BREAKING: Bush Commutes Libby Sentence
BREAKING: Bush Commutes Libby Sentence
President Bush has spared Scooter Libby from a 2½-year prison term, issuing an order that commutes his sentence, the AP reports. Libby will never have to go to jail, but his felony conviction will stand, and he will still serve two years probation and owe $250,000 in fines.
The Politico reported on June 17:
White House loyalists have begun arguing that clemency for I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby — either a pardon or a commuted sentence — would be a way for an embattled President Bush to reassert himself, particularly among conservatives.
The White House has not ruled out a pardon for Libby, sources say. But several Republicans, who sense a movement in Libby’s favor, said a more likely possibility might be a presidential commutation — a reduction or elimination of Libby’s 2½-year federal prison sentence. Such a move, they said, would be less divisive for the country.
UPDATE: On June 5, White House spokesperson Dana Perino said that the President was “not going to intervene.”
UPDATE II: From Bush’s statement today:
I respect the jury’s verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby’s sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.
My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby. The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely. He will remain on probation. The significant fines imposed by the judge will remain in effect. The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting.
The Constitution gives the President the power of clemency to be used when he deems it to be warranted. It is my judgment that a commutation of the prison term in Mr. Libby’s case is an appropriate exercise of this power.
UPDATE III: In March, Americans opposed pardoning Libby by a 3 to 1 margin.
UPDATE IV: Weekly Standard’s William Kristol predicted it all along. From Fox News Sunday, June 10, 2007:
KRISTOL: I think [the president] will not let Scooter Libby go to jail. He may not pardon him. He may commute the sentence, the prison sentence — in other words, say no prison sentence, but let Libby pay the $250,000 fine that Judge Walton imposed and therefore not overturn the actual verdict.
That way, he can say, “Look, a jury found that he made false statements. I’m not going to challenge that. But this man does not deserve to go to jail. The official recommendation was for a much shorter sentence. Judge Walton for some reason went for the maximum sentence. That’s not right. And therefore, I’m going to remove the prison sentence, commute the prison sentence but maybe let the fine go ahead.”
UPDATE V: Bloomberg notes, “Bush has granted fewer pardons — 113 — than any president in the past 100 years, while denying more than 1,000 requests, said Margaret Colgate Love, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney from 1990 to 1997. In addition, Bush has denied more than 4,000 commutation requests, and hundreds of requests for pardons and commutations are still pending, Love said.”
UPDATE VI: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): “The President’s decision to commute Mr. Libby’s sentence is disgraceful. Libby’s conviction was the one faint glimmer of accountability for White House efforts to manipulate intelligence and silence critics of the Iraq War. Now, even that small bit of justice has been undone.”
UPDATE VII: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): “The President’s commutation of Scooter Libby’s prison sentence does not serve justice, condones criminal conduct, and is a betrayal of trust of the American people.” More statements from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Judiciary chairman John Conyers (D-MI), and Rules chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY).
UPDATE VIII: Statement from Vice President Cheney: “I have always considered him [Libby] to be a man of the highest intellect, judgment and personal integrity — a man fully committed to protecting the vital security interests of the United States and its citizens. … The defense has indicated it plans to appeal the conviction in the case. Speaking as friends, we hope that our system will return a final result consistent with what we know of this fine man.”
UPDATE IX: Politico’s Crypt notes that House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) “was one of the few - and perhaps only - Republicans to applaud President Bush’s decision” to commute Libby’s sentence. Reaction by former senator Fred Thompson HERE.
UPDATE X: The New York Times editorial board writes, “Presidents have the power to grant clemency and pardons. But in this case, Mr. Bush did not sound like a leader making tough decisions about justice. He sounded like a man worried about what a former loyalist might say when actually staring into a prison cell.”
UPDATE XI: Bob Geiger has compiled the reaction of the Democratic presidential candidates HERE.
Um… can we impeach Bush NOW!? Or do we actually need to catch him in bed with a dead girl or live boy?
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:52 pmSo, since Bush is changing the sentence, not pardoning, does this mean he is above the law of the judge(like the sherriff in the Paris Hilton fiasco?)
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:53 pmNow can we get back to killing IslamoNazis?
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:53 pmA commuted sentence. Pardon. What’s the difference. Americans who believed in the justice system or that our CIA operatives were protected have been completely thrown out.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:53 pmIMPEACH!
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:54 pmWelcome to the 4th of July Fireworks display in D.C.
on July 2nd
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:54 pmThis has to be a sick joke.
sad sad day
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:54 pmMISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:54 pmImpeach for obstruction. This was clearly done to keep Scooter from talking.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:54 pmIMPEACH!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:55 pmWatch out for MOONBAT feces being flung at their keepers!! You fools didn’t see this coming at all did you.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:56 pmThis is how the conservatives protect our country, by supporting criminals and hurting our service men/women.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:56 pmUn-phucking-believable!
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:56 pmSuch a move, they said, would be less divisive for the country.
Wrong!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:56 pmThis will be a good platform for the democrats to show the Republicans are against Law and Order as well as traitors.
