September 29, 2024More on Novak/PlameOgged quotes a Drudge posting that quotes Novak noting that the CIA asked him not to use Plame's name, but "but never indicated it would endanger her or anybody else." This revelation, which seems to be a different quote than the Crossfire bite I heard earlier, is interesting, but continues to leave this whole story in a somewhat strange space, conclusion-wise. Ogged thinks this proves that two senior administration officials committed a crime. I am not so sure, insofar as it makes no sense (whether the CIA wanted her name used or not) that they would confirm, over the phone to a reporter that Plame was an employee if that was classified information. Indeed, it makes no sense whatsoever for them to so much as discuss her, if, in fact, revealing her identity would compromise covert operations. The whole thing boils down to whether or not she was covert operative, or just an analyst. Posted by Steven Taylor at September 29, 2024 05:17 PM | TrackBackComments
I don't know (in the sense of "I really don't know") whether the operative/analyst distinction is the proper one here. It may be more important to determine whether her status was classified/not classified. I think we'll soon find out. Posted by: ogged at September 29, 2024 05:46 PMIndeed. I join you in the overall "I really don't know" corner in regards to this story. I feel like there is at least one key piece missing from the story (perhaps more) that would help clarify exactly what is going on. Posted by: Steven at September 29, 2024 06:31 PMDrowning men will often grasp at anything in vain attempts to save themselves. Here, we see Steven trying to parse his way out of nasty situation for his side. Steven is trying to claim (as his 'Dumb and Dumber' partner from Troy State, James Joyner, earlier attempted)that if Plame is just an 'analyst' as opposed to an 'agent' or 'operative'--no crime has been committed. Of course, this is pure BS. And the reason(s) should be obvious. First, does any one truly believe the CIA is in the habit of referring requests for investigation to DoJ for the heck of it? Posted by: JadeGold at September 29, 2024 06:48 PMTake a look at this Slate article. The "operative/analyst" distinction is actually a distraction from the real issue, which is whether Plame was undercover or not. In fact, she was. Thus, disclosing her identity was a crime. Posted by: Geheimbundler at October 4, 2024 01:39 PMPost a comment
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