Liveblogging the Fitzgerald Press Conference

Importance of confidentiality of CIA identity...Libby first official known to have told a reporter...Very little info for very good reason: needs secrecy. Investigators don't set out to investigate a statute; investigate facts, determine whether and what crimes and by whom. That's how this one was done. National security at stake, so important to get facts. Secrecy important Equally important that witnesses tell complete truth, especially in national security area. Some laws re disclosure clear, some not so clear. Fine distinctions. Thus important witness testimony be accurate.10/03 interviewed Libby: what he knew, what he said, why he said it. Told FBI he was at the end of long chain of phone calls, and Russert told him 'all reporters know', Libby learned 'as if new'. Passed it on to other reporters, including Cooper and Miller. Passed it on understanding it was info from reporter, and he didn't know if it was true. 3/04 testified to same story. Not true. Libby discussed identity of Wilson at least 6 times before Russert conversation, and did not discuss with Russert.

Libby learned identity at least 3 times from government officials in June 03: 6/11, from senior CIA officer & somebody else; 6/12, from VP. At least 3 times discussed it with other officials: June 14 2003, w/CIA briefer; 7/7/03 w/Fleischer; 7/8 w/counsel for VP.

1st discussion w/Miller: 6/23. 7/8 talked about Wilson 'on background', changed attribution to 'former hill staffer', mentioned wife working for CIA. Did not say other reporters were saying it, or didn't know true. Libby's story false: beginning, not end, of chain. Lied repeatedly under oath. Investigation conducted in secret--rules protect all of us. Shows the world the country takes law seriously, everyone bound by law; but also have to show the world everyone has the same safeguards. Take a deep breath, and let justice take its course.

Thanks everybody.

Q: Leak investigation finished? Not over, but bulk concluded; grand jury term concluded, but open to consider other matters. Why no leak charges but perjury & obstruction? If pitcher beans batter, you want to know why; lots of possible motivations, investigate them all and figure out why. Did Libby intend to cause damage, etc.? Obstruction throws sand in umpire's eyes. Harm in obstruction is preventing investigators from making judgments they need to make. Regardless of motivation, we need to know the truth. Anyone who impedes has committed serious crime.

Q: Any evidence that VP encouraged leak or lie? No allegations about anyone not charged in indictment. (Includes Rove. If no charge, can't talk about it.)

Shit. Have to go do work now. [That's me, not Fitzgerald.]