I personally think it was a political mistake at the least for the obvious reasons that the demos will get a lot of mileage from it. However, I think that mileage will be short lived and in a few weeks the hot topic will be something else. Repubs have paraded themselves as the "law and order" party and this does not sit well to fit and foster that role model IMO.
What may get more mileage in the longer term is the statement released by Fred Thompson on this issue:
"I am very happy for Scooter Libby. I know that this is a great relief to him, his wife and children. While for a long time I have urged a pardon for Scooter, I respect the President's decision. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life."
Fred Thompson
The dems will obviously try and make as much of this as they can so I'd venture to say over the next few weeks this will dominate more than Bush's actions in this matter. The Bush move whether now or in late December of next year was expected. I do believe Bush will grant a full pardon in the last days before his term ends so don't be surprised when that does happen. His move right now is to spare Libby from jail but also to limit the fallout leaving the felony record in tack along with the probation and fines.
This whole issue of pardons and clemency will be in the media for the next few days and I'd imagine Bush will get his record looked at. Might be good idea to consider past Presidents actions when looking at this issue.
President Clinton
http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/clintonpardon_grants.htm
President Bush (Bush 1) Only one term's worth
http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/bushgrants.htm
Presidential Pardons for 1945 thru 2001
http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/actions_administration.htm
Current Bush in not compiled into complete form as his term is not finished but you can search a year to year breakdown if you like.
Let me just say this in closing about this Scooter Libby deal. I do think Washington needed a lamb to be sacrificed for the good of the public and whether it was in some dark room or circumstances just worked out that Scooter became the little lamb, someone needed to be thrown to the wolves so the eye of the pubic would look no further. And I mean looking at both sides. Washington is a corrupt sleazy cesspool of criminals in 3 piece suits IMO and this whole thing was nothing more than sport to these guys. In the few days ahead, the sport will continue and the hope is to have all of us look elsewhere while they continue the game of, and to quote the line from a famous AC/DC song, "dirty deeds done dirt cheap!"
The most powerful weapon you can use against these guys is sitting right before you and the ammo is a matter of a few keystrokes away.
SEARCH! SEARCH! SEARCH! READ! READ! READ! And then share with your friends, neighbors, etc. The failed immigration bill clearly showed these guys are all about appearance and image and lack very little understanding of the issues and how we feel out here in the real world.
There's one thing that the politicos of Washington fear more than a 1000 Osama's at the stick of a 1000 747's and that is a well informed and educated citizenery that they can't manipulate with smoke and mirrors and other black opts games. Don't be their victim, learn all you can on these issues and don't be afraid to consider all points of view! You never know where good info will come from.
JMO