Those of us who follow politics closely know the details of the Plame leak story inside and out. What many of us may lose sight of is that the large majority of Americans are only peripherally aware of Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation. Indeed, the first time they will take any notice of it is when indictments are announced. That kind of news will make the normally apolitical masses stand up and start paying attention.
What is the story those people will hear?
This could be the critical moment. Because if the story they hear within the first 24 hours is primarily based on Republican spin then the public perception of this scandal will generally favor the Republican point of view. This is why we need to solidify in our minds what the REAL story is and be prepared to explain it in as concise a fashion as is possible when the inevitable questions come up.
So here's my suggestion: let's work together to define the story. Let's develop a short "talking points" narrative that will help the disinterested to understand the importance of this story and why they shouldn't buy into Republican spin.
Key points to start with:
- A CIA undercover operative, Valerie Wilson/Plame was exposed by leaks from the White House.
- This operative worked in the area of weapons of mass destruction, specifically related to the area of the Middle East.
- The operative is the wife of Joseph Wilson.
- Joseph Wilson is a former ambassador who was sent to Africa by the CIA to investigate claims that Iraq was seeking to purchase uranium to make nuclear weapons.
- Wilson reported back that the claims were without merit.
- The administration continued to push the claim despite Wilson's negative report.
- When Wilson made attempts to correct the record on this he started receiving push back from the administration. Ultimately, he published an opinion piece that exposed his mission and its results, thus embarassing the administration at a time when its case for WMD in Iraq was starting to crumble.
- It was in this context of an administration desparate to refute Wislon's criticism that Valerie Wilson's/Plame's status as an undercover CIA operative was leaked to the press by top administration officials. Specifically Scooter Libby, Dick Cheney's Chief of Staff and Karl Rove, President Bush's most senior and trusted advisor.
- The exposure of an undercover operative is a devastating blow to intelligence operations, especially in a time of war. It exposes not only that operative but also the people that that operative has managed to recruit to help the United States. Exposure in this case means a potential death sentence. Furthermore, it sends the message to potential recruits that the United States can no longer protect them. Thus, this leak threatens not only this operative and her recruits but ALL operatives and ALL recruits throughout the entire intelligence gathering underworld.
- Even beyond the question of criminality, the facts of this case reveal an administration more concerned with protecting its political ass then with protecting intelligence interests vital to the successful prosecution of the War on Terror.
Any suggestions for tweaking this narrative would be much appreciated. Let's get our story ready for when it is needed.