October 28, 2005

MR. I. LEWIS LIBBY
c/o MR. JOSEPH A. TATE, ESQ.
DECHERT LLP

Dear Scooter,

Your counsel, and you, are missed. Like many White House officials implicated in this case, I admire your principled stand. But, like many of your co-conspirators, I wish you were back among the rest of us, doing what you do best–trashing critics of this administration.

A few days ago, your counsel, Mr. Tate, asked that I repeat for you the waiver of omerta that I specifically gave to your counsel over a year ago. His request surprised me, because I thought we had an understanding that I dare not mention except on a secure line. But since this is an official letter, let me reassure you that you are absolutely free to repeat any discussions we may have had related to the Wilson-Plame matter. Absolutely. Free. Absolutely.

In the spirit of your counsel’s and the Special Counsel’s request, I would like to dispel any remaining concerns you may have that circumstances forced this waiver upon me. As noted in our previous correspondence, my lawyer confirmed my waiver to other White House staffers in just the way he did with your lawyer. Why? Because, as I am sure this will not be news to you, the public report of every other staffer’s testimony makes clear that they did not discuss Ms. Plame’s name or identity with me, or knew about her before you blabbed. I waived the privilege voluntarily to cooperate with the Special Prosecutor, but also because the smart staffers’ testimony served my best interests. Call it the Rove Corollary. I believed a year ago, as now, that similar testimony by all will be in the best interest of all.

I admire your principled fight against the five indictments. But for my part, this is the rare case where this “principal” would be better off if you plead guilty. That’s one reason why I let George accept your resignation. If you find a way to testify about the discussion we had relating to the Wilson-Plame matter, if any, I would be very interested in who your cellmate will be.

You were indicted in the fall. It is still fall. You fell down the stairs and broke your foot. Now you don’t walk so good. It would be terrible if you fell down the stairs again and broke your skull. Others can cover up our stories–Iraqi WMD and the energy task force, Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo Bay. Out West, where you vacation, the aspens will already be turning. They turn in clusters, because their unbroken roots connect them. Do the thirty years. At least you still have your health.

Until then, you will remain in my prayers and under surveillance.

With admiration,
DICK CHENEY