How else would he get his underlings to keep doing illegal stuff like wiretapping? He has to show he’ll have their back.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:56 pmNow can we get back to killing IslamoNazis?
Comment by Ringo — July 2, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
Who’s this “we” , jerkoff ?
Playing war games on your X-BOX doesn’t make you US military , jackass………..
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:57 pmSo the crimes of Neocons are treated differently….!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:57 pmthis is the last straw
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:58 pmNot unexpected, but how very sad. Such a callous disregard for human life and the rule of law.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:58 pm“A commuted sentence. Pardon. What’s the difference.”
$250,000, two years probation and a felony conviction. That’s the difference. I wanted to see prison time as well, but this is better than a pardon, that’s for sure.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:58 pm* * REPUBLICANS ARE C O W A R D S. Enforce the laws on the books. * *
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:59 pmWell, this isn’t going to make things any easier for repub candidates for President and congress. Over 72% of the public strongly disagrees with this act.
Bush has broken just about everything he has ever gotten his hands on. Now, he may actually break the Repub. party and the modern conservative movement. If Libby walking free helps to bring that about, it’s a blessing in disguise.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:59 pmIts gonna take war to get these scumbags out of the white house.Bring it on.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:59 pmspineless.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:59 pmWatch out for MOONBAT feces being flung at their keepers!! You fools didn’t see this coming at all did you.
Comment by beefeater — July 2, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
Aren’t you the same stupid chump piece of shit that posts over on HuffPo , under the name , beefeatermartini ?
If not , you have a remarkable ability to post the same monumentally stupid shit as another Chimpy leg humping moron ……Congrats , douchebag.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:59 pmOkay now it’s time to Impreach the entire lot of them, starting with Cheney!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:00 pmdid just what Cheney told him to do, yet again.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:00 pmBWAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this is sure to send my left wing lunatics into a frenzy!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
funny these will be the same lunatics that didn’t mind all the Presidential pardons that I gave.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:00 pmWhy does the right-wing hate America?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:01 pmOMFG!
I am outraged by this Admin’s DISGUSTING behavior.
I am SO ready for torches and pitchforks.
When the H*LL will Impeachment be put back on the stinkin’ table?
(Sorry for the cap’s. I’m really pissed.)
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:01 pmWatch out for MOONBAT feces being flung at their keepers!! You fools didn’t see this coming at all did you.
Comment by beefeater — July 2, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
UM,”BEEFEATER’? you might want to change that,uh GAY ASS NAME-uynless you ARE gay-or Republican-then I have no problem….
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:01 pmBush statement today: “I have concluded that the prison sentence is excessive.â€
Same ol’ disregard for the rule of law. What an a**hole!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:02 pmOf course he commuted! Don’t you remember all those years back in Texas when, as Governor, he carefully examined the clemency petitions that crossed his death and, drawing upon his own history of sin and repentance, adeptly tempered justice with mercy…
oh.. wait…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:02 pmWhat a crock! Once again they prove that we have the best justice money can buy.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:02 pmThe president should be assamed of this incredable injustice.
UPDATE II: Bush statement today: “I have concluded that the prison sentence is excessive.â€
i wonder what he thinks of the multiple consecutive life terms that he [and the rest of bushco] are going to get
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:02 pmYou had to know this was going to happen. Why not. Law does not apply to Saddam… I mean Bush.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:02 pmA long way from his earlier position of “I will fire anyone involved”.
One more failed policy…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 pmSo much for the Rule of Law.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 pmLibby will still have to pay the fines means a book deal is imminent.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 pmI just wrote my congressman and senators asking them to start and/or support impeachment proceedings. You all should do the same.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 pm#20
“A commuted sentence. Pardon. What’s the difference.â€
$250,000, two years probation and a felony conviction. That’s the difference. I wanted to see prison time as well, but this is better than a pardon, that’s for sure.
Comment by ann
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 pmAmericans who believed in the justice system or that our CIA operatives were protected have been completely thrown out.
That’s the rest of my comment. But, of course you’re right. :-)
Bush wants some kind of legacy. How about the lowest approval rating. I mean its something. The way he sees it somehting is better then nothing.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 pmfreudian slip alert: that should’ve been crossed his “desk” not his “death” in #33
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 pmWell, this isn’t going to make things any easier for repub candidates for President and congress. Over 72% of the public strongly disagrees with this act.
Bush has broken just about everything he has ever gotten his hands on. Now, he may actually break the Repub. party and the modern conservative movement. If Libby walking free helps to bring that about, it’s a blessing in disguise.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — July 2, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
yes, because just like I want, my wife wants, like the rest of the left wing lunatics want, what we want is a one party system. Let the Democratic party be the only party, right Col. Jack Ripper? Sounds a lot like Stalinst Soviet Union, or take your pick of the different 20th century dictatorships.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:04 pmAnybody remember,
“Anybody involved in the outing of Valerie Plame won’t be working in this administration.”
and then nobody being fired.
Now, not only were the people fired, Bush has commuted the sentence of the one found obstructing justice, by covering up for those that committed the crime.
