GAGGLE CODA

This is really funny. Saw this on tonight's Countdown.

Scott McClellan continued the "ongoing investigation" stonewall in the White House Press Briefing today regarding Karl Rove and the CIA leak. After fielding several questions with several variations on the same answer, the subject turned to less crucial matters:

Q Scott, is the President going to watch the Shuttle launch? And has he shelved his Mars proposal?

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, I do expect the President to watch the launch. We wish the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery a safe and successful mission. The President looks forward to seeing the Space Shuttle Discovery launch and the return to flight.

In terms of the mission of NASA, yes, NASA has been moving forward on the vision that the President outlined. And this is a long-term vision that you bring up, one part of that. But today's flight is an important step in advancing space exploration. I think all Americans are proud of our space program, and look forward to the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. It's also a day to remember those who tragically lost their life on February 1, 2003, in -- onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. I know all of us in this room remember that day very well. And today's flight is a way to honor their commitment and their dedication to space exploration.

The United States leads the way when it comes to space exploration. And we want to continue to do that.

Q Thank you.

MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you.

Q Who is the President watching the launch with?

MR. McCLELLAN: We'll get you a photo release from that. Thank you.

END 1:15 P.M. EDT

Except that wasn't the end. As Scotty was leaving, and as the press corps were standing up, a few of them ventured a guess (transcript via TiVo):

Q: Karl Rove?
Q: Karl Rove? . . . It's Karl Rove!
(laughter)
Q: Is Karl Rove going to be on the shuttle?
(laughter)

The fervor in the press on this issue (you know, being lied to by the Press Secretary) doesn't seem to be dying down.