There can be little doubt that the failure of Fitzgerald to indict Karl Rove comes as a bitter disappointment for anti-Bush forces today. In fact, though Libby is indicted, there is no hint of a crime committed in relaying Valerie Plame's name to anyone. Rather, it is charges stemming from the investigation.
One gets the impression that this investigation has been focused on Libby and not Rove for some time. The Volokh Conspiracy speculates that it is the reason why Fitzgerald needed the testimony of both Cooper and Miller. I suspect that he is probably right.
Tigerhawk has four predictions regarding the future of this case, of which I will highlight one:
...the fact that there is no charge for the underlying offense guts the sanctimonious and largely untrue accusation that the Bush administration undermined national security by outing Valerie Plame. The CIA has managed to do a lot of damage in this bureaucratic fight, but people will soon be asking Cardinalpark's question: why are we not outraged that the CIA was deliberately undermining the policies of an elected president? Langley may ultimately emerge from this case much the worse for wear.
One can only hope.
What was exposed in the Libby-Plame affair was a rogue element within the CIA attempting to undercut an elected administration through the use of lies. If the left weren't so busy salivating over the prospect of a Republican in jail, they would realize how frightening that is.
Thanks to Instapundit for so many great links on this subject.
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