This is exactly why Libby didn’t mind being the scape goat in covering up the outing of an under cover CIA agent.
Libby had his sentence commuted for covering up TREASON.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:04 pmThis is more proof that reich-wingers do not respect the rule of law.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:04 pmWho will Scooter vote for??????????
Oh thats right as a convicted felon he is a sub citizen and can NEVER vot again. Failure in Chief, flaunt the law all your want and the 5 year requirements for pardons and commuting, we know you are all devoid of ethics and scruples.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:04 pm$250,000.00 is nothing for a Neocon.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:04 pmMoney will come soon from Scooter’s buddies and supporters!!.
Let the trolls begin
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:04 pmWell, since Sandy Berger got a VERY light sentence for mishandling classified information, it is fitting that Scooter had his sentence commuted.
The funny thing is seeing the reactions to all of this. With all the discourse coming from BOTH sides of the aisle, it is no wonder this country is so incredibly phucked up.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:04 pmWrite Pelosi. It is time for Impeachment to go back on that table!
AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pmThis is par for the course for the non-accountable chympfest that our Exemptutive branch has become.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pmI just wrote my congressman and senators asking them to start and/or support impeachment proceedings. You all should do the same.
Comment by Art — July 2, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
I did the same, I hope Pelosi gets it up the ass soon too, don’t you? got get that evil witch away from power.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pmTrolls only get three questions? Once answered they must let us cross the bridge.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pmTroll: ” Why do I sound so right?”
Answer: “Because you are right, in your own mind”
Troll: “When will I be understood”
Answer: When you can truly make sense and feel acceptance and love.
Troll: Why do I like to change the subject”
Answer: Because you’d have to make a case for the subject at hand and that would be beyond your capability.
#1
Idiot fool….pardons are not an impeachable offense.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:06 pmLet the trolls begin
Comment by leftcoast — July 2, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
what? you guys have been around all day. what are you talking about?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:06 pmYou guys all realize he made a call to the boss and told him to commute it now or he was going to call Fitzgerald.
ANN,
“$250,000, two years probation and a felony conviction. That’s the difference. I wanted to see prison time as well, but this is better than a pardon, that’s for sure.”
No it isn’t. The only way to get to the bottom of this was to force this perjurer into jail and make him roll over. Now that will never happen.
WE MUST CHABNGE THE CONSTITUTION!!!
This cannot be allowed to happen ever again.
Let me get this straight, you can lie to our justice system, and commit whatever other crime you wish, so long as you have the President’s favor. This kind of power is a relic of the monarchy we threw off so long ago.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:06 pmComment by MsJoanne
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:06 pmI’ve written her so many times my fingers hurt.
Outing a secret agent and 2 1/2 years is excessive but flimsy evidence while this dry drunk was a governor sent people to die. Let the comparisons begin.
I expected nothing less from Bush
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pmJsch profound point and comparison with Sandy Berger since Berger also outed a covert agent and contributed to an illegal war.
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pmIt looks like Bush is trying for the record of having the lowest approval rating ever for any president. What can you do about a president that just doesn’t give a damn?
Nancy, anyone home? Nancy? Nancy?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pmFunny thing — this happened just as Scooter’s waiting for his appeal (AND we just learned he would have to begin serving his sentence while he waited). Could it be that puppetmaster Cheney is concerned about another trial? Perhaps Scooter might not be quite so G. Gordon Liddy after seeing what prison is like and the idea of “taking one for the team” might not be so appealing.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pmIslamoNazis?
The only thin even apporaching being fascists are the mental rejects who support Bush by being anti-American retards ranting about “killing IslamoNazis”.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pmClinton-better than the Dick-tater-ship we got now…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pmTrolls only get three questions? Once answered they must let us cross the bridge.
Troll: †Why do I sound so right?â€
Answer: “Because you are right, in your own mindâ€
Troll: “When will I be understoodâ€
Answer: When you can truly make sense and feel acceptance and love.
Troll: Why do I like to change the subjectâ€
Answer: Because you’d have to make a case for the subject at hand and that would be beyond your capability.
Comment by leftcoast — July 2, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
you hit it right on buddy. We left wingers do sound just like you say so. Incredible right, how self-righteous of us.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pmJuly 2nd, 2007 at 6:08 pm
I’m sure glad we, the taxpayers, spent all that money and time hearing this case, when it was just going to be commuted in the end.
Bush should’ve saved us all be pardoning Libby at the very beginning - at least we would’ve known back then what we learn today . . . Bush doesn’t care about this kind of treason.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:08 pmLet the trolls begin
Comment by leftcoast — July 2, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
what? you guys have been around all day. what are you talking about?
Comment by President Clinton
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:08 pmBill,
It was a joke.
Well, since Sandy Berger got a VERY light sentence for mishandling classified information, it is fitting that Scooter had his sentence commuted.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:08 pmIdiot fool….pardons are not an impeachable offense.
