Verdict: Frog-Marching Rove
By Nicole Belle Saturday May 17, 2008 3:30pm 
Download | play 
Download | play (h/t Heather)
Bill W. already posted about Conyers' statement that he is committed to getting Rove to testify in the Don Siegelman case, even if it means having him arrested. However, this segment from MSNBC's Verdict, where Catherine Crier explains to host Dan Abrams the process and the seriousness of an Inherent Contempt of Congress charge is was too good not to use, so I asked Heather to make the video for me. Besides, it's small and petty of me, but I don't think you can hear "haul Karl Rove to jail" too many times.
Crier: Well here's the way this plays out. If the full House issues the contempt citation then it's supposed to go to the Department of Justice and they're supposed to take it to a Grand Jury. They're supposed to enforce it. Well they've already, the Bush administration says no, uh, there's Executive authority, we're saying privilege. They're not going to enforce it. You might then try the Federal courts. The Federal courts are liable to say it's a political question. But the Constitution gives the Congress the inherent power to issue contempt and then to prosecute on this.
Abrams: On their own.
Crier: They can send the Sergeant at Arms out into the countryside, arrest, haul somebody in and in days gone by used to literally hold them in the basement of Congress in an impromptu jail and then they could have a trial. That is still their power today.
Full transcript (courtesy of Heather) below the fold.
Abrams: We have got breaking news tonight. The Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has threatened to have Karl Rove arrested. At issue, whether Rove will testify about the prosecution of AL former Democratic Governor Don Siegelman. What role if any did Rove play in bringing down the popular Democrat? Thus far Rove has refused to testify and the committee has given him another week or they say they'll subpoena him. If he still refuses, Politico.com reporting that John Conyers, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee said today "We'll do what any self-respecting committee would do. We'd hold him in contempt. Either that or go and have him arrested."
"We're closing in on Rove." Conyers said.
Catherine, the Congress has to be getting very serious about this.
Crier: It's about time.
Abrams: Tell me why.
Crier: I'm serious because we've got whether it was the Hariet Miers, there've been several individuals if you go back throughout this Bush administration that haven't responded. Now they've got Karl Rove in the Siegelman affair and he has refused repeated offers for compromise to give him an opportunity to testify, and it's finally to the point where you say either this third branch has power or it has been completely emasculated.
Abrams: Because up to now what they've been saying is we'd like you to come in voluntarily uh and testify. So far he's been saying he will answer questions in writing, will come in and talk but there can't be a transcript, not under oath, etc., and now it sounds like Congress is getting a little tired of it. This is Congressman Wexler, also a member of this committee on this program last night.
Wexler: And if he refuses to honor the subpoena then the full House of Representatives must hold Mr. Rove in contempt of Congress and then we must ask that Attorney General to enforce the contempt of Congress subpoena or citation.
Abrams: But inherent contempt. What does that mean?
Crier: Well here's the way this plays out. If the full House issues the contempt citation then it's supposed to go to the Department of Justice and they're supposed to take it to a Grand Jury. They're supposed to enforce it. Well they've already, the Bush administration says no, uh, there's Executive authority, we're saying privilege. They're not going to enforce it. You might then try the Federal courts. The Federal courts are liable to say it's a political question. But the Constitution gives the Congress the inherent power to issue contempt and then to prosecute on this.
Abrams: On their own.
Crier: They can send the Sergeant at Arms out into the countryside, arrest, haul somebody in and in days gone by used to literally hold them in the basement of Congress in an impromptu jail and then they could have a trial. That is still their power today.
Abrams: Unlikely to happen here but it does sound like they're getting ready to move forward with something here.
Crier: Well unlikely to happen in the sense that they might not jail them in the basement any longer, but at this point and time if you look at, if the DOJ has already basically said we're not going to do what we're supposed to do, they must take it to a Grand Jury. Says no, Executive privilege, we're not going to act. The courts probably won't and it will be, if they, if the full Congress asserts, if the full House votes, then they will have to try this case themselves, which means issue the arrest warrant and try this.
