http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx This is day #2 of jury selection, and it has become another bad day for a few of America’s elite universities.  This morning, a young woman with degrees from Swarthmore and Emory University said she had no opinion about the Bush Administration’sen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33329Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:42:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33329Ed From NJI think its easier to believe than he makes it sound, that educated people have no idea what going on in the world, I mean, Morons make up the majority, and vote based on good looks, charisma, and religion. So what do the wise have to say about the course of the world, being in such a small minority. Why bother? why stress?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33341Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:49:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33341Frank Lopez, NYC, NYFunny story but true... it is the state of America where people do not pay attention regardless of their level of education, and in my belief it is the reason why people vote against their own interests.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33342Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:50:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33342Zig Grutza Detroit MichThere is no way Libby will receive a fair and impartial trial in that district. I'm happy I live in Michiganhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33355Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:54:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33355Art Hackett, Madison, WIEither the woman with the graduate degree in journalism from Northwestern is a liar or Medill is turning out some incurious reporters these days.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33366Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:00:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33366Pedro A. FerranI find it incredible that university graduates would state that they never read the newspapers, watch TV news and that the vice president is a perfect stranger. I have a associates degree and strive to read, listen, watch, any and all comments by administration officials, news correspondents and opposition party members. The lies of those "educated universitarians" are so obviously childish that they make me wonder about their intelligence, not to say their commitment to the truth.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33411Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:21:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33411Muraleedahran Nair, MichiganI believe some of the students attending elite schools are not in tune with what is happening around them and in the world. This is similar to the disconnect we see among the DC politicians. Once the disconnect takes over, accountablitiy takes a back seat and feel that they are omnipotent. A sad state of affairs indeed!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33425Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:27:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33425A. Moron, Los Angeles, CAI think it is easy to believe that the "educated people" are lying just to get a piece of the Libby trial pie. Or is it just the morons who read and care about our country? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33428Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:27:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33428Jacob, Louisville, KentuckyIt seems a lot like people are covering up their knowledge to be in such a high-profile case. As bad as it sounds, it looks to be unavoidable - especially in today's world. Yeah, I'd call that a problem.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33438Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:38:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33438Edith PerryAs a an American Citizen I can't believe the answers of the Swarthmore and Emory graduate. believe they were coloring the truth in order to be chosen as jurorshttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33448Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:44:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33448Alan Eggleston, Grand Rapids, MichiganI can't believe the potential juror from Northwestern couldn't remember anything she had reported on as a journalism student. Nothing? Nothing at all? I took journalism classes over 30 years ago and I remember at least one story I reported on. It was about the economic death of a small town in central Michigan. Will she pay enough attention during the trial to make an informed decision in the case? Or will she deadlock the jury?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33453Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:46:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33453Dick ... Louisville, ky.Are there no " just plain folks " from which to select a jury ?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33458Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:49:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33458LEROY PALMERIT IS STUDENTS LIKE THESE WHY WE ARE IN THE MESS WE ARE IN, IN IRAQ. IF THEY VOTED, THEY MAY NOT EVEN BE SURE WHO THEY VOTED FOR.DO'NT YOU SEE WHO IS IN THE WHITEHOUSE, HE IS A YALE GRADUATED, MAKING MUCK OF THE WORLD. IF YOU HAD ASKED THE QUESTION HOW IS SADDAM, YOU PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD, "HE IS US SENATOR" EDUCATED DUM-DUMhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33462Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:51:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33462Matt, Seattle, WAI find it interesting that the link to this article stated "Bad day for elite shcools", and that you identify a potential juror as "a database administration". A bit hypocritical, no?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33467Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:09:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33467Paul, Seattle, Wash.It was an especially bad day for elite schools the other day when Condoleeza Rice said, "It's bad policy to speculate on what you'll do if a plan fails when you're trying to make a plan work". I decided on the spot, that if this is the kind of brainless thinking that someone from Stanford learns, I am not going to encourage my kids to go there. If a Stanford grad believes that being a leader means you don't make contingency plans, then I might as well send my kids to Community College where they might get some common sense.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33473Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:21:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33473TheCSo.. did the Northwestern grad think that the lead prosecuter was the coach of the NU football team too?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33478Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:33:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33478Sharon W, Hamden, CT Dave, I've just loved your unbiased and indepth reporting on this case and am glad to see you blogging the whole trial. Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing your reports on Hardball and Olbermann. And, might I just add, boy are you right about the quality of the elite university graduates in this jury selection. Wow. I'm stunned. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33479Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:36:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33479John Carson, Berlin Heights, OhioAs a Northwestern graduate with two journalism degrees, I am embarrassed by my fellow alum's comments. I remember the stories I covered in graduate school--and as an undergraduate--and I got my BSJ way back in 1961 and my MSJ in 1962.