Comment by m12
idiot fool a commutation is not a pardon. No ethical twinge on your part for flaunting the 5 year deferrment requirement. When did your last moral fiber die?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:08 pmPhone and Email addresses for your Congressmen and women. CALL! WRITE!! This is appalling!
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 pmGreat point Frank
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 pmThis bares repeating:
“BWAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this is sure to send my left wing lunatics into a frenzy!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
funny these will be the same lunatics that didn’t mind all the Presidential pardons that I gave.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 pm- William Clinton
idiot fool a commutation is not a pardon. No ethical twinge on your part for flaunting the 5 year deferrment requirement. When did your last moral fiber die?
Please quote the text in the Constitution which establishes this requirement.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 pm#57 - change the constitution indeed. Require Senate confirmation of all pardons where the supplicant has not yet served his sentence, and all commutations. Period.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 pm#65 Comment by President Clinton-
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 pmleft wingers are not the problem. Right wingers are not the problem. Idiots are the problem.
LEFTIES LOSE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:11 pmI wonder if this sorry piece of shit has someone taste his food for him yet to make sure it’s not poisoned.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:11 pmHe and his administration are our country’s worst enemies.
“Excessive.” Ha, coming from the former governor of a death penalty state, whose current administration doesn’t seem to care for habeas corpus.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:11 pmISLAMOTerrorist TRAITOR Libby pardoned by ISLAMOTerrorist Saudi OIL WHOREBAG Bush…
Surprise, surprise, surprise!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:11 pmJune 5th was June 5th. This is July 2nd people. Keep up. That was then this is now. Don’t yoos geys know how the Chimpya werks?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:12 pmI hate myself so much.
I’m a loser troll that has nothing better to do than eat jizz and post mindless drivel on websites that have content I disagree with.
I need a drill and a large hammer so I can take myself out of this misery.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:12 pm#73
Of course they did not mind, Mr. Clinton, when you pardoned your brother.
They are Democrats.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:12 pmAwesome, this is increasing the speed at which my head could get sliced, chopped, or sawed.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:13 pmAren’t you the same stupid chump piece of shit that posts over on HuffPo , under the name , beefeatermartini ?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:13 pmComment by MCMetal — July 2, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
You bet, and thanks for noticing. That’s a double ca-ching!! What are you, a stalker? Now guess my 4 DUmmie logins.
Wasn’t Bush the governor who executed the mentally retarded? Excessive? Muck Fee.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:13 pmParis Hilton and Martha Stewart have far more courage then scooter and that closet drunk we call president.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:13 pmPreznit - Scooter is a convicted Felon, can NEVER vote again, disbarred, disgraced, Felony probation, $250,000 fine. Convicted.
Thats a win?
So impotent
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:13 pmSo incompetent
So irrelevent
I’m President and I can do anything I want. Nyah, nyah, nyah!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm#65 Comment by President Clinton-
left wingers are not the problem. Right wingers are not the problem. Idiots are the problem.
Comment by leftcoast — July 2, 2007 @ 6:10 pm
I 100% agree, that is why we must get rid of Pelosi, Michael Moore, Reid, Kerry, Edwards, Kennedy, my wife and the rest of the idiotic Democratic politicians ruining my party.
We left wingers only talk about the infighting going on in the Republican party, let me assure you, there is a much bigger fight going on in our party.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pmThis bares repeating: “funny these will be the same lunatics that didn’t mind all the Presidential pardons that I gave.”
William Clinton
Comment by Mr. President
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pmClinton did not pardon a felon who argueably sits on the border of treason for lying five times under oath.
LEFTIES LOSE AGAIN!!
Yup, REAL Americans LOST.
And ISLAMOTerrorists like Bush, Libby and YOU “won”.
Well, it shows the TRUE nature of TRAITOR Bush the Saudi OIL WHOREBAG ISLAMOTerrorist…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pmMr. President
“LEFTIES LOSE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
America loses on this one.
What good is a justice system where we are all supposed to be accountable when, as long you are tight with the President, you can simply not worry about it.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pmThank you for the links, Ms Joanne.
Although I have emailed ad nauseum, I have been compelled to continue after this latest atrocity.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm“IMPEACH!
Comment by Max Kellar — July 2, 2007″
For what?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:15 pmIMPEACH NOW !!!PLEASE!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:15 pmCrooks of a feather flock together.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:15 pmWhat?
Commutes his sentence? Since when is Bush a sitting judge?
Are they just making this crap up as they go?
THIS IS BULLSHIT!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:15 pmFcking Assole has no respect for the law.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:15 pmWell Libby
his appeal is over
Lets get him under oath at congress…
lying there is a crime too.
make him testify a week.
give him immunity…
if he lies
then by the next time hes convicted…. Obama WONT pardon him.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmWonder if Bush can bring back the war dead? Coward!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmLibby is covering up the outing of a CIA agent. Big difference, no comparison.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pm#73
Of course they did not mind, Mr. Clinton, when you pardoned your brother.
They are Democrats.
Comment by m12 — July 2, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
why would they mind! and how about when I pardoned Mark Rich….the left applauded me! they loved me, they adore me.
my left wing friends, they never cease to be such great hypocrites!
