1115.org

For long months Bush has let the Valerie Plame leak scandal percolate through what we are forced to describe as his consciousness.

For long months he has pondered what he would say about it when he finally broke his silence. He has framed his words, rehearsed them, revised them, polished them. Rolled them around in his mind, in his mouth.

And now finally he has uttered them.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is our proud privilege to present the carefully considered distilled essence of the 43rd president of the United States:

I’m aware of the fact that perhaps somebody in the administration did disclose the name of that person. I’ve often thought about what would have happened if that person had come forth and said, ‘I did it.’ Would we have had this endless hours (sic) of investigation and a lot of money being spent on this matter? But, so, it’s been a tough issue for a lot of people in the White House. It’s run its course and now we’re going to move on.

We are not worthy to comment.

Oh, by the way:

Bush would not directly address answer a question about whether he is disappointed in the White House officials who leaked Plame’s name.

Why would he? That would come dangerously close to admitting something suspiciously like accountability. In my best Jon-Stewart-”impression”-of-George-Bush voice: “Can’t have none of that in my administration, see?”

*** Update, 11:53 am ***

Just saw the transcript. This statement came towards the end of the press conference. At least five other reporters asked questions after this. No follow-up by anyone.

Bush’s first public statement on Plamegate. He admits that perhaps someone in his administration revealed Plame’s identity. And no follow-up by anyone in the press corpse. Remarkable!