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October 01, 2003
Self-fulfilling prophecy
I find it somewhat disheartening that reporters seem to think its necessary to mention that investigations of leaks usually don't seem to lead anywhere. While this may be a valid point, repeating it can help set the public expectations to expect a failure, making it easier for journalists not to probe the case - or their own involvement in it - with more vigor.
While I'm sure it's awkward for reporters to be working on a story that involves other reporters and brings to a head questions about source confidentiality, I don't think that they should back down from something that has the kind of potentially serious implications that the Plame scandal does. If they accept the canard that leak investigations lead to nothing, they can create and atmosphere that might make it easier for the FBI to tank their probe.
Obviously, though, the CIA was able to come up with enough information that Ashcroft knew he couldn't just bury it, which is why the FBI has it now. It may well be possible to get information on who made the leaks without forcing journalists to reveal their sources, and that would perhaps be the best approach for reporters to take.
Posted by thorswitch at October 1, 2003 03:47 PM
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