An Example of Blog Influence?

The other day I implored the media and Democratic leadership to ask the White House whether anyone discussed the possibility of a pardon with Scooter Libby before he left. I observed that such a conversation could, at least arguably, be viewed as obstruction of justice. I also suggested that Democratic leaders pressure the President to issue a no-pardons pledge in connection with Fitzgerald's investigation. I noted that the specter of a pardon looms over Fitzgerald's entire investigation and that until the possibility of a pardon is taken off the table, Fitzgerald may not have the necessary leverage over key witnesses (particularly Libby) to secure their cooperation. I suggested that Democrats should argue that every day Bush refuses to issue such a pledge, he is indirectly impeding Fitzgerald's investigation and thwarting the ends of justice.

A few other bloggers (in particular Mark Kleiman and Mickey Kaus) expressed very similar thoughts (in Kleiman's case, before I did). Surprisingly, however, there has been almost no discussion of any these issues in the mainstream media.

But the message seems to have gotten through nonetheless. Today Raw Story reports that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, along with Senators Durbin, Schumer, and Stabenow have done exactly what we suggested. They have sent a letter to President Bush that 1) asks what, if anything, has been communicated to Scooter Libby regarding the possibility of a pardon and 2) demands that Bush pledge not to pardon anyone convicted of a crime in connection with this investigation. Was the decision to send this letter prompted by our blog posts? Who knows. But I wouldn't rule out that possibility. I'd certainly like to believe that's what happened.

Anyway, here's the full text of the letter (also via Raw Story).
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November 8, 2005

The Honorable George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The indictment of I. Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's Chief of Staff, marks the first time in 131 years that a senior White House official has been charged with a crime while still serving in the White House. The charges, while not yet proven, are extraordinarily serious and deeply disturbing.

Although it is too early to judge Mr. Libby guilty or innocent of these particular charges, it is not too early for you to reassure the American people that you understand the enormous gravity of the allegations. To this end, we urge you to pledge that if Mr. Libby or anyone else is found guilty of a crime in connection with Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation, you will not exercise your authority to issue a Presidential pardon.

It is crucial that you make clear in advance that, if convicted, Mr. Libby will not be able to rely on his close relationship with you or Vice President Cheney to obtain the kind of extraordinarily special treatment unavailable to ordinary Americans. In addition you should do nothing to undermine Mr. Fitzgerald's investigation or diminish accountability in your White House. A pardon in these circumstances would signal that this White House considers itself above the law.
We also urge you to state publicly whether anyone in the White House -- including White House counsel Harriet Miers or Vice President Cheney-- has already discussed the possibility of a pardon with Mr. Libby. Particularly given that the American people are still in the dark about what precisely transpired in the White House with respect to the CIA leak, it would be highly inappropriate if there were such discussions going on behind the scenes.

Swift public action on your part will make clear that you take seriously perjury and obstruction of justice at the highest levels of our government and that you meant what you said about bringing "honor and dignity" to the White House. We eagerly await your response and hope that you will announce your intentions promptly.