Abrams: Again final question. Executive privilege, Karl Rove has said that he didn't talk to anyone in the White House about it so what's the potential Executive privilege?
Crier: Well he's making the claim and that assertion I don't think anywhere. It might be something the Federal court will go with but right now the Department of Justice has given no indication that they will, that they will go out and serve those subpoenas issued by Conyers.
Abrams: Does it surprise you Conyers is using language like arrested?
Crier: At this point..no. I'm a big rule of law, this has nothing to do with politics for me, it is respecting the rule of law, regardless of Democrat or Republican, and at this point in time if they don't show back bone then there are not three branches of government in this country.
Abrams: And we should say again the subpoena has not been issued yet so we shall see what happens if and when uh the subpoena is issued...uhmmm and I'll continue to follow this case.
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'they're going to take him away, take him away'
Its so very Deliverance "run piggie run" and then when they get him before Congress, "squeal piggie squeal"
They better start using some of that power................
I wonder if the House will let TurdBlossum do his Fox broadcasts from the basement jail?
They could mike him up while he's riding the waterboard.
Pick up the turd with a plastic baggie when you go to arrest him.
One of those Steel Cells they use at Gitmo would make a great "impromptu holding cell."
This is what the voters elected the Dem congress to do in 2004, put the brakes on and hold accountable the most corrupt and dishonest administration in US history. I predict if Conyers go through with it the Dem congress's poll numbers will shoot up at least 10 points.
Congressman Conyers is making his and my state mighty proud right now!
Do it.
Karl, Larry Craig has something urgent to discuss with you. He's in the Men's Room in the basement of the House of Representatives. Hurry!
I never understood why somebody hasn't yet taken that foolish footage of Karl dancing with David Gregory and turned it into a tape-looped political ad.
Same with Bush's dancing ....
In fact, all of the footage of all of their public dancing (including Tucker Carlson's) could be combined into a political ad about dancing on America's grave.
Oh! and that picture of Bush and McCain in the big huggy-bear? Separate them in PhotoShop, then "fly" John in like a trapeze artist as the voice-over talks about John being a "maverick".
I mean, why not? It couldn't hurt - and would probably get and keep everybody laughing until November. And that wouldn't be a bad thing.
Oh, and one more ....
When all the Republicans arrive at the St. Paul airport for the convention in September?
String up a banner over the entrance to the men's room where Larry Craig got arrested saying: "Republican Hospitality Suite"
Ain't gonna happen. This congress will cave as usual.
In other news: Hearts and Minds. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080518/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
Ruthless People @ 14:
...why just imagine if somebody invaded our nation under false pretenses to steal our oil and started shooting at the bible?
We'll see. My understanding is that Bush can give Rove a preemptive pardon? Wow is that a strange power. Of course if Rove were to give any hint he might talk, well.......suicide seems popular among the Bush Crime Family underlings.....you know the kind of suicide where he stabs himself in the back......4 or 5 times.
Thats what the Dems get for kissing Mukasseys ass during the conformation especially Shumyer,We might not get justice till we get a Dem in WH
Edwards for Attorney General, he would get an erection with the thought of procescuting Rove and others
its not hard to think of rove in an orange jump suit , white sneakers , hunched over , shuffling his feet. dogs by him.
Will not happen. Conyers always cries wolf but then always stands back to let the livestock get eaten.
Will not happen ...
... instead, he will have Sheehan arrested.
craig @ 20:
Me thinks you're probably right. If the tables were turned the Rethugs wouldn't have talked about it, they would have done it and over and issue a lot less worthy.
Wake me when they do it.
Chicken "Hussein" Little - NOT!! @ 16:
or the double murder suicide of those two Florida GOP workers and the ex vet escort.
Rove, like Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, et al, have for some years been giving the finger to not just the American People but also congress. And getting away with it.
Why? Are they some new kids on the block who have special mojo?
Well, one can believe this.
Or one can dig. And ignore shouts of "conspiracy theorist." And dig. And research. And find links to all kinds of un-investigated crimes, such as the JFK and RFK assassinations and the Iran-Contra flustercluck.
