Karl Rove, Stooge or Genius?

During grand jury testimony today Time reporter Matt Cooper revealed that Karl Rove was, in fact, the source for his story about CIA operative Valerie Plame. While the media focuses on whether or not Rove will quit or be fired for leaking classified information, I have another question. What is the boy genius up to? Cooper only agreed to reveal his source to the grand jury after Karl Rove gave him permission in writing. In contrast, New York Times reporter Judith Miller is currently in jail for failing to reveal her source, who presumably did not give her permission. Why would Rove give Cooper permission to reveal him as the source? Certainly he knew the political backlash would be enormous? Did he figure that his identity would be revealed at some point anyway, so why not get it out of the way? Or does he have some sort of master plan (uniting the Republican base, distracting the media’s attention from another scandal, getting greater notoriety so he can pick up more chicks, etc)?

On a related note, liberal columnist Michael Kinsley had an intriguing column in Sunday’s Washington Post in which he essentially argues in favor of forcing reporters to reveal their sources in this case. My opinion on the subject can be found here.

Update: Just read this great article on what the Rove/Plame scandal really means by Evan Derkacz for Alternet.org. Its essense: Karl Rove endangered America. This seems a little over-the-top to me; but, for an administration fond of accusing others of putting America in danger it's pretty rich karma.