Karl Rove & the Leak -- 2003

Did Karl Rove lie to the President about his role in the Valerie Plame leak, or was the White House lying to the American people?

These are quotes from the official White House transcript of the September 29, 2003 White House press briefing:

"The president knows he [Karl Rove] wasn't involved.... It's simply not true."

"The President has set high standards, the highest of standards for people in his administration. He's made it very clear to people in his administration that he expects them to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. If anyone in this administration was involved in it, they would no longer be in this administration."

"I've made it very clear, from the beginning, that it is totally ridiculous. I've known Karl (Rove) for a long time, and I didn't even need to go ask Karl, because I know the kind of person that he is, and he is someone that is committed to the highest standards of conduct."

– White House Spokesman Scott McClellan on the Valerie Plame leak,

September 29, 2003

Mr Rove has since admitted that he was involved -- detailing Valerie Plame's position but not her name. (The White House)