Libby Pardon

Did anyone suggest to Harry Reid that President Bush was considering a pardon for Libby? Of course not. This is outrageous politicking. It's politics by suggestion. This is one of the worst examples of evil manipulation of the press I have seen, and, of course, the press breathlessly reports it. What possible value is there in such an announcement of a letter by Reid? President Bush could do it if he wants to (see, Mark Rich et.al.) and nothing Reid says could stop him. On the other hand President Bush has not shown that he has an inclination to pardon anyone, especially since Libby has not even been convicted of anything yet.
Is the press not permitted to ask why this was done by the Dems? y e s . Then why don't they?