Can someone explain a few things about pardons to me?
First, does Bush have unlimited power to pardon anyone for anything? I mean, no matter what Libby or Rove or anyone in his administration might be convicted of, Bush can pardon them?
So when Fitz is threatening these people with jail time, is he threatening them only with being convicted and going through a long court battle and only being in jail until Bush pardons them? Is that all Fitz can do to them? He can't do anything in the face of a Bush pardon?
And I keep hearing they'll stay in jail until Jan. 2009 or so, right before Bush leaves office?
So we're saying Bush might want to pardon them sooner, but political pressure will keep him from doing so?
Is there any real question about Bush not pardoning them? I mean, if his term is ending, he doesn't give a shit, right? He'll pardon them?
Would Libby have reason to think he might not get pardoned?
Do we all think there's no chance Bush would pardon them right away, to keep them from ever having to go to jail? Just from political pressure?
This is Bush remember? Does anyone think he cares about how he'd look pardoning them, after all the other shit he's pulled?
And what about a VP replacement?
If Cheney resigns or is forced out, does Bush have unlimited power to appoint anyone he wants as VP? Or does Congress have some say? Would we have hearings, as we do with a Supreme Court justice?
I'm asking because if Condi's his pick, Bush wouldn't want her questioned by Congress about all sorts of things she knows that he's pulled.
And would he really want to give her the inside shot at being the Republican nominee in 2008?
Or if Cheney goes down, would Bush's next VP be so tained by the scandal, that person wouldn't be a shoo-in for 2008?
What about the Wilson's talked about Civil Lawsuit? I know a tiny bit about how civil suits differ from criminal. Like OJ could be found liable in civil court without being guilty in criminal court.
So the Wilson's will wait until the criminal proceedings are over? Or should we expect them to file suit ASAP, now that we have indictments?
Would their civil suit be heard at the same time the criminal charges progress? Or would the civil trial wait for the outcome of the criminal charges?
And they can charge Bush in civil court, right? Becuase the Supreme Court ruled that Clinton could be named in a civil suit while a sitting president?
So Bush could be dragged into a deposition, without Cheney by his side and while under oath? (God, what a beautiful thing.)
And damages are limited to money damages? Is there no shield for people like government workers from damages in a civil suit? So they could take Libby, Rove, even Bush for a ton of money?
I have all sorts of questions. Someone please speculate with me.