David Corn on Thursday pointed out the enormous pressure that neocons are bringing to bear on Bush to pardon Libby:
You can feel the rage. And the neocons know how to gin up campaigns. They will do whatever it takes to pressure Bush. Expect them to go--to use a technical term--bananas. Especially since the White House still is indicating Bush is not eager to untie Libby from the train tracks. After Walton turned down Libby's request to remain free, White House spokesperson Dana Perino said, "Scooter Libby still has the right to appeal, and therefore the president will continue not to intervene in the judicial process. The president feels terribly for Scooter, his wife, and their young children, and all that they're going through."
I'm becoming convinced Bush WILL pardon Libby. Given the enormous pressure from his "base," what does Bush risk?
David Corn
Senate Democrats are too timid to take him on, except for the a few like Feingold. Democratic pundits can't even clearly explain the significance of Libby's conviction and the enormity of his crime (intentionally, knowingly, and repeatedly lying to the FBI and a grand jury to protect the vice president and subverting the system of justice).
Bush's popularity is so low only (some) Republicans support him--and they're the very ones who will applaud a pardon.
Is he worried about his legacy? Maybe, but I don't think he will see a Libby pardon as threatening to his legacy.
Bush is literally unimpeachable since there will never be enough Senate Republicans who believe enough in the Constitution and the rule of law to do the right thing.