Thought we'd be done with Russert by now, did you? You lose the bet. But we're just about done, after what seemed to this faintly biased observer like a devastating re-direct examination by Patrick Fitzgerald, which demolished hours of questions about Russert's feelings and memories (or lack of same) before the Libby indictment with this exchange:
Fitzgerald: Which is bigger news, a possible indictment or an actual indictment?
Russert: An actual indictment.
Fitzgerald then elicited Russert's clear memories of things that happened after the indictment was announced. Now it's time for juror questions.
Walton reminds jurors that Plame's status as covert is not under consideration here, and they are not to speculate about it. Then he reads the questions
Walton (W): Had there been any discussions before Novak article of Wilson's wife
Tim Russert (T): No.
W: After his article was published?
T: Yes.
W: During deposition, were you given a list of questions ahead of time?
T: No.
W: Any script you were given?
T: No.
W: Did you approve or ban any questions in advance?
T: No, I answered what I was asked.
W: Did you relate any claims by Mr. Libby about Wilson's wife to Shapiro? (on July 8th, apparently)
T: Only remember talking to him about Chris Mathews.
W: What were circumstances of call to Buffalo News reporter?
T: (explains Fazio-Clinton debate, what reporter said, what he complained about. Says he then sent a letter to that effect, and paper printed clarification.)
W: Remember when you called reporter? How long it lasted, etc?
T: I don't. Remember letter more than phone call.
W: (to defense) Any follow-up questions?
Wells: Mr. Russert, you have no recollection of Mr. Libby telling you any information about Ms. Wilson?
T: No.
Wells: Thank you.
It's 2:54pm ET.
Fitzgerald: Which is bigger news, a possible indictment or an actual indictment?
Russert: An actual indictment.
Fitzgerald then elicited Russert's clear memories of things that happened after the indictment was announced. Now it's time for juror questions.
Walton reminds jurors that Plame's status as covert is not under consideration here, and they are not to speculate about it. Then he reads the questions
Walton (W): Had there been any discussions before Novak article of Wilson's wife
Tim Russert (T): No.
W: After his article was published?
T: Yes.
W: During deposition, were you given a list of questions ahead of time?
T: No.
W: Any script you were given?
T: No.
W: Did you approve or ban any questions in advance?
T: No, I answered what I was asked.
W: Did you relate any claims by Mr. Libby about Wilson's wife to Shapiro? (on July 8th, apparently)
T: Only remember talking to him about Chris Mathews.
W: What were circumstances of call to Buffalo News reporter?
T: (explains Fazio-Clinton debate, what reporter said, what he complained about. Says he then sent a letter to that effect, and paper printed clarification.)
W: Remember when you called reporter? How long it lasted, etc?
T: I don't. Remember letter more than phone call.
W: (to defense) Any follow-up questions?
Wells: Mr. Russert, you have no recollection of Mr. Libby telling you any information about Ms. Wilson?
T: No.
Wells: Thank you.
It's 2:54pm ET.
Government is now presenting additional evidence, including the guidelines about subpoenaing reporters.
Then they announce the testimony of a witness who did not appear (the testimony has been stipulated, or agreed to, by defense already).
Then they announce the testimony of a witness who did not appear (the testimony has been stipulated, or agreed to, by defense already).
More on Russert's testimony.
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