Tim Russert's unpredictable memory

San Fancisco Chronicle

Defense claims bias in Russert reaction

Russert earlier testified that, contrary to what Libby had told a federal grand jury, he did not tell Libby about CIA operative Valerie Wilson...

Defense lawyer Theodore Wells showed the jury a videotape of an interview that Russert gave to radio talk show host Don Imus on the morning that Libby was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington in October 2005....

Wells said the tape suggested that Russert was jubilant at the thought that Libby might be indicted, reflecting a bias he held against Libby for entangling him in the leak case.

Russert responded, under questioning, that he did not recall the appearance...

Hang on here. The whole point of Russert testifying is that Libby says Russert told him something and Russert said he didn't. Meanwhile they play Russert a tape of an interview and Russert can't remember the interview?!? Are you following this? If Russert can't remember doing an interview with Imus, why would his claim that he never told Libby about Plame have any credibility? Wouldn't an interview with Imus be a bit more memorable than tossing a causal comment about what was common knowledge (Plame's CIA status) to Libby?

Posted by Danny Carlton at February 10, 2007 8:49 AM