Scooter Just A Pawn In The Game Of Life

Scooter Libby will offer a surprising defense when he goes on trial for his role in the Plame case. Libby will testify that he was simply acting on orders from his superiors, namely Vice President Dick Cheney. From the National Journal:

Beyond what was stated in the court paper, say people with firsthand knowledge of the matter, Libby also indicated what he will offer as a broad defense during his upcoming criminal trial: that Vice President Cheney and other senior Bush administration officials had earlier encouraged and authorized him to share classified information with journalists to build public support for going to war. Later, after the war began in 2003, Cheney authorized Libby to release additional classified information, including details of the NIE, to defend the administration's use of prewar intelligence in making the case for war.

Umm, that's nice, and I have little doubt that it's true, but Libby isn't on trial for releasing classified information. Libby was only charged with obstruction, perjury, and making false statements. I don't really see how this defense exonerates him.

Perhaps Jeff could chime in on this one.

Found via Kos