Media move to quash subpoenas on CIA leak (Tim Russert subpoenaed)

Newsday ^ | 6.5.04

[ambrose]

Media move to quash subpoenas on CIA leak

BY TOM BRUNE WASHINGTON BUREAU

June 5, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Time magazine and NBC on Friday filed motions seeking to quash grand jury subpoenas issued last month to compel testimony from their reporters about whether Bush administration officials leaked the name of a covert CIA operative.

The motions, claiming reporters' privilege under the First Amendment, were filed under seal in U.S. District Court in Washington, Time and NBC said, and represent what many attorneys say could be an uphill battle because of unfavorable case law.

Time and NBC are fighting subpoenas issued May 21 by a Washington grand jury led by special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. attorney in Chicago named six months ago to probe the leak last year of CIA operative Valerie Plame's name to columnist Robert Novak and other journalists.

Fitzgerald, seeking the identity of the leaker or leakers, wants to question Matthew Cooper of Time and Tim Russert of NBC's "Meet the Press," who reported on the leak.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

They are so desperate for a scandal that their insides are being eaten away by their own hatred and anxiety. Let them reap their just reward (ulcers and mental breakdowns).

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Yes. I meant "they" in terms of the international/national anti-Bush cabal. Kofi, a charter member, as one of the most corrupt international bureaucrats in history, has his own arse to defend as well.

[okie01]

However, I still think Plame persuaded her superior. It makes sense seeing as this was his baliwick anyway.

I agree. Alan Foley's decision, based on Plame's recommendation.

One wonders whether Joseph C. Wilson IV and Miss Valerie might have conceived the trip between them prior to Plame even approaching Foley.

But we know, of course, that covert CIA-types don't indulge in such pillow talk. It would be so, so, so, er, ah..."unprofessional".

[lelio]

was no violation of any law because the bitch wasn't covered under the definition of an undercover operative

First, why the restorting to name calling? Second, does this mean any CIA agent who doesn't fall under your categorization of "undercover operative" can expect to see their name mentioned in the paper?

[bayourod]

"does this mean any CIA agent who doesn't fall under your categorization of "undercover operative" can expect to see their name mentioned in the paper? "

Not all CIA employees are covered by the act. She was an analyst, not a James Bond type assassin.

No court has ruled on whether she comes under the law. This is an opportunity to have a court rule on it. If there was no crime, a person can't be held in contempt for refusing to testify.

[MeekOneGOP]

Diplomat at Eye of Storm (Joseph Wilson)

He also supports efforts by the antiwar organization Moveon.org to put conditions on spending in Iraq by the Bush administration -- among them, the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and others.

[onyx]

Exactly right.
He's a real SOB.

[norwaypinesavage]

"With so many news organizations in on this leak, I am surprised the name of the leaker hasn't leaked out by now."

It's obvious to me that the name is remaining secure beacuse its release would not hurt the Bush administration.

[dr_who_2]

It's very distressing that the media isn't cooperating with what they claim to be a serious criminal investigation. Most distressing.