When comparing Clinton's lying to Libby's lying, my thoughts have just been crystallized by this piece in The New York Times.
Clinton lied when he said that he did not engage in sexual behaviour with Monica Lewinsky.
Libby lied when he covered up the Plame leak.
In one case, the action that was lied about was not a criminal act (adultery). In the other case, the action that was lied about was a criminal act (leaking the name of an undercover CIA agent).
Perjury is always against the law, but it is more damning when the lie covers up a criminal act. That's what Libby did, and that is what differentiates him from Clinton.
Clinton lied when he said that he did not engage in sexual behaviour with Monica Lewinsky.
Libby lied when he covered up the Plame leak.
In one case, the action that was lied about was not a criminal act (adultery). In the other case, the action that was lied about was a criminal act (leaking the name of an undercover CIA agent).
Perjury is always against the law, but it is more damning when the lie covers up a criminal act. That's what Libby did, and that is what differentiates him from Clinton.
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