2008 Woodie Awards
Former CIA agent speaks about identity leak to public
Issue date: 11/6/08
Valerie Plame Wilson smiled at the crowd of Hopkins students, faculty and local residents who had gathered in Shriver Hall on Thursday to hear the latest in the line of Milton S. Eisenhower (MSE) Symposium speakers.
"I have a story to tell you," she began.
The chuckle that traveled through the audience in response indicated that many there already knew the basic details of Plame's tale.
Her name had been in and out of the news since July 14, 2003, when journalist Robert Novak revealed her position as a CIA operative in a column in The Washington Post.
This occurred only a week after her husband, Joseph Wilson, published an editorial that criticized the Bush administration for entering the Iraq War as a result of unreliable intelligence. This has commonly been considered the reason why Plame's identity was leaked.
The press leak that led to Plame being exposed by Novak resulted in the indictment and conviction of the administration official I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby. President Bush subsequently commuted his sentence.
Plame expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to speak directly about her experiences over the past five years.
"So much has been spoken about me and for me, and I am delighted to be here to speak for myself," she said.
For the most part, Plame recounted the story of her life working for the CIA and especially on coping with the aftermath of having her identity revealed, an event that forcibly ended her covert work with the CIA.
Plame segwayed into a critique of the current government administration and a commentary on the importance of the presidential race. Plame did not speak in favor of either 2008 presidential candidate, but instead emphasized the important changes she felt needed to be made in the future, stressing the need for accountability in the next administration.
"This really is the most important election we've had yet," she concluded.
Plame also described the censorship she has faced since leaving the CIA and writing a book of memoirs. The CIA would not allow her to acknowledge any service prior to Jan. 21, 2002.
"I have a story to tell you," she began.
The chuckle that traveled through the audience in response indicated that many there already knew the basic details of Plame's tale.
Her name had been in and out of the news since July 14, 2003, when journalist Robert Novak revealed her position as a CIA operative in a column in The Washington Post.
This occurred only a week after her husband, Joseph Wilson, published an editorial that criticized the Bush administration for entering the Iraq War as a result of unreliable intelligence. This has commonly been considered the reason why Plame's identity was leaked.
The press leak that led to Plame being exposed by Novak resulted in the indictment and conviction of the administration official I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby. President Bush subsequently commuted his sentence.
Plame expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to speak directly about her experiences over the past five years.
"So much has been spoken about me and for me, and I am delighted to be here to speak for myself," she said.
For the most part, Plame recounted the story of her life working for the CIA and especially on coping with the aftermath of having her identity revealed, an event that forcibly ended her covert work with the CIA.
Plame segwayed into a critique of the current government administration and a commentary on the importance of the presidential race. Plame did not speak in favor of either 2008 presidential candidate, but instead emphasized the important changes she felt needed to be made in the future, stressing the need for accountability in the next administration.
"This really is the most important election we've had yet," she concluded.
Plame also described the censorship she has faced since leaving the CIA and writing a book of memoirs. The CIA would not allow her to acknowledge any service prior to Jan. 21, 2002.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
OLIVE GROVE BOOKS
posted 11/07/08 @ 1:09 PM EST
Publisher?s Note: Our author had it right in 1987, but couldn?t get published because they said the events he predicted could not possibly happen. Well, they did, and we finally published him when we discovered the manuscript. (Continued…)
Bailey Wu Xiang
posted 11/08/08 @ 6:16 PM EST
"This occurred only a week after her husband, Joseph Wilson, published an editorial that criticized the Bush administration for entering the Iraq War as a result of unreliable intelligence. (Continued…)
NameRequired
posted 11/08/08 @ 6:51 PM EST
Ms. Muth wrote:
Plame segwayed into a critique...
Truly, the barbarians are already inside the gate.
Try:
Plame segued into a critique...
Taffy Ducque
posted 11/09/08 @ 3:21 PM EST
I note with interest that the reporter seems very concerned with the civility of the discourse, and Valerie Plame's control of her emotions.
Although she did have one or two flagrant outbursts, for the most part things went well and ultimately 'She did not disappoint. (Continued…)
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