He, and probably others, deserve to be punished for playing a role in the White House's retaliation against war critic Joe Wilson (by going after his wife, Valerie Plame). Finally, his commutation gives assurance to anyone who doubted it: Dick Cheney commands overwhleming power: he is neither Vice President nor President of the United States. He controls the fourth branch of government, The Cheney Empire, where foot soldiers can lie and obstruct justice, be charged, convicted and punished, and receive preferential treatment for falling on their sword. I welcome Giuliani's statements in support of Bush's commutation. No doubt Libby will eventually receive a full pardon, something Giuliani will also applaud. As long as Republican candidates for President flippantly place Libby above the law, the chances of a Democrat taking the oath of office in January 2009 continues to increase. (Chart from Pollster.com via Andrew Sullivan)