Are Libby's lawyers anticipating Cheney might be contradicted by another witness?

[sabra]

http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/18/36260.aspx

Libby jury selection: Will a witness contradict Cheney's testimony? Posted: Thursday, January 18,
David Shuster

This is day #3 in jury selection for the Scooter Libby trial. And today’s session began with Scooter Libby’s top lawyer SUGGESTING that Vice President Cheney’s expected testimony in this case MAY be contradicted by another witness. Despite all of the pre-trial filings, documents, and evidence released...this is the first time such a suggestion has been made in the CIA leak case.

During the questioning of a potential juror who called the Iraq war “a tremendous mistake” and said she felt “betrayed by the war,” Libby’s attorney questioned the woman about her views of Vice President Cheney. A juror can not serve on the panel if his/her views on the war or views of any administration official would inhibit the juror’s ability to examined evidence, testimony, and a verdict “fairly.” Regarding the vice president, the woman said, “I think he’s been instrumental in enacting some policies that have damaged our country.” She then said she could still be “fair” in this case and listen only to the evidence presented in court. Libby lawyer Ted Wells then said, “Vice President Cheney will be a witness in this case. If his testimony is contradicted by another witness, who you don’t know or have no feelings about, would your feelings about the vice president make it difficult for you to fairly evaluate the credibility of the vice president?”

What was Libby’s lawyer referring to? Is there a witness who will undermine the Vice President? Is Wells expecting a battle royal between prosecutor Fitzgerald and Vice President Cheney when Cheney is cross examined and suggests he may not “remember” issues related to the Wilsons and the leak of Valerie Wilson’s identity?

[H2O Man]

1. Yes.

It should be interesting to hear what Ms. Martin says.

[Tatiana]

2. HELL YES!

Fitzgerald seems to have suggested in his questioning that there may be multiple witnesses that contradict the VP. Given some of the responses by potential jurors, I wonder how long it's going to take to seat a jury.

Seems like a lot of folk in the area don't really like or respect the VP.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

3. I don't know about this particular case - but any lawyer would ask that question

The defense always has to anticipate the existence of a rebuttal witness regarding the testimony of one of their own witnesses or of the defendant himself (if Libby decides to take the stand).

[bleever]

4. Either Ms. Martin's testimony is impeachable,

or the VP is.

That's an oversimplification, but it's going to come down to something that simple.