Oh, I know. This is 2008. What happened more than 12 months ago doesn't count.
I'm with VietVet - I'd actually think about contributing money to some Dem campaign if they actually followed through on their empty threats.
"Are you surprised Conyers is using this kind of language?" (paraphrase)
Only because whenever they've been battered by this dictatorially ambitious executive, the Democrats' typical language has amounted to "Please, sir, may I have another?" I'm more surprised, though, that they have only resorted to this language now. Unfortunately, I will be most surprised if Congress takes any action to back up the language.
Oh, and Crier is right about the courts. They'll weasel out of this with the "political questions doctrine," the escape clause of jurisprudential duties.
LOL, this is a joke right. oh, yeah, that's a good one.
Well we can dream can't we. I know this other thing is off topic but it's too good to save for the next open thread. Yet another take on the O'reilly meltdown: http://www.barelypolitical.com/ward-room/episode/WRM_20080515
Sorry Nicole. Hope you don't mind.
Chicken "Hussein" Little - NOT!! @ 16:
Actually, no. At least, that has not yet been tried. So far, the pardon power envelope has been pushed as far as offering "blanket" pardons for any federal crimes that might have been committed. But no president has offered a "preemptive" pardon for crimes that might yet be committed.
I wouldn't be surprised if Bush tried it, though. We've let him get away with everything else.
Bush is probably both brazen and sociopathic enough to shoot Rove in the head four or five times himself and on television, and look us in the eye, and claim Rove committed suicide.
Why no $5,000 - 10,000 a day fine or penalty until they show up?
Peter G @ 29:
Scroll down on the front page or click here. ;)
They should just wait until Jan. 2009 when we have a Democratic president, THEN haul all these criminal bastards on in.
A great day in American history = KKKarl
Karl Rove in the jail in the basement of the Congress. Heehee, I'll stand guard pro bono, heehee.
Dr. Biitter Hussein (Mission Accomplished) Matt @ 34:
great photo Doc. I'd pay money to see that. But I'm not gonna get my hopes up.
Alice Hussein @ 35:
I'll gladly provide a fine culinary menu....pro bono.
Did you all go wash your heads in the amnesia ray again? Is that what this is?
Do ANY of you seriously think this is going to amount to ANYTHING?
If we could hook the Dems up to WIND-POWER turbines, we'd be free from oil in a week and have an energy surplus.
They are just FULL of hot air.
We need to start electing people who are HUNGRY FOR JUSTICE!
People who desperately, urgently, want to see Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, et al, brought up in front of a SANE judge!
Instead, we have these limp-dick spineless pyjama cases who threaten and bluster, and then give in.
There's a word for that. Oi!! Chris Matthews!! What was that word again???
Rove will absolutely get a pardon from Bush, so I'm not sure what difference it makes in the end. I guess it'd be worth it to see Rove arrested, but the Dems will keep begging for compromise instead of doing it. Since when do the criminals get to dictate the specifics of their own subpoena/arrest? Next time I get pulled over for speeding, I'll just tell the officer, "No thanks, I'm not interested in a speeding ticket today" -and drive away.
Whoever said 'cheaters never win' clearly must have spoken before the Bush Administration took office.
Seriously, when congress has power at the consent of the executive, then The United States of America has died.
Karen @ 32:
I missed those posts. Oh well it's still one of the better ones. Speaks to my own inner feelings regarding Billo. Now about Karl. Couldn't congress impose an exorcism of him. With his resident demon banished and him restored to full humanity there's much that Karl could tell us.
Mike @ 40:
Indeed. The Constitutional system has been dying a slow death throughout the 20th Century, but the Bush maladministration fired the final shot.
Here's hoping we can resurrect it.
Peter G @ 41:
Suddenly, the administration would believe in the separation of church and state.
Yeah yeah.
They're not going to do anything but emit some hot air.
Arrest Rove? Oh yeah.
The congress, including Conyer's committee, hasn't done shit for all this time against the
most impeachable assholes ever to grace the White House...
And now they're going to get tough?
And even if they were to put Rove in the electric chair... Bush and Cheney go free into the multi-billionaire paradise.
