Lewis Libby--Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff--was found guilty today on four of five counts: obstruction of justice, false statements to the FBI regarding a conversation with NBC's Tim Russert, perjury before the grand jury regarding the Russert conversation, and perjury before the grand jury regarding a conversation with former Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper.
Libby was found not guilty of making false statements to the FBI regarding a conversation with Cooper.
Reports on the testimony given at trial indicate that next to Libby's name, that of his former boss, Mr. Cheney, was heard most often. No surprise there, as Libby evidently has chosen to throw himself on his sword in an effort to insulate his former boss. As I indicated more than a year ago, all roads seemed to lead to an "undisclosed location," and that hasn't changed.
Libby's lawyer, Ted Wells, announced that he will move for a new trial, and if that is denied will appeal, and professed his belief that Libby ultimately will be vindicated and shown to be innocent.
Comments by jurors after the verdict was announced indicated that the jurors placed much weight on the alleged Russert conversation. At least one juror emphasized that the jurors felt sympathy for Libby, and wondered why he alone, and not others such as Karl Rove, were being charged with crimes.
A good question.
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