[Steely Tom]

I guess that's pretty much how he comes across in this C-SPAN interview as well, although I think he's what we would describe as an "honest liberal" today.

An "honest liberal" being basically exactly what you describe.

"You've got to crack some eggs to make an omelet," which is just a fancy way of saying "the ends justify the means."

Or more recently... what was that thing that was said about the Bush National Guard memo? "Literally false, but factually true," or some such nonsense. I can't quite remember.

[ClearCase_guy]

I think Rather said, “Fake but accurate.”

[BradyLS]

Dan Rather’s phrase was, “Fake. But accurate.”