Contempt?
That's what I have for Conyers and the rest of that sorry bunch of gravediggers.
A pardon from Bush? You people pay attention to politics? The next Prez, even if a Dem will give these clowns pardons. They are all together. One big happy flustercluck of political gamesters. And the real victims are never them. Justice? That's for the government to dole out to the peasants, not themselves or members of their group.
Woooo, Hoooo!
Abrams better watch out between now and when Rove goes to jaiil.
We know how they handle enemies and I think it was Dan who started causing a stink about this whole thing.
Oh what joy, what bliss.
My only fear is that either the idiot king will pardon him... even before he is tried! LOL
or that the next OPresident will, or stop prosecution since it really takes so long to get this stuff done.
McCain won't allow Rove to go to jail for obvious reasons (unless he is still holding a grudge fromm 2000.) And Obama want's peace and no partisan fighting. If the Dems finally go after the criminal bastards there ends a spirit of working together. (not that I really believe that the far right is going to allow working together to be a reality even if it does sound good.)
Bill Clinton attempted consensus building and working together and look where it got him.
But that is another story.
Go get the evil S. O. B.
Does anyone else have a hard time even typing their names let alone saying them.
I actually get a twinge in my stomach whenever I have to actually refer to any of them by name.
Ewwww.
Yeah, look where it got Bill Clinton... he's living it large, making his money with George Bush senior and other members of the Carlyle Group...
Boo hoo, poor Bill Clinton, those Republicans really screwed up his life. NOT
Karen @ 30:
Naw, he'll send him hunting with Cheney.
Sorry for the obvious, but someone had to say it.
I can see the future. Congress tries to grow a pair, talks really tough, holds Rove in contempt of Congress, and then.... NOTHING. This is more election year bluster from spineless Democrats who, while not providing Bush and Co a rubber stamp, are still complicit in a runaway executive with a lot of tepid "okays."
Give me a break. Rove in jail? Microscopic flying monkeys from space will complete an airstrip up Pelosi's behind before that ever happens.
Karl Rove is going to jail!
sweet, couldn't happen to a more deserving turdblossom.
ConcernedCanuck @ 45:
Pretty cynical...and with good reason!
that is my thought about Obama too.
Defrinitely Bush of course, and McCain. But Obama is pretty clear about "working together" and "leaving the fights of the past and partisan politics aside."
So I doubt he would be interested in bringing these bastards to justice.
Say what you will about Clinton... and damn- the things people say... but she would be the only one who I think would have gone after them, meaning not stopped the congress and encouraged them and the DOj to do it.
She does have some vested interest in seeing them pay for the crap they have done to her and bill over the last almost two decades.
After all, what does she have to lose now, she is 60, when she would have left office she would have been 68 and where would she be going? retirement.
Well, I guess any Prez isn't going to "work" after retiring, except for the idiot king who wants to "fill up the old coffers." prick.
I doubt that Obama would pick her for a cabinet position, (and that would really not be smart, IMO)I think AG would be very good, let her go after them. She is so tenacious. like a fricking pit bull, grabs hold and will not let go till the job is done.(and I mean that complimentary though there will probably be some snarky thoughts on that! LOL) Something we need in the next administration.
The symmetry would be complete.
Heer history with Watergate bringing Nixon to resignation, them (neocons from Nixon admin) attempting to force Bill out and humiliate/ruin her and then she br4ings them down.
Damn I would love to see that.
damn, damn, damn! I actually get some adrenaline rushes just thinking of the pleasure of it.
LOL
anon @ 13:
Bingo! We have a winner.
I will believe those fuckin' wimps called Democrats will do something when I see it.
More talk and no action...
What was it they did with Il Dulce?
Not ever gunna happen...EVER.
Thanks, Harry. Bravo, Nancy.
What interrogation methods does Congress have the authority to employ?
Please, please, please arrest Karl Rove!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had an email from Robert Wexler. He said that if rove does not comply to the summons they ARE going to go ahead with Inherent Contempt Charges. They have already settled on this. Just saying. He will be made to testify one way or another.