I love you left wingers, I adore you, thank you for the 8 years of power you gave me. It was fun! really fun! I hope you vote my wife in…..gosh I miss those white house interns.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmAwesome, this is increasing the speed at which my head could get sliced, chopped, or sawed.
Comment by ForTruth — July 2, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmTypical Sarcastic Lefty Islamo-Apologist.
IMPEACH!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmOf course they did not mind, Mr. Clinton, when you pardoned your brother.
They are Democrats.
Comment by m12
Of COURSE they did not mind, Mr. Bush 41, when you pardoned your INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST FRIEND, Orlando Bosch, still in Miami…
They are Rapeublics…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmMr President:
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmNothing you say bares repeating. Actually it doesn’t even bare being spoken the first time. When you’ve gotten your fill of attention, will you please go read quietly in your library. They do have a Troll Presidential Library don’t they?
Libby and anyone involved in the outing of Valerie Plame should be give Medals not prison time. They outed a rogue element in the CIA would sought to undermine information sought by the President of the United States. They violated their oath.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmI think the American people should demand the ability of a President to pardon or commute a criminal be stricken from the Constitution. This is ‘kin outrageous. Pardon drug dealers, keep your felon friends out of jail….why is this even allowed? There is really no reason that he, or any other should have such an ability. What a disgrace.
INDICT RICHARD ARMITAGE
INDICT THE VP
THROW THESE CRIMINALS OUT OF OFFICE AND INTO PRISON!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmIn Bush’s statement he says the Libby family has suffered immensely…give me a break. What about the families of the American servicemen and women? And the countless Iraqi families that have lost loved ones?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmWE WIN WHILE YOU LEFTISTS TALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am the Dean, and my argument STANDS.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pmLEFTIES LOSE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Mr. President — July 2, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
Only tools like this consider this a “loss” for the left rather than for America. A dangerous precedent was set today. Obstructing justice and perjury is no big deal if you are in the President’s circle of friends.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 pm#1
Idiot fool….pardons are not an impeachable offense.
Comment by m12 — July 2, 2007 @ 6:06 pm
FOOL, Libby wasn’t pardoned.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pmViva President Bush!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pmWhat?
Commutes his sentence? Since when is Bush a sitting judge?
Are they just making this crap up as they go?
THIS IS BULLSHIT!!!
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 2, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
My Left wing retard, take an 8th grade civics law, and shut up.
now wonder you retards voted me into office twice.
i love you my retards.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pmI’m a spoiled brat who fails at everything I do, but I can still shove it to the American people and do anything I want! Fcuk you, America!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pmI consider Cheney/Bush’s invasion and continued occupation of Iraq “excessive”. Can we friggin’ IMPEACH those crooks yet????
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pm“I have concluded that the prison sentence is excessive”
When did Resident Dumbass learn the meaning of the word “excessive”?…I thought he’d still be practicing his pronunciation of the word “umbiliiliiliical”….dumbass…go drop an anchor and get stuck off-shore again will ya.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pmYay, another victory for the Islamo-conservatardian-Struassian-Neo-Freaks!
I’m getting my neck waxed and a haircut to make life easier for the headchoppers.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pmIMPEACH!!!!!!!
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 2, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
LUNATIC!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pmIdiots like Olbermann and Al Qaeda operatives like Joe Wilson and Valarie Plame are having a bad day.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:18 pmif for nothing other than the sake of precedent, we need a nuremberg, not just an impeachment.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:18 pmOn the bright side - this makes “law and order” conservatives look like the hypocritical scumbags they are and will drive down Bush’s already pathetic approval rating even lower.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:18 pmI bet you Lefties are real disappointed that your prison rape fantasies won’t be coming true!!!!
HAHA!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:18 pmHe’ll probably be offered a position at AEI..
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pmthis is the last straw
No. I fully expect that the last straw will be the pardon that GDumbya will bestow upon Little Scooter on the day that he leaves office. That will be the last straw — and it will probably be accompanied by blanket immunity from future prosecution for many, many members of his administration including Darth “Prince of Darkness” Cheney and Rums-failed.
Little Scooter is sure lucky that he wasn’t sentenced to death, though. In that case, GDumbya would be sitting around in a drunken stupor with his thumb up his arse laughing about how Little Scooter was whining “I don’t want to die”.
Now Little Scooter can join his misanthrope buddies at the AEI. I am sure that he and Wolf-whizz and “Got Milk?” Bolton have alot of catching up to do.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pm1. Successfully completed a technical project for the government client.
2. Wife and I traveling to St. Thomas for a little R&R.
3. Scooter was spared incarceration.
HALLELUJAH, THANK YOU JESUS, THANK YOU JESUS. Lord, you are so good.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pmTYPING THE WORD “IMPEACH” ON A MESSAGE FORUM, IS NOT GOING TO DO ANY GOOD WHATSOEVER.
IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THINGS, YOU ARE GOING TO NEED TO ORGANIZE, IN VAST NUMBERS, AND TAKE IT TO THE STREETS.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pmHa Mr. Pretzel-dent,
I’m de-railing YOU.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pm#102
Maybe Bush should grant clemency to murderers and rapists and child molestors like all these Dem governors are doing.
After all, those crimes are so minor!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pmHi Dennis,
You should really get a new schtick, because you’re still not even close to being witty.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pmCriminals pardoning criminals.
They’re gestapo pigs getting caught and then policing themselves.
Bush just assured his own impeachment.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:20 pmBush made a political mistake. He should have pardoned a Puerto Rican terrorist or mafio bag man like Clinton to keep the libs quite.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:20 pmI hope a pissed-off CIA agent puts one right through Scooter’s brain…
For Libby’s TREASON against the USA…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:20 pmIdiots like Olbermann and Al Qaeda operatives like Joe Wilson and Valarie Plame are having a bad day.
Comment by Frank J — July 2, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
yes, remember, what is good for America is bad for the left wing in America and Al Qaeda.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:20 pmI’m going to start a charity, to assist head choppers, we will provide free blades and sharpening services. We will also have classes where they can practice on cows.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pmI think the American people should demand the ability of a President to pardon or commute a criminal be stricken from the Constitution. This is ‘kin outrageous. Pardon drug dealers, keep your felon friends out of jail….why is this even allowed? There is really no reason that he, or any other should have such an ability. What a disgrace.
Similarly, if a man is sentenced to be executed, he shouldn’t be granted mercy just because a Democratic governor is in office. Right?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pmWhat kind of day are you having Frank?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pmLemming alert….hey site monitor, can we establish some basic guidelines such as you need to have an IQ greater than that of a stack of steaming shit in order to post on here.
Hey Frank…don’t you have some doughnuts to make or something…toadie fool….what a “good german lite”….dimwit.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pmBush made a political mistake. He should have pardoned a Puerto Rican terrorist or mafio bag man like Clinton to keep the libs quite.
Comment by STANK — July 2, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
If he did, it would still be a republican.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pmI’m a spoiled brat who fails at everything I do, but I can still shove it to the American people and do anything I want! Fcuk you, America!
Comment by pseudo-Mr. President — July 2, 2007 @ 6:17 pm
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pmTypical Sneaky Lefty Islamo-Stalinist Impostor.
Why would a CIA agent shoot Libby? He outed an Al Qaeda operative in Valarie Plame.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pmBush made a political mistake. He should have pardoned a Puerto Rican terrorist or mafio bag man like Clinton to keep the libs quite.
Comment by Frank J
Or an INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST Cuban like his DADDY DID!!!
To keep the “cuban terrorists” (a la Fred Thompson) QUIET…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:22 pmPres Clinton and all other trolls are so stupid.
They don’t realize that civics class hasn’t been taught in years.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:22 pmCriminals pardoning criminals.
They’re gestapo pigs getting caught and then policing themselves.
Bush just assured his own impeachment.
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 2, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
are you sure you are not talking about me? c’mon now bartlebee, you can’t be this stupid. you are just playing one, right? c’mon say it ain’t so.
retard, you can’t impeach for this. duh!
my wife forced me to pardon Mark Rich and her friends that were involved in international drug deals, why are you upset about Libby when the sentence was commuted, no pardon was given.
poor you, cry my left wing baby, cry.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmTreason is OK for members of The Dick’s branch of the govt.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pm#107 Libby and anyone involved in the outing of Valerie Plame should be give Medals not prison time. They outed a rogue element in the CIA would sought to undermine information sought by the President of the United States. They violated their oath.
Comment by Glen
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmGlen, please, stand in the foyer of the CIA and repeat your comment. But, better still, imagine a country where your life is exposed. Search your mind?
Comment by ForTruth — July 2, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
You sir, are a fraud.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmLet’s pray that the sharks are hungry in St. Thomas over the holiday.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmFrank J = Moron
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmI’m gonna start a flight school for head choppers. They can practice chopping heads on the fly, in flight, or after flying into buildings.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmHey Glen- You are a total buffoon. A medal for outing a CIA covert agent? How about the death penalty for exposing a vital intelligence asset to enemies of the United States? I’m sure your idiotic comment would be appreciated by the CIA….. People like you are carbuncles on the ass of common sense.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmIn the voice of Eric Cartman:
Hey, f*ck you judicial system! F*ck the jury, too!
Ah never worked a day in my life, and ain’t no one gonna tell me wut ah’m gonna do!
Ah’m George Dub-ya Bush and ah do wut ah want!! Ah do whatevah ah want!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:24 pmWhen convicts go free, Cons cheer!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:24 pmWasn’t Bush the governor who executed the mentally retarded? Excessive? Muck Fee.
Comment by RUCerious
——————————————————–
Actually it was Bill Clinton : http://www.commondreams.org/views02/1112-04.htm
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmThough the trolls think it is all one big ball game… they are wrong… and they should be ignored because of this…
The disdain for the U.S. Constitution and the modern (as in last past 800 years) of western legal systems by the republican crime league is being recorded for all to see. If anything bad should happen to America in the coming decades we will all know who to blame.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmIdiots like Olbermann and Al Qaeda operatives like Joe Wilson and Valarie Plame are having a bad day.
