On “Face the Nation” Sunday, Bob Schieffer asked Dick Cheney whether he’s spoken to his “good friend” Scooter Libby since a jury convicted Libby of perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements in the Valerie Plame case.
Cheney’s answer: “I have not.”
Schieffer: You have not?
Cheney: No.
Schieffer: Why not?
Cheney: Well, there hasn’t been occasion to do so. But I have enormous regard for the man. I believe deeply in Scooter Libby. He’s one of the most dedicated public servants I’ve ever worked with, and I think this is a great tragedy. But I’m also constrained not to discuss it. It’s still pending in the courts. The matter will be appealed, and, as I said the other day when the verdict was handed down, I’m not going to comment on it.
Schieffer: Well, I mean, but as your friend, wouldn’t you even call and express your regrets? I mean, I am surprised to hear you say that.
Cheney: I just — I haven’t had occasion to do that.
Schieffer: Do you, in any way, feel responsible for what happened to him?
Cheney: Bob, I’m simply not going to get into the case, and I think it would be inappropriate for me to do so.
Schieffer: I ask you that because, as you well know, Sen. [Chuck] Schumer said that [Libby] was the fall guy for you.
Cheney: Bob, the answer’s the same. You can ask, but you’ll get the same answer.
