Convicted felon blacksmails President

The President's commutation of Scooter Libby's prison sentence does not serve justice, condones criminal conduct, and is a betrayal of trust of the American people.

The President would not act like this if he were not under considerable, unknown criminal pressure.

By his action today, the President shows he is being blackmailed."

Bush originally said, "Libby is guilty of perjury and obstructing justice. Our entire system of justice relies on people telling the truth. And if a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable."

But Libby told Cheney that he would implicate him in the felony if he had to go to prison.

Cheney instructed Bush to commute the prison sentence without going through the normal procedures.