Obstruction of Justice, Continued

Impeachment is off the table for congressional Democrats. But the political toll of Bush's choice could still be considerable. Besides Iraq, corruption was probably the one issue that most hurt Republicans in last year's election. And what is more corrupt than using the powers of the presidency for personal benefit?

Not Splitting the Difference

Bush's written statement announcing clemency was a clear attempt to suggest that he was splitting the difference between those who supported and opposed a pardon for Libby. But in fact, Bush's order grants Libby everything he needs in the short run while still keeping open the possibility of a pardon in the long run, as Bush heads out the door. And to law-and-order types, Bush's message may actually be more galling. For Bush to state he believed Libby to be innocent would at least have been defensible. Instead, what Bush is saying is that acknowledges the guilty verdict -- but, when it comes to his friends and colleagues, he just doesn't care what the justice system concluded was a fitting punishment.

The Stonewall Continues

I was only keeping half an ear on Snow's press briefing today (more about that on Thursday.) But from what I gather, he rejected any suggestion that the American people were owed a fuller explanation of Bush's decision. He continued to refuse to answer questions on the grounds that Libby's "legal process" is not yet over -- yet still found time to attack the veracity of Joe Wilson, Plame's husband.

A few of the more jaw-dropping utterances: "The president does not look upon this as granting a favor to anyone." Asked if Bush had handled the decision in an extraordinary or routine manner, Snow said routine. Asked if the public was owed an apology for the White House behavior, Snow glibly shot back: "I'll apologize. Done."

Will the Press Keep Pressing for Answers?

Among the questions that Bush, Cheney and others should be facing:

* Does the president approve of Libby's conduct?

* On whose behalf did Libby act?

* Did the White House make any sort of a deal with Libby or his defense team?

* What did Bush know and when did he know it?

* When did he find out that Karl Rove and Libby had both leaked Plame's identity? Before or after he vowed that any leakers would be fired? Did anyone lie to him about their role? Why didn't he fire them?

* How does the conduct of his aides comport with Bush's vow to restore ethics to the White House? How does the commutation?

* What factors did the president take into account in deciding to commute the sentence?