McCain Defeats Cheney

Briefing Follies

Here's the transcript of yesterday's briefing.

"Q Scott, the President told Brit Hume that he thought that Tom DeLay is not guilty, even though the prosecution is obviously ongoing. What does the President feel about Scooter Libby? Does he feel that Mr. Libby --

"MR. McCLELLAN: A couple of things. First of all, the President was asked a question and he responded to that question in the interview yesterday, and made very clear what his views were. We don't typically tend to get into discussing legal matters of that nature, but in this instance, the President chose to respond to it. Our policy regarding the Fitzgerald investigation and ongoing legal proceeding is well-known and it remains unchanged. And so I'm just not going to have anything further to say. . . .

"Q But it's hypocritical. You have a policy for some investigations and not others, when it's a political ally who you need to get work done?

"MR. McCLELLAN: Call it presidential prerogative. . . .

"Q Doesn't it raise questions about his credibility that he's going to weigh in on some matters and not others, and we're just supposed to sit back and wait for him to decide what he wants to comment on and influence?

"MR. McCLELLAN: Congressman DeLay's matter is an ongoing legal proceeding --

"Q As is the Fitzgerald investigation --

"MR. McCLELLAN: The Fitzgerald investigation is --

"Q -- As you've told us ad nauseam from the podium.

"MR. McCLELLAN: It's an ongoing investigation, as well. . . .

"Q And the public is supposed to accept the fact that he's got no comment on the conduct of senior officials of the White House, but when it's a political ally over on the Hill who's got to help him get work done, then he's happy to try to influence that legal process.