“Well, when the president does it that means that it is not a leak.”

From report by Michael Fletcher, WaPo, April 7, 2006: A senior administration official, speaking on background because White House policy prohibits comment on an active investigation, said Bush sees a distinction between leaks and what he is alleged to have done. The official said Bush authorized the release of the classified information to assure the public of his rationale for war as it was coming under increasing scrutiny. --- From the interview with David Frost, May 19, 1977 NIXON: Well, when the president does it that means that it is not illegal. FROST: By definition. NIXON: Exactly. Exactly… --- Christy at firedoglake asks "What Has The President Declassified And Why Did He Leak It? " "What else has been selectively declassified for public manipulation purposes? How many times has the Bush Administration used its declassification power for their own, personal political gain — how many times have they lied to the public by omitting the whole truth? How many media-planted lies have then been used by Administration officials in public interviews as justifications for their actions?" --- And on a related note… From this morning's WH press gaggle posted at TPM Muckraker: QUESTION: Scott, on March the 30th, I believe, last Thursday, Mr. Libby was spotted at the White House Mess. It just seems unusual that he would be coming back to the White House in this situation. Any ideas why he -- Scott McClellan: I don't know anything about that. I don't think so. QUESTION: You don't think what? Scott McClellan: I don't think he was here. QUESTION: What would you do if I -- Scott McClellan: You spotted him? QUESTION: I have a pretty good source I trust that did. Scott McClellan: I'll check into it, John, but I don't think that's --