Comment by Frank J
Wilson and Plame are AMERICAN PATRIOTS.
TRAITOR Bush is the ISLAMOTerrorist Saudi OIL WHOREBAG TERRORIST.
Bush: “ALLAHU AKBAR, Y’ALL-Queda!!!”
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmThis is an OUTRAGE and Bush must be impeached immediately!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmMr. President,
I advocated in the previous Libby thread for probation with no prison whatsoever. Today, these radical “justice-loving” nutbags have once again embarrassed themselves.
I was originally for a pardon, but once the reminder of a commutation came, I decided that was the best remedy to this overblown scenario.
Today, the President has made the correct, apolitical decision regardless of the libetrolls.
To serve as a reference to the libetrolls’ previous retarded excitement: “I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in a cause that ultimately fails.” - Woodrow Wilson.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmAll those love letters must have worked. Or dick cheney’s bark was just getting way too loud. Sad…
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/ archive/ years/ 2007/ 0605071libby1.html
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmnuremberg
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmI’m President and I can do anything I want. Nyah, nyah, nyah!
Comment by pseudo-Mr. President — July 2, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
I’m okay with this.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pmOh c’mon Mr. DentalPress,
I so long for the day my throat is sliced into on the way to full de-cap.
“Cap or de-cap”
“I’ll take the de-cap”
Maybe medicine can learn to re-capitate, and head-chopping won’t have near the impact it used to have. I’ll just get it re-attached. Whats the big deal?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:26 pmI wonder how we have forgotten what we did to the other King George, when we were no longer represented. What a perfectly timed 4th of July reminder!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:26 pmWow. Rush really does run the country.
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/ home/ daily/ site_070207/ content/ 01125113.guest.html
Now if we can just get that wall built..
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:26 pmCome on, CIA people—Go GET Libby!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pmWell, the right wing wins another one, and America loses again.
Clinton was impeached for lying about a consetual private affair.
Bush on the other hand lies about matters of state, and the right wing scum cheers.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pmBush missed a couple of retarded Texans…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pmNeocons Justice…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pmHe obviously doesn’t respect the jury’s verdict. This is disgusting. Round ‘em up.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pmHow about the death penalty for exposing a vital intelligence asset to enemies of the United States? I’m sure your idiotic comment would be appreciated by the CIA
You talking about Robert Hannsen? Even he didn’t get the death penalty.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pmJust hours after the DC Circuit affirmed the order requiring Scooter Libby to face jail time pending the appeal of his conviction, President Bush used the presidential pardon power to commute Libby’s sentence, thus sparing him jail time while leaving in place the conviction - thus, an unsentenced conviction for a victimless crime:
President Bush Monday spared former vice presidential aide Lewis “Scooter” Libby from going to prison for 2 1/2 years for obstructing the CIA leak investigation, a White House official said.
The official said Bush “has commuted the prison sentence … leaving intact the probation and fines handed down by the court.”
“That means he is not going to jail,” the official said.
Now, we get to hear what Hillary Clinton thinks about the proper uses of the pardon power.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pmWilson and Plame are AMERICAN PATRIOTS.
TRAITOR Bush is the ISLAMOTerrorist Saudi OIL WHOREBAG TERRORIST.
Bush: “ALLAHU AKBAR, Y’ALL-Queda!!!â€
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:28 pmWe are no longer a nation of laws. If you are high ranking politically, you are above the law. Cheney can just pretend he’s his own government entity. Bush can just disregard the Constitution whenever he wishes on things like spying without a warrant or suspending habeus corpus.
We can no longer exist as a nation ruled by the Constitution and law if we allow this blatant abuse of power and blatant refusal for any type of oversight.
The time has come to IMPEACH President Bush and Vice President Cheney. We cannot progress on any other area until this is done.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:28 pm“Similarly, if a man is sentenced to be executed, he shouldn’t be granted mercy just because a Democratic governor is in office. Right?”
Huh? Why would I want anyone sentenced to be executed to recieve mercy? I don’t give a damn who is in office. Take your stupid partisan statement and stick it in your ass.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:28 pmHey Frank.
Your moms here.
Want I should send her over?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:28 pmMr President,
Read the comment at this link, and then apologize to ForTruth.
http://thinkprogress.org/ 2007/ 06/ 25/ lugar-iraq-2/ #comment-3885049
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:29 pmHillary Clinton thinks about the proper uses of the pardon power.
Comment by Frank J
How about we hear how Hillary is going to use the power of the Patriot act against the “vast rightwing conspiracy” in this country… I am not sure I would even bother speaking out against her… you cons would deserve what you get.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:29 pmNow, we get to hear what Hillary Clinton thinks about the proper uses of the pardon power.
When Hillary is president, she will ARREST Bush, Cheney, Libby, and the rest of the TRAITOR ISLAMOTerrorist Saudi OIL WHOREBAGS.