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33482Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:40:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33482Robert K. Warren, Cromwell,INA journalist that doesn't know current events. Sounds awful fishy. From what I read in the report I would say someones got to the potential jurist.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33497Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:06:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33497Dan Packard, Columbia, SCWhy do the producers of "Hardball with Chris Matthews" continue to label the Scooter Libby trial, "the CIA leak" trial, or the"Libby Leak" trial? The trial is whether he perjured himself in front of Pat Fitzgerald, not whether he leaked sensitive, state secrets. The special prosecutor found no evidence to indict him on that charge. Start calling it what it is, not what you want it to be.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33501Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:15:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33501David, NUHello! Who's the stupid one? Of course they're lying so they can be on the jury.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33508Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:26:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33508Tim Aines, Northbrook, IllinoisEvery juror or potential juror in the story is a liberal or a closet liberal hoping to seed the jury. It's patently absurd that these folks don't know what's going on with this case. Partisan judicial activism at it's very roots going on here. Libby is toast. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33514Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:44:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33514Joanne, Corona, CAI don't blame the elite universities. Kids are not being educated properly at the primary and secondary level. If you haven't learned to read and write properly, and have not developed a sense of curiosity, by the time you start college it's too late.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33541Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:23:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33541Bryann Gibson, Merrillville, IndianaI think what we are overlooking here is the fact that all of these "elite" graduates have obtained a social training and opportunism during their college expeience that remains today. The fact of what they know isn't material; the real issue is that they can clearly see the interest in this case. The spectacle surrounding their entrance to the courthouse would surely establish that. Now the prospective jurors have to choose for themselves whether they want to be a part of this or not, and structure their answers accordingly. For some, the elite "opportunism gene" may kick in and the search for book, movie, and tv interview riches takes hold. I'm glad I chose Indiana University. Go Big Red!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33603Thu, 18 Jan 2007 03:28:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33603Roy Estes Does this really matter in the broader perspective of the Bush administration ? Our fore fathers are turning in their graves . He has ravaged the constitution and made the US the most despised nation on earth . If Saddam was a war criminal "Little George" must be some sort of , silver spoon in his mouth , alien sub species .http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33631Thu, 18 Jan 2007 04:31:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33631Maddie DeRose, ChicagoCondoleezza didn't attend Stanford. She graduated from the U. of Denver and Notre Dame. And I think Miss Northwestern was lying about what she knew. Getting on this jury and writing a book about her experiences could easily make her career.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33642Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:17:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33642RobertWhat a refreshing account of a jury selection. Ignorance, cleverness, conivingness, humor, honesty, and Americana, all rolled into one.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33659Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:01:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33659Skip GoddardPoor Libby is just the tip of the biggest con job ever pulled on the American people. If all the deception and obfuscation of the facts can be uncovered even truly naive people will have to open thier eyes.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33660Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:10:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33660'N' for k'N'owledgeTo avoid it having been a bad day for elite schools, it may have been made quite simple by asking potential jurors: "What does the 'N' on the Nebraska football helmets stand for?" --Answer: "kNowledge"http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33664Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:21:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33664Maureen M, Binghamton, NYGreat job covering the trial so far, David. You make jury selection sound more interesting than it really is! I have to agree with the other commenters who think some of the prospective jurors are lying so they can get their 15 minutes of fame. There is no way that out of a randomly selected group of people in DC, this many don't know anything about the Libby case.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33665Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:26:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33665stan niemczura, port charlotte, floridaBring in the derelicts, homeless, drifters, etc and I will believe them when they say they nothing about the case. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33675Thu, 18 Jan 2007 11:10:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33675Meet John Does, Everywhere, North America#1 The fact that lawyers have any contact with jurors before a trial and that those lawyers have a say on who is a juror IS STACKING THE DECK. It is the first contamination of the actual truth. A third party should select jurors with NO ties to the case. The first time a juror see a defense lawyer or prosecutor should be in the courtroom. Someone need to rip those blinders off the lady justice so she can see! It is time for a Justinian-esque transformation of a system that is currently that caters to rich white affluent citizens who can buy their freedom. It is revolting to see freedom as a commodity. It further more sickening to see how those without money are subsequently treated as sub-human numbered beings that become tangled in a web that will lead them to a prison where they will be further demoralized and criminal behavior will be fine tuned. In the case of Libby…. There will be no justice carried out for this man. He will scheme, lie, and pay as much as it takes to make this dog and pony show so drag on until the public has lost it’s appetite. Most likely the absent minded journalism graduate is an opportunist scumbag hoping to ride on Libby’s coattails. I would never be a juror on any case, I DO NOT BELIEVE THERE IS VERY MUCH JUSTICE IN AMERICA ANYMORE… ESPECAILLY IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM. SHAM SHAM SHAM! The present system and adminastration are Nero-esque blood sucking vultures. And Libby Bush will more than likely go free... thanks to the most evil of them all, the VICE- pres. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33678Thu, 18 Jan 2007 11:24:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33678D.R. VamanIt is unfortunate that the graduates of elite schools seem to be disinterested in everything about US government and politics. It is ironic that many naturalized citizens take test in the same areas at the time of citizenship. Most people in US have very little knowledge of the world, may be the elite school graduates with such ignorance are teaching generations of american citizens.