John @ 47:
Hey, John.
Relax.
I'm talking about his time in office where they tried to ruin him and did their best to stonewall whatever he attempted.
And I don't know where you get your information about him making money with GB and Carlyle.
Was that on the released tax returns?
My understanding was the majority of their money came from writing books and his speeches.
Do you have a problem with him making a living?
Sheesh,
Bitter much?
Interesting.
Wexler said, "...the full House of Representatives must hold Mr. Rove in contempt of Congress." Do you think that the Repugs are going to vote for this. NO! They won't. So, don't blame the Dems, blame the Repugs!!!
Marge @ 59:
Oh Lord, I might have to spring for Caqble for this.
Do you think it will be on C-Span?
Please, Please, Please, Please, Please.
FreeDUMB @ 57:
I heard waterboarding is not considered torture.
Get that basement room ready.
FOX is probably writing the script as we speak.
John @ 47:
Oh, forgot this.
the only reason those neocons didn't ruin his life is because he... and more so she probably, wouldn't cave, wouldn't resign.
He was stupid in lying, but they stared them down and wouldn't blink.
sorry for typos before.
have a cup of tea and breathe deeply.
Dr. Biitter Hussein (Mission Accomplished) Matt @ 34:
HA!
"Oh wouldn't it be loverly?... loverly? Loverly, Loverly..."
treestump hussein @ 11:
Wait, the season is still young.
The GE is beginning and the 527's will be out and about soon.
Though O. said to not donate to them.
Tough.
I would donate large if I had the cash.
and if this fails to bring rove to testify, he will be placed on double secret probation. turdblossom has flipped the bird to any and all oversight commitees and i for one am not all that hopeful that something will finally happen. certainly seeing rove do a perp walk or even the walk into the hearing room would lift my spirits and send my very soul soaring, i am just a bit worn with the threats of action. anyone else feeling that? just do it already. there is cause, reason and need to do it. someone please stand up and hold these criminals of the rule of law accountable. forget the politics in this and do the right thing. period.
7 years late
is better than not at all
Go Waxy!
BennyP @ 69:
"7 years late is better than not at all" you betcha.
Tired of witnessing Rove poisoning our air waves even more than they all ready are. Put that man behind bars.
Oh, please...there's a perp walk I'd like to see.
attorney general Edwards.....vice president Webb....secretary of state Richardson
no
vice president edwards.....secretary of defense Webb
no
vice President Richardson....
ah hell
haven't we had this dream before. And how many times has it actually happened? duh, that would be none. Even those who are convicted Scooter libby serve little or no time. And now CandL plays the "interest and what if game". Does that mean now that cand l enters the media whore game, put it out there generate interest and make this absolutely the number one blog regardless of whether incarcerating rove has the proverbial snowball's chance in hell. it's not about doing the right thing, it's about the ratings. just ask o'reilley, hannity, savage george stephanopoulos or any of the others who would sell their souls for a step up the ratings ladder. welcome aboard cand l you've finally made it.
I hope that they end up searching every OUTHOUSE, HENHOUSE, AND DOGHOUSE for the fugitive Karl Rove.
Rove will be pardoned so fast your head would spin.
dw @ 19:
Dude! you read my mind! Pretty picture, ain't it.
as far as Rove is concerned, build the gallows and pass the popcorn!!
Rove: "Wow, Jail in the basement! Sounds hot to me little piggies!".
Can you just see it? O.J. Simpson and the white Bronco would have nothing on this.
The sergeant-at-arms is in some official vehicle, driving out to Rove's house with a TV helicopter circling overhead. He has handcuffs in his pocket, but hopes not to have to use them. Rove has fled through the back door and escaped in a vehicle of his own, which a separate news helicopter is now following toward Rove's lawyer's office.
Rove's lawyer is holding a news conference outside his office as his client pulls up. The lawyer has just finished explaining how executive privilege works to a skeptical crew of reporters. Somebody on a walkie-talkie interrupts him and says, "They're on their way!"
"Who is on their way?" the lawyer asks.
"The sergeant-at-arms and his staff."
