In Washington, Lewis “Scooter” Libby’s defense has received a major blow from both a key witness and a recording of Libby’s own words. Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff is accused of lying to investigators and a grand jury during the investigation of the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame. On Wednesday, NBC News correspondent Tim Russert testified he did not tell Libby about Plame’s identity. Russert’s testimony came after the jury heard a recording of an exchange in which Libby tells special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald he did not know of Plame’s identity until he spoke to Russert. On the tape, Libby describes to Fitzgerald what he says Russert told him.

Lewis “Scooter” Libby: “'Did you know that his wife works at the CIA?'”

Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald: “And you said?”

Libby: “'No, I don't know that.’”

Fitzgerald: “And his response?”

Libby: “'Yes' — something like, 'Yes, yeah, all the reporters know.'”

Fitzgerald: “And your response?”

Libby: “'No, I don't know that.’”