Last night, before hopping on the train back to Connecticut, I stopped by at a local bar to have drinks with some of the journalists covering the Libby Trial. A few other people with strong interests in the trial were there. The most important point that was brought up, especially when some of the others learned I was a blogger, was that everything there was somewhere between off the record and deeply, deeply, deeply off the record. The more drinks we had, the further off the record we went.

So, there will be no quotes, no attributions and I’m going to leave a lot of stuff out, but I will share some general stories that struck me as interesting. I hope others will find it interesting and people involved won’t feel that I’ve revealed too much.

Before I went to the bar, I walked out of the third street entrance to the courthouse. Standing inside, was Libby, Wells, and a few other people. Outside was a phalanx of photographers waiting. I thought I would stick around to observe the ritual. After a few moments, a silver SUV with Maryland plates showed up. Photographs commented that the car was here and got into position. In a few moments, Wells, Libby and the rest of their group came out and got in the car as the photographers took their pictures. It was friendly and respectful.

Later, I heard that Mrs. Libby has commented to the press about how they will always come out this way, even after the verdict. It was noted that the photographers and the defense team have remained respectful of one another and it is hoped that this respect will continue through and after the verdict. I hope so too. I remember working on political campaigns where people have gone out to people’s house and not been respectful and I hope that doesn’t happen here.

At the bar, I heard the story of a reporter who had graduated from law school and was approached by a noted judge about becoming his one of his clerks. She decided that what she really wanted to do was be a journalist. When she declined his offer, he asked if she had any specific job offers in journalism. She said she didn’t. He asked if she had leads, and she said she didn’t, but she repeated her conviction to do what she felt her heart was calling her to do. He respected that and now she is a noted journalist whom clerks whisper, “That’s the person who turned down the judge’s clerkship offer.” Follow your dreams everyone. I have to hand it to that journalist. She has followed her dreams, and they have turned out well. I hope that if I ever figure out what my dreams are, they will turn out as well.

At the bar there were games about what the best moments and lines from the trial were. There were many great quotes and a lot of laughter. It was one of the better after work drinking gatherings I’ve been too.

There were speculations about what happens next, but unlike bloggers, journalists and lawyers are less likely to want their speculations published, so that part will simply stay in the back of my mind as I try to figure out what the greater narrative really is.

My train home got delayed, but I’m home, trying to catch up on emails, other things to blog about as well as figuring out how best to continue chasing my dreams.

To my new friends covering the courts in DC, I wish I were in the media room to listen to people argue about the latest notes. I do hope that we cross paths again soon.