[yetidog]

This is informed speculation, but it would seem to fit the orgins and intent of the faked CBS documentation. We know now that probable author Burkett has a Bush military records obsession, producer Mapes has looked high and low for such records for five years and reporter Rather, we can assume, badly wanted the career-capping story. These disparate movtivations came together in the form of an unholy trinity which convinced itself that records unavailable (either because destroyed or non-existent)would actually reveal the "outrageous" nature of President Bush's Guard service. It is but a small step to forgery (or worse) for those whose who cannot distinguish the intensity of their labors from futility and their beliefs from the truth.

[elbucko]

Well said, but you left out the political motives of Dan Rather and CBS News. This story is not entirely one of ambition, it has the smell of very partisan politics to it as well.

[aBootes]

Rather, we can assume, badly wanted the career-capping story.

Yeah, let's hope it's "career capping."

In the meantime, The Kerry Spot on NRO has an excellent piece on what must be done to keep the ball rolling RE: getting rid of Rather, Mapes, et. al.

[DrDavid]

...and reporter Rather, we can assume, badly wanted the career-capping story.

It looks like Rather found his career-capping story, How I fabricate the news that I report. A fitting end to his career.

[js1138]

I think the documents were done in 2003 for Michael Moore. Their existence was widely rumored; finally CBS tracked down the source and got them.

[expatpat]

Rather, we can assume, badly wanted the career-capping story.

Well, he certainly got one!