Libby Trial: Behind the Scenes

ByABC News
March 5, 2007, 11:45 AM

Mar. 6, 2007 — -- Every day, former White House adviser I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby enters and exits the U.S. District Courthouse in Washington with his high-profile legal team in tow.

Libby is charged with obstruction of justice, perjury and making false statements regarding the federal investigation into who leaked the name of CIA offer Valerie Wilson, the wife of Iraq war critic, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson.

Behind the scenes at the courthouse, it's been like Groundhog Day for the bevy of photographers and cameramen who wait for the verdict day after day.

Since the onset of the trial in January, Libby has come and gone while photographers scramble to get the picture of the day.

In their down time, between Libby's grand entrances and exits, crews kill time with newspapers, DVDs and celebrity gossip magazines.

To the throng gathered outside, patience is the name of the game, though some are more than ready for the trial to end.

"I was ready for this to end last Friday right after the jury was partitioned," says Bernie Gmiter, an ABC News engineer, "It couldn't happen too soon. I've been here for too long already."

And for photographers on foot all day, the waiting isn't any easier.

Photographer Matthew Cavanaugh says he remains ever-ready.

"If everyone else jumps up, you jump up, too. Just in case," Cavanaugh said.

But at the end of the day, life isn't so bad for some who say the waiting game outside the courthouse still beats being in an office, especially when the weather is sunny and warm.

Entering the tenth day of jury deliberations, their waiting game continues.