NO PARDONS for these TRAITORS to the USA…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:30 pmRingo,
Go Cheney Yourself.
Georgie oversaw the most executions of ANY state!
How about the Death Row inmate they wouldn’t even give a prostetic leg to, so he could WALK to his death?
You are a scumbag.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:30 pmJosh Marshall at The Washington Monthly has this to say and I think he hits the nail directly on the head:
As you’ve no doubt already heard shouted from near every rooftop, President Bush has commuted Scooter Libby’s prison sentence. Specifically, the conviction stands — the fine and probation stand. Libby just doesn’t have to spend a day in prison.
Now, here’s the key to this.
There is a conceivable argument — a very poor one but a conceivable one — for pardoning Scooter Libby, presumably on the argument that the entire prosecution was political and thus illegitimate. But what conceivable argument does the president have for micromanaging the sentence? To decide that the conviction is appropriate, that probation is appropriate, that a substantial fine is appropriate — just no prison sentence.
This is being treated in the press as splitting the difference, an elegant compromise. But it is the least justifiable approach. The president has decided that the sentencing guidelines and the opinion of judge don’t cut it.
The only basis for this decision is that Libby is the vice president’s friend, the vice president rules the president and this was the minimum necessary to keep the man silent.
Little Scooter’s prison sentence was precisely within sentencing guidelines for the offense of which he was conducted. It is disingenuous for GDumbya to call that “excessive”. He has once again stuck a sharp stick in the eye of justice in this country. There is a strong parallel to be drawn here between this travesty and his politicization of the Supreme Court and the DOJ.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:30 pmComment by CT_V1, Dean of Trolls — July 2, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
Wise words indeed, CT.
The Lefties are should get used to the disappointment.
They will find out soon enough that we do not live in their fantasy fun land, with casual unprotected sex with multiple partners, LSD, and unadulterated Stalinism.
Mr. President †
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:30 pmPhone and Email addresses for your Congressmen and women. CALL! WRITE!! This is appalling!
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
Which one? Rollover Nancy or Cave-in Harry? They won’t help, they’ll bluster, and bury the whole thing. They’ve had to replace the “DELETE” button on Democrat computers eight times just this year, and the shredders are working overtime to dump the letters of outrage.
Frankenstein rakes are the only thing to get their attention. Our government isn’t afraid of the people….
..and right now, there’s a bunch of millionaires swishing brandy snifters and grinning from ear-to-ear. And our troops still are dying. The hyenas are running the show.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 pmIdiots like Olbermann and Al Qaeda operatives like Joe Wilson and Valarie Plame are having a bad day.
Oh, thanks for reminding me. I can’t wait to watch Countdown tonight!! Keith will have a field day. And, Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame were and are loyal to this ocuntry. They have both served this country well. If what happened to them as loyal Americans is what comes from this Administration as a result of getting in their way, I would love to know just where this Administration’s loyalties really lie..? Because, it ain’t here.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 pmOh, give the shrub a break. He’s merely doing what he’s ordered to do by the Cheney branch of government. You know, exec, legislative, judicial, and cheney (who supercedes all). Gag me with a spoon.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 pmThe CIA spies need to “take care” of Libby. PERMANENTLY…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 pmTrueBlue,
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 pmI’m glad that Hillary will have dictatorial powers. We’ve got to herd the wingers into camps or something. We can’t let them screw up the country again.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 pmA jury sat there and listened and deliberated. The jury system is in ruins and Bush has forever changed this country.There is no credibility for law and order. What happened to the Border Patrol agents who were doing their job who were made to be prosecuted by Bush via the Attorney General’s Office over the advice of the deputy attorney generals? Now, it appears only if you work directly for Bush do you receive commuting.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 pmHey Frank.
Your moms here.
Want I should send her over?
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 2, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
Son, I must tell you the truth, you are my son, and the woman that you just finished fcking is your mother.
I am sorry son for not telling you sooner.
Blessed be Allah and the prophet Muahmed.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 pmTrueBlue,
That sure would be a waste of a perfectly good prosthetic leg, just to walk a few yards.
/sarcasm
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 pm“ALLAHU AKBAR, Scooter!!!” Y’ALL-Queda!!!
—TRAITOR Bush the ISLAMOTerrorist Saudi OIL WHOREBAG.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:33 pmAnyone really surprised?…it’s Iran-Contra all over again. The rule of law doesn’t apply to Republicans who commit treasonous acts. It’s pretty obvious that Dick got the message from Scooter that he was prepared to roll if the pardon wasn’t done. The cowards were hoping they could stretch the appeal out to the end of their term and then pull the pardon card, but Justcie said otherwise. Better to have it done now and use it against the “Law and Order Party”….just another principle that they can no longer lie about.
“excessive sentence?”…yeah, a day in jail would be too tough for these Republican putzes.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:33 pmComment by Zooey — July 2, 2007 @ 6:29 pm
Why would I apologize?
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:33 pmDamn, wheres the casual unadulterated unprotected sex at?
Where’s the LSD,
I already know where the Stalinism is, its right in my heart…
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:34 pmThis is not a surprise.