[just mimi]

If GWB were able to jump ahead and immediately appoint an idependent investigation on this matter, the media will have a much harder time to spin the conspiracy theory.

I was listening to clips of the dems speak out about this yesterday. I'm wondering, if this leak is going to end up being no big deal -- or if it's a leak that acutally came from a dem to cause a scandal... what is it that they would really love to see happen? It got me thinking about all the computer records and emails that would be open to the slow process of an investigation. Hmmm. It sounds to me like this is a fishing expedition. If they can get an independent counsel, they can look at everything and they are salivating at what else they can find to sound outraged about, to try to use as an imaginary scandal to bring down Bush.

[Diverdogz]

It sounds to me like this is a fishing expedition.

Yep. The dems thought this one through and see no down side for themselves, so they run with it. There is NO WAY Novak will reveal his source, and without his cooperation, I don't think the FBI will find *Proof* of the leaker's identity.

So long as nobody gets charged, the dems will cry their shrill screams of "COVER-UP"!!!!!!!!!! And then, if somebody does get nailed, they will spew venom against the disgusting partisan behavior so low as to compromise National Security. Its sickening to watch when it happens to us, but, in all honesty, I think republicans would be exploiting a similar situation against the dems.

[MizSterious]

Fishing expedition--yes, perhaps just as good a reason for the flap as getting rid of Rove. Another reason was mentioned on one of the threads about al-Amoudi--burying those stories on the back pages, so as not to out the 'rats connections with terrorists. Could be all of the above.