Sully thinks he was trying to protect Cheney. The only other thing I can think of--and the two explanations are not mutually exclusive: Figuring he might be at legal risk for outing Plame--even though it now appears he didn't overstep in that regard--Libby panicked; he lied, then lied some more to cover up his lies. You don't have to stupid to do that, just human.
P.S. Note to Fitzgerald: That New Republic story was not an "online" story. It appeared in the magazine.
Libby lied about the exposure of Plame to delay the revelation that Cheney has been planning to make war in the Middle East from the beginning, and intends to make war in the Middle East and anywhere else, until his objective of a world dominated by the United States is achieved. Libby does not see himself, however, as a faithful body guard taking a bullet to protect his principal who is holed up in a bunker and under attack, as others may. Libby did not lie to protect a bunker, much less a retreat. Libby lied to protect the advance.
Posted by: David Estabrook | November 19, 2005 at 08:22 AM