No need for a complex setup theory. Rather and his colleagues are blinded by their hatred of Bush. They are looking for anything at this point to still up uncertainty and scandal. They probably knew some things didn't smell right but either assumed the viewers are idiots or have no concept of the power of the Internet and new media. They would have completely gotten away with this 10 or more years ago.
No need for a complex setup theory. Rather and his colleagues are blinded by their hatred of Bush. They are looking for anything at this point to still up uncertainty and scandal. They probably knew some things didn't smell right but either assumed the viewers are idiots or have no concept of the power of the Internet and new media. They would have completely gotten away with this 10 or more years ago.There are so many milestones coming out of this "incident" and you've hit on a couple of them. I think you're right about the desperation of the libs. It's the Battle of the Bulge for them right now. They've put so much stock into this election that it could very well mortally wound them if they lose. It's Hail Mary time and their quarterback got sacked before the pass was made.
I've also thought about how much the MSM has gotten away with in the past. They've got the white-hot spotlight on them now with the New Media organized and in their face and it's disgusting to watch how those snakes writhe in their own filth. It's a shame that they got away with it for so long.