NPR: Differences of Opinion: Libby's Sentence Commuted

Too Much Mercy for Libby Or Not Enough?

NPR.org, July 3, 2007 · Reaction to President Bush's decision to commute I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's prison sentence has been strong — and strongly mixed. Conservatives praised the move, which spared the former top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney from serving time behind bars, but many said Libby deserved a full pardon. Others suggested that President Bush's show of mercy came at the expense of justice. Read a sampling of opinion:

Quit Parsing and Pardon

New York Post Editorial Board

The New York Post

It's a shame that Bush allowed the circus to go on as long as it did. He should have pardoned Libby as soon as he was indicted, let alone convicted. At least Libby can rest easier, knowing that he won't have to suffer even one night behind bars — a fate which he so richly does not deserve.

Mistake on Libby

Rocky Mountain News Editorial Board

Rocky Mountain News

Bush's statement exudes compassion, and it carefully gives credit to those who criticize prison time for Libby as well as to those who defend it. But the president should have restrained his compassion — and delayed his commutation — for at least a few more months, lest he be perceived as subverting justice, too.

Shame on You, Mr. President

Arizona Republic Editorial Board

The Arizona Republic

We thought Scooter Libby was going through the criminal justice system. Just like anyone else. Then, President Bush whipped out a get-out-of-jail-free card. This is the wrong game to play on a very public stage. Fairness and the rule of law are core American values. Elected officials don't jump into the middle of the process and play favorites. Or so we thought.

Too Much Mercy

Washington Post Editorial Board

The Washington Post

We sympathize with Mr. Bush's conclusion 'that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive.' The probation office, as the president noted, recommended less time — 15 to 21 months. But Mr. Bush, while claiming to 'respect the jury's verdict,' failed to explain why he moved from 'excessive' to
zero.

Soft on Crime

New York Times Editorial Board

The New York Times

Judging from his [Bush's] decision yesterday to commute the 30-month sentence of I. Lewis Libby Jr. — who was charged with perjury and convicted — untarnished ideals are less of a priority than protecting the secrets of his inner circle and mollifying the tiny slice of right-wing Americans left in his political base.

Libby's Liberation

Investor's Business Daily Editorial Board

Investor's Business Daily

Bush's political advisers no doubt told him any kind of leniency would have heavy political costs. So we congratulate him for commuting Libby's sentence, and hope he'll step up to the plate again when he leaves office and issue a full pardon.

Bush and Libby

Wall Street Journal Editorial Board

The Wall Street Journal

President Bush's commutation late yesterday afternoon of the prison sentence of I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby will at least spare his former aide from 2 1/2 years in prison. But by failing to issue a full pardon, Mr. Bush is evading responsibility for the role his Administration played in letting the Plame affair build into fiasco and, ultimately, this personal tragedy.

Only Libby Smiling Today

By Robert D. Novak

Chicago Sun-Times

President Bush's commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence pleased but did not fully satisfy restive conservatives, while enraging his liberal critics. Libby himself can breathe a sigh of relief that he does not have to serve prison time, but hardly anybody else is all that happy.

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