ARROGANCE!!: if anything, he is owed an apology by the media and some Dems

WP
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/14/AR2006061402160.html?nav=rss_politics

The Plame Controversy
Bush Reaffirms His Confidence in Rove
Critics Say Aide's Role In Leak Calls For Accountability

By Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 15, 2006; Page A04

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The three-year investigation of the Plame leak did not result in criminal charges against Rove, but it did raise questions about his early denials. In 2003, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said he consulted Rove and was assured that the senior aide played no role in the leaking of Plame's name to the media. The White House left the clear impression that Rove knew nothing of the leak and certainly did not participate in it.

The subsequent federal investigation determined that Rove talked with at least two reporters about Plame before her identity was disclosed by columnist Robert D. Novak in July 2003, and that he relayed word of those conversations to other White House officials.

Republicans close to Rove argued yesterday that, technically speaking, the aide never lied about his role and that, if anything, he is owed an apology by the media and some Democrats. Former Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie, echoing an argument Rove has made privately to others, said Rove only discussed Plame briefly when questioned by reporters, never mentioned her name specifically and never intended to blow her cover.

"It is now clear he did not leak anybody's name and did not lie about any action," said Gillespie, a close Rove ally.

Democrats dismissed that defense.

"He leaked the name of an intelligence operative at a time of war," Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean responded in an interview. "I don't know another president who would not fire someone like this."