Posted on 09/10/2004 10:11:53 AM PDT by Pfesser
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX FRI SEPT 10, 2004 12:01:25 ET XXXXX
RATHER DIGS IN: THE DOCUMENTS ARE AUTHENTIC
CBSNEWS anchor and 60 MINUTES correspondent Dan Rather publicly defended his reporting Friday morning after questions were raised about the authenticity of newly unearthed memos aired on CBS which asserted that George W. Bush ignored a direct order from a superior officer in the Texas Air National Guard.
CNN TRANSCRIPT:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN RATHER, CBS NEWS ANCHOR: I know that this story is true. I believe that the witnesses and the documents are authentic. We wouldn't have gone to air if they would not have been. There isn't going to be -- there's no -- what you're saying apology?
QUESTION: Apology or any kind of retraction or...
RATHER: Not even discussed, nor should it be. I want to make clear to you, I want to make clear to you if I have not made clear to you, that this story is true, and that more important questions than how we got the story, which is where those who don't like the story like to put the emphasis, the more important question is what are the answers to the questions raised in the story, which I just gave you earlier.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CBS NEWS executives on Thursday launched an internal investigation into whether its premiere news program 60 MINUTES aired fabricated documents relating to Bush's National Guard service, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. "The reputation and integrity of the entire news division is at stake, if we are in error, it will be corrected," a top CBS source explained late Thursday.
Developing...
'nuff said
The day the source of these documents is uncovered will be the same day OJ finds the killer - never.
60 Minutes Spokesperson: Kelli Edwards 212-975-6795
CBS Evening News, where Dan Rather's office is based....this gets you to the newsroom:
212-975-3691
Number found on this thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1133594/posts
Ask just what "investigation" went into authenticating the memos and whether they will offer an on-air retraction.
Demand they apologize for this EXTREME lapse of journalistic practice and basic skills.
Also, contact the president of CBS News, Andrew Heyward:
Phone: (212) 975-4321
Fax: (212) 975-1893
DAN RAther: "I know they're real because I typed them myself! To verify their authenticity, I had my document expert standing behind me as I typed."
I'm a little short 'til I get a new batch run off - been purchasing old documents to send to DNC/CBS headquarters.
Heck, Ted Koppel and Nightline essentially conceded that the documents are fake, and Chris Lehane suggested Karl Rove was behind it. I guess Dan didn't get the memo (no pun intended)!
The slippery words of a super-weasel.
How do you disprove "I believe"? You don't, easily. You show that no rational human being would possibly believe what the speaker asserts to be true. That means unless there is clear evidence that the speaker is psychotic or a congential liar, the speaker has sanctuary to hide in.
Moreover, by asserting the documents are "authentic" he might privately mean that he is convinced only that the substance of the documents is authentic. This is the same game Clinton played with the word "is."
Everyone at CBS is drinking the Kool-Aid with Dan Rather.
From NRO The Corner
NO CBS INVESTIGATION [Byron York]
There is a new statement from CBS News, contained in a story on its website.
The relevant portion of the story is as follows:
"This report was not based solely on recovered documents, but rather on a preponderance of evidence, including documents that were provided by unimpeachable sources, interviews with former Texas National Guard officials and individuals who worked closely back in the early 1970s with Colonel Jerry Killian and were well acquainted with his procedures, his character and his thinking," the statement read.
"In addition, the documents are backed up not only by independent handwriting and forensic document experts but by sources familiar with their content," the statement continued. "Contrary to some rumors, no internal investigation is underway at CBS News nor is one planned."
Posted at 01:30 PM
Why not?
It is not an official government document, therefore it is not the responsibility of the Pentagon or the White House to pass judgment on it.
It would be of interest for the RNC to comment. However, why should they? Timing is important. They may be hoping that lots of the MSM climb on board the original story so that more people can be tarred when the forgery is disclosed. Note that Edwards referred to the charges in the original papers this morning. Now, Edwards, as well as CBS & Rather will have egg on their faces.
RATHER: Not even discussed, nor should it be. I want to make clear to you, I want to make clear to you if I have not made clear to you, that this story is true
Boy doesnt this sound familiar... why do those that are liars want to make things so Clear to us....
Let me tell you this again, let me be clear, I never had sex with that woman monica lewinski...
I'm thinking late Friday afternoon. Wait, that's today. By 5pm eastern. Just a guess.
CBTH -- Rather's employer, as uttered by a lisper.
They are e-mailing me the statement for use in any article I decide to publish. I probably won't, but the front page is looking bare, so I might need some filler. An article putting egg on CBS' face would be nice.
The statement is pure idiocy from what she indicated it said. I want to know how this doc has 13 line spacing, something that was not available for ANY typewriter during this period.
I want to know why Killian's signature in the legit enlistment package docs from USA Today is totally different from the ones in the CBS memos.
I have an open mind. If they are willing to show me evidence the memos are real, I will listen. But, the statement they released, which I will look for in my e-mail a bit later, sounds like nothing but spin.
I believe the docs are forged.
Dan, Dan, Dan ... you just don't get it. We've got your number and we're not letting you slide with your corruption and lies anymore. The questions I'd liked answered are:
1) Who were your expert doc examiners and are they from the blind institute?
2) Did you really make ANY attempt to prove or disprove the docs?
3) If you looked at the documents didn't you notice the differences in the signatures, the font types, the vernacular?
Those are the questions that your story raised for me. How about answering them for me.
Interesting. I won't second guess the moderator. It's important to get these things right. We'll see where the chips fall in due course.
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