At this point Blackwater mercenaries appear, dressed in black from head to foot and wearing masks. They carry semi-automatic rifles. They blockade the roads leading to the lawyer's office. Helicopters continue to circle overhead, recording the scene. When the sergeant-at-arms arrives, a Blackwater employee yells, "Tase him!"
At this point the TV cameras fail, and the network cuts to a commercial for Viagra.
That is still their power today.
Use it damn it!! Use it now! Use it against everyone of these damn criminals!! Those that illegally produced false evidence to 'justify' their illegal war! Those that instigated illegal war! Those that illegally committed warrantless surveillance! Thsoe that authorized illegal warrantless surveillance! Those that committed illegal acts of torture and war crimes! Those that authorized illegal torture and war crimes! Those that illegal used government agencies for partisan politics! Those that authorized the illegal use of government agencies for partisan politics! And on and on and on!!! Damn it!! Use that power to stop the destruction of this nation!!!
Congress is the first branch, FWIW.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Come on people ... get real ... this is the same Congress that told you something would be done if they were re-elected/elected in 2006 ... King George and Prince Dick still sit on the thrown ... with "FULL EXECUTIVE POWERS" with privileges and pardons. Suddenly it's re-election season and I'm supposed believe you grew a back-bone ... really? ... really? ... sorry, but do I have "FOOL" written on my face?
My dear fellow fools, IT'S RE-ELECTION TIME. Throw these back-boneless bums OUT!!!
chele @ 33:
Justice can not be delayed. Prove to me, also, that Bush plans to leave office in 2009.
Yea, yea, yea.. We have heard this before. Spineless bastards.
Fat fucking chance of ANYTHING happeningn to Rove et al.
consensus: rove, bush, et al: another victory. the people of these United States another devastating loss. The crooks go free. unscathed, untouched and carting away riches to foreign banks. All kneel to king george, the mindless idiot pulled it off.
So, now we have to wait and see if anyone in the US Congress actually has any cajones - to see if they'll finally step up and enforce the law of the land - the Constitution. This may be their (and our) last chance to bring anyone from this admin. to justice.
There is no earthly reason why they should not haul Rove's ass into the Capitol and experiment with a few of those "enhanced interrogation techniques" Karls and his buds are so fond of. I hope they videotape.....
Get real here people ... rat boy rove was issued a subpoena LAST YEAR ... and NOTHING happen ... so now the JC are going to start ALL OVER AGAIN and issue another subpoena ... that he is going to ignore again ... go through the JD again ... It's bullshit.
Anyone that thinks something is going to happen this time is indeed DREAMING.
WAKE THE FUCK UP ... IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. How many subpoena or threats of one for the rat boy have to be issue before you people realize they are going to do absolutely NOTHING! If they were inherent contempt charges would have been filed long before now.
They won't do anything. GWB is guilty of war crimes, the evidence is laid out for everyone to see but they do nothing. Rove will avoid accountability like all the rest of these criminals. There must be something we don't know, some reason that the Democrats always stop short. Why did Kerry give up in 2004 when it was clear that the election was tampered with? Why threaten Harriet Meyers and Josh Bolton with contempt of congress and then just drop it? Waxman has hearings but no one gets charged, why? I am really sick and tired of this BS.
Methinks that Conyers will be smart about all this and wait until January 20th...that's if McSame doesn't win.
Rove is another Christian traitor and mass murdering terrorist that needs to be hung from the neck until dead.
[OK, we get it. You're for the death penalty. sheesh. Site Monitor]
Conyers has issued so many "threats" with no action behind it, that it is hard to believe anything he says.
Conyers has THIS opportunity to redeem himself. If he fails, then his legacy will go down as just another enabler of bush and a wimp of the Democratic Party.
heard on left jab (XM radio) yesterday, one of the guys put out the call to any D.C. cab driver who happens to pick up rove, to lock the doors and call the congress, tell them he's holding karl rove, to have the officers wait and he will deliver the criminal to them to arrest and hold in that basement cell...
wonder if rove would stoop to a cab ride, but still a great idea.