So why the hell are they going after Judith Miller and Matt Cooper...

[Goldmund]

...and not after Novak himself???

Anybody heard any reasons?

[Cocoa]

1. because Novak already testified

he hasn't commented on it, but that would explain it.

[Goldmund]

5. Well then,

my understanding is that there is only one piece of information relevant to the issue: WHO leaked the name. If they got that from Novak, then what's the use of going after these two?

[Greenberg240]

12. agree.

[shraby]

2. If they went after Novak, he could

take the 5th and they'd have nothing. By skirting around the edges they can get the story then get Novak.

[Goldmund]

3. well, doesn't the same go for Miller/Cooper?

Can't they take the 5th?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

8. They will be in contempt of court if they don't disclose their

source. Which means jail until they talk.

The idea here, I do believe, is to build a strong case and close in on Novak. Effectively pinning him in a corner. Then they can go from their to the actual leak.

All the information (evidence) they gain in the process of climbing the ladder makes it easier to make a conviction stick once you reach the prize.

Patrick Fitzgerald wants to build a solid case that won't be overturned.

[Goldmund]

9. I dig what you're saying...

thanks

[Lone_Star_Dem]

10. You're welcome.

:hi:

[Avalux]

4. Exactly

they're still going after Novak; just in a roundabout way.

[swag]

6. They are trying to get Miller and Cooper to pose nude and

whore themselves out on the web like real journalists should.

That's why.

[cally]

7. And then MSM can tell us all we're hypocrites because we are

invading their personal life and going after their 70 year old mother. You are advertising your goods as a male prostitute, you are an out lesbian, you cheat and lie, but if you are a Republican when the left discusses it we are invading your privacy. We all live in an insane world.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. They may be able to corroborate Novak's source for Plame info

or they may have been the source themselves.
i.e.: it's possible Miller got info from Chalabi.