Plame Gossip

Reddhead at Firedoglake has an excellent, if very long, post on the Fitzgerald letter this morning, which spots something I didn't see which could offer some interesting new angles in this "ongoing investigation."

"We also advise you that we understand that reporter John Dickerson of Time Magazine discussed the trip by Mr. Wilson with government officials at some time on July 11 or after, subsequent to Mr. Cooper learning about Mr. Wilson's wife. Any conversations involving Mr. Dickerson likely took place in Africa and occurred after July 11." (PDF link because that's the only one I can find to the letter.)

So, the Africa trip is back in play. And, interestingly to me, this conversation took place the day before the "air force two conversation" mentioned in the indictment, where Libby "discussed with other officials aboard the plane what LIBBY should say in response to certain pending media inquiries, including questions from Time reporter Matthew Cooper."

Also, notice the plural "government officials." To me this indicates the investigation is indeed looking at a coordinated effort, a conspiracy if you prefer.

Reddhead sees a cooperating witness in this, and, I agree with that analysis. It seems to be new information, so probably a new witness. Could this explain why the main investigation has gone quiet after the discussions of a Rove plea deal? Could this be why Rove suddenly started reappearing in public recently?

And if a Rove deal did go down, I am quite sure that Rove had to supply information on more than just Libby. Who, or what other crimes, would Fitzgerald deal Rove for? Maybe somebody higher up, maybe somebody guilty of more serious crimes, maybe more defendants? No telling.

But keep your eyes open, this investigation may soon be far more "ongoing."