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33689Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:04:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33689Valarie, Dallas, TexasI'm sad to say that I'm not surprised by the lack of interest shown by the university graduates. I wouldn't have believed it, though, if I didn't personally work with a woman in her late 20's who graduated from a Top 25 university with honors. She thought that there were 19 men aboard each 9/11 airplane who used guns, still thinks that Saddam was involved in 9/11, and does not know who John Edwards is, even though she voted in the presidential election in 2004. This is one reason that our country is in its current state. What's even worse is that our priority on standardized testing in elementary and secondary public schools will further erode the development of intellectual curiousity in the students who are the future of our county.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33711Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:24:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33711beth sanders, fairfax, VAThe founders of the United States of America wanted the people of our country to be able to make informed decisions about matters of interest to all of us. In order to make these decisions, people have both the right and the responsibility to educate themselves about important issues, from truthful and dependable sources. Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and all the other courageous people who founded our country never meant for important decisions to be made by people who didn't know anything about the issues involved. They knew it is clearly possible to be a completely impartial juror, reaching a verdict based solely on eveidence presented in a court of law, while still being a well-informed citizen. They would be appalled to see the judicial process "dumbed down" to select only jurors who have no interest in current affairs, and who don't read or pay attention to matters vital to our country's interests. Mr. Libby deserves a fair trial, from a well-informed, impartial jury careful to consider only the evidence presented in court; this takes intelligence on the part of the jurors. Intelligent people keep themselves well-informed; this should not disqualify them from serving on a jury. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#33830Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:13:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33830Robert Burke, San Diego, Ca The jury selction process has become as important as the actual presentation of evidence in determining the outcome of a trial. I feel this is wrong, and believe the potential jurors should be questioned by the judge, not the lawyers, and only disqualified if they have a direct personal connection to the case or one similar to it.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#34283Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:04:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:34283glen,wilkesboro ncI am glad to have reached the age where money,sex,and the things of this world are no longer important.I just try to get out of the rain find my next can of beans and enjoy the golden years.No need to find yellow cake,black gold, hang a politican,or take a trip at the tax payers expense.It's good to old and dumb and not worry if someone saw who I was in bed with last night. Life could not be better. Why worry about a Muslim jihad !!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#34738Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:44:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:34738Dan, San Bernardino, CAWashington D.C. is 70% Black, and yet there are only a couple of jurist candidates of that ethnicity. I guess the person in charge of the jury pool wanted to get well educated anglos, right?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#34819Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:51:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:34819Fernando J. Carlo, San Juan, Puerto RicoIt's obvious these most of these "educated" prospective jurors want to be the judges of the facts. Watch out defense attorneys! Try to get additional preremptory challenges and wipe them all out. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#35239Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:28:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:35239Chris, Warwick, RIJoanne from Corona has it perfectly correct! At 48 I'm changing careers and have taken many courses in college recently. It has been my experience with the younger crowd that has made me realize how unprepared they are before.....and after college. The Northwestern graduate doesn't surprise me at all since if you asked most college students to name our highest politicians and their job title most of them couldn't even come close to getting it right. Tell them it will be on a quiz and they might temporarily memorize the facts to pass and then purge the new knowledge a few days later. Education has been ruined due to the lack of deep understanding (not just memorization). Our kids are taught to "punch a ticket" rather than actually learn something. The majority of teachers we have today are a product of "ticket punching" mentality which makes it certain that we will see more and more "educated" citizens that know very little or nothing. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#35411Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:44:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:35411Mark Diekmann, Minneapolis, MinnesotaEvery juror or potential juror in the story is a conservative or closet conservative hoping to seed the jury. Its patently absurd that these folks don't know what is going on with this case. Partisan judicial activism at its very roots going on here. Libby will walk.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#36205Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:02:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:36205Jeff, Las Vegas, NevadaLibby will walk either way. You have to know that King George will grant Libby a PARDON if they attempt to see JUSTICE done.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#36247Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:34:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:36247Robert Billett, Sacramento, CAWhy are we making so much to do about the Libby trial. Could it be because he worked for VP Cheney and some would do anything to bash the Bush administration? We know he did not leak the name of Valerie Phame and is not charged with that anyway. So he lied (supposely) to a grand jury, so what. Is it worth millions in tax payers dollars to say "we got you." Where was all your coverage about Sandy Berger stealing classified documents and destroying them, to cover up for Bill Clinton? Oh, those were democrats so it was ok. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/17/33073.aspx#36302Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:22:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:36302Norm, Salinas, Puerto RicoWhen jury trials were provided in the past, was there ever a mention or intention of the framers of that legislation to have "experts in body language" attend and make notes of possible hidden agendas?? I guess old western style justice where you dropped the names in a hat and they were chosen by lottery didn't provide us a jury of "peers", or did they mean your intelligence had to be equal to the accused??? All the justice you can buy seems to be the modern trend.