Polls & Research

Americans Review Rove’s Alleged Role in CIA Leak

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Some adults in the United States think White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove might be responsible for the possible leak of an undercover Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer's identity, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates published in Newsweek. 37 per cent of respondents believe Rove is guilty of a serious offence, while 22 per cent disagree.

In July, Newsweek quoted Robert Luskin—Rove's lawyer—as saying the White House deputy chief of staff discussed the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame with Time reporter Matthew Cooper. In the U.S., the deliberate exposure of a covert agent is a criminal offence. Commentator Robert Novak was the first to disclose Plame's identity in a July 2003 column.

On Jul. 13, U.S. president George W. Bush referred to the incident, saying, "I would like this to end as quickly as possible so we know the facts, and if someone committed a crime, they will no longer work in my administration." On Aug. 1, Bush defended Rove, declaring, "Karl's got my complete confidence. He's a valuable member of my team."

New York Times reporter Judith Miller spent 85 days in jail, after being charged with contempt of court for refusing to appear before the federal grand jury investigating the CIA leak. While Miller did not actually write a story about the subject, she at first refused to reveal her confidential sources. Miller issued a statement on Sept. 29, which read, "My source has now voluntarily and personally released me from my promise of confidentiality regarding our conversations relating to the Wilson-Plame matter."

Miller testified before the federal grand jury on Sept. 30. The New York Times has identified Lewis Libby—vice-president Dick Cheney's chief of staff—as Miller's source.

Polling Data

Thinking about reports that White House advisor Karl Rove may have leaked classified information about Valerie Plame, a CIA agent, from what you've heard or read about Karl Rove's involvement in this case, do you think he is guilty of a serious offence, or is not guilty of a serious offence?