The fraud of Plamegate

The whole Plame affair -- from investigation to special prosecutor to Libby trial -- is a farce. We noted that here, here, here, here, here, here, and here -- at minimum.

Discussing the matter with Hugh Hewitt, Bob Novak (no friend to the Bush Administration) gave a pretty good straight answer to a straight question:

HH: Why did Fitzgerald, do you think, in your opinion, continue on with the investigation once Armitage had revealed it was he who was the leaker?

RN: Because…you know, when he entered the case, he was told that Armitage was the leaker. That information was given to him, because it had been known for three weeks before he was named as special prosecutor. And therefore, I think the Justice Department should have bitten the bullet and taken care of him itself. Why he did not reveal that is something that is in the mysteries of the whole, strange relationship of special prosecutors. It is very difficult for them to say no crime was committed, you’ve named me for nothing, and I’ve established a staff for nothing. But that’s in fact what he should have done.