At various points in recent years, the Bush gang has used the legal proceedings to avoid responding to questions about this scandal.

Before Libby was charged, White House officials said they couldn't talk because there’s an ongoing criminal investigation. After Libby was charged, they said they couldn't talk because there’s an ongoing trial. After Libby was convicted, they said they couldn't talk because there was a civil suit. After the civil suit was thrown out of court, they couldn't talk because Libby's ruling was under appeal.

So, with Libby ending his appeals, they're out of excuses, right? Wrong.

Reporters tried again Monday, and White House press secretary Dana Perino said she would check. At the press "gaggle" yesterday, Perino was asked if she had "had a chance to talk with the president about the Scooter Libby case."

"I have not," she said, "but I did talk to our counsel's office because I forgot that there is a civil case that is pending on this issue. I did forget. The Wilsons have filed a case in civil court, it was dismissed, and they are on appeal."

Maybe someday, but we probably shouldn't count on it.