Why I read blogs

'Cause bloggers--most good ones--have expertise and knowledge that many a "journalist" does not. Case in point, read Slate's chief political correspondent today:

Now we learn that the president himself is a leaker. We've always known that the commander-in-chief's distaste for leaking didn't stop it from happening (as it has in every administration), but this is the first time we appear to have direct evidence that Bush had his hand on the siphon.

Bush didn't authorize Libby to say anything about Valerie Plame, but when the leader of the free world says go ahead take a joy ride with classified information, can we be surprised that Libby or Karl Rove then went further?

1) What was released from the NIE was not classified as much of it later appeared with redaction for public consumption.

2) The President, as chief executive, can release what information he sees fit to release. When you have the authority to release it, it isn't a leak.