Posted on 09/14/2004 6:16:18 AM PDT by kattracks
Publicly Dan Rather's CBS colleagues are putting up a brave front as the disgraced newsman desperately tried again last night to defend himself against charges he used forged documents in a bid to discredit President Bush's military record.
But at CBS headquarters in New York the anxiety level has hit the red zone, with even Rather's allies saying they're dazed and confused over his shaky performance. "I'm distressed," one longtime CBS correspondent, who asked not to be identified, told the New York Times.
Another network source described the atmosphere at Black Rock as one of "deep concern."
"I'd say [it's] not panic," he quickly added. "We all want it to be right. Dan really put himself on the line and I can't imagine him knowingly defending something he knew not to be the case."
Another CBS source said there was increasing nervousness over the star anchorman's decision to stonewall on an independent investigation into his dubious Guard report.
"I've talked to colleagues who would love to see more of a defense," he told the Times.
Even Rather's longtime "60 Minutes" colleague, Mike Wallace, found it hard to defend his embattled co-worker.
"I'm confused by some of what I've heard today," he offered, before insisting that if Rather's documents were indeed forged, it was an innocent mistake.
"You're dealing with genuine professionals. The last thing in the world that any of these people would want is to phony something," he told the Times.
When will Dan resign?
Actually, I've been wondering for several years when that old coot was gonna retire. Maybe this will be the straw that broke the liberals back...
HAH!
I figure he'll go about another year and then retire. They don't want him to "resign" and ruin his career ... but his days are officially numbered. They'll wait until it all blows over and then give him a ceremonial retirement.
Oh yeah...say it again and this time be more convincing!
I wouldn't piss on dan blather if he were on fire.
I'd surmise that there's a lot more than mere "distress" and "concern" at CBS. Righteously PO'd at Rather is probably more prevalent. He's besmirched the entire organization.
They are all hoping this will blow over. I noticed Greta had a "missing girl" story on last night. Isn't that what usually happens when Democrats are in trouble?
Why doesn't Wallace send a 60 minutes camera crew to follow him out to his car when he's leaving for work?
Tie him to the mast of Bubba Gump's shrimp boat and let his seppuka with honor.
A true statement I believe. But, and it's a big BUT, when you want to believe something so desperately you're objectivity goes out the window you'll believe anything. That's what happened to Dan, his own prejudices have finally gotten the best of him.
The authenticity of the documents has been thoroughly debunked, not only by pajama clad bloggers, but by experts consulted by numerous MSM outlets. There's not a shred of doubt any long -- they are blatant forgeries.
For Rather to continue the charade is lunacy. At some point -- soon -- CBS is going to have to shake Rather hard and tell him to get it right. My hunch is that Rather will exit stage left and leave others behind to clean up his mess.
It isn't an innocent mistake when you refuse to address the proof that the evidence is forged.
That = collusion.
Yep.... and an obnoxious reporter to stick a mic in his face and ask him pointed questions that he doesn't want to answer.
Carvile and Begala haven't been heard from during this flap.
Are they keeping a low profile because they don't want to answer any potentially damaging questions?
Come on James, where is your pumpkin head. Come out, come out wherever you are...
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