Anthonares

While listening to NPR this morning Cokie Roberts, one of their usual news analysts, said that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and the WSJ editorial page suggested that an indictment of Karl Rove and/or Scooter Libby on obstruction of justice or perjury charges would not be “that serious” and she suggested that those advisors may continue working with the President and Vice President and should not be dismissed.

Now, I am no fan of the President’s administration, but if he were to allow even one indicted advisor to remain on his staff, it would most certainly be to his regret. This suggestion, not even a decade after former President Clinton was impeached on perjury charges [opinion piece in the National Review, a conservative outlet, that highlights the similarities between then and now], smacks of corruption and cronyism. This two-word theme is shaping up to be the phrase we will all get sick of hearing come out of democrat’s mouths in the 2006 campaign season, so it would be ridiculous folly for the President to give them even more ammunition. What is left of the President’s approval among independents and democrats may evaporate entirely if they feel that liars and criminals are being sheltered by the White House.

I don’t know how the Plame-name grand jury investigation will play out, but to suggest that indicted advisors be allowed to remain in their roles suggests the great disdain for which public office is viewed. Rove and Libby do not deserve their appointments, it is by the will and approval of the American people (via the Administration) that they serve. If indicted, they must step aside, at least until their cases play out in the courts.