Bush is getting hit for his shifting standard on what would constitute a firing offense in the Plame business–just leaking as he seemed to suggest in the past, or committing a crime as he said today. The White House might be able to get at least a little cover from this Bush reference to a “criminal action” back on September 6, 2003, although he was also saying that the act of leaking was itself a problem and–of course–lending credence to the idea that this was very, very serious business:

And, you know, there’s a lot of leaking in Washington, D.C. It’s a town famous for it. And if this helps stop leaks of — this investigation in finding the truth, it will not only hold someone to account who should not have leaked — and this is a serious charge, by the way. We’re talking about a criminal action, but also hopefully will help set a clear signal we expect other leaks to stop, as well. And so I look forward to finding the truth.