with the Special Prosecutor.

"I'm sure they'll address that at the next secret cabal meeting," said the aide. "Right now it's not a conspiracy and I'm pretty confident that want to keep it that way."

Bush staffers Scott McClellan, Karen Hughes and Karl Rove set off for their Halloween outing of 'Trick-or-Treating' in Georgetown, disguised as innocent and capable government officials.

Early reports say that they've scared "the bejeezes" out of neighbors and passerbys.