Suspected CBS source urged "dirty" tactics

Seattle times ^ | September 18, 2004 | Michael Dobbs

[AmericanMade1776]

In e-mails to a discussion group for Texas Democrats in recent months, Burkett laid out a rationale for using "down and dirty" tactics against Bush. Burkett said he had passed on his ideas to the Democratic National Committee but that the DNC seemed "afraid to do what I suggest."

In another message, dated Sept. 4, Burkett hinted he might have had advance knowledge of some details contained in an explosive segment on CBS News' "60 Minutes" one week later. In addition to an interview with former Texas Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes claiming he helped Bush get into the Guard, CBS broadcast documents purportedly showing that Bush had disobeyed a direct order to take a physical required to continue flying in the spring of 1972.

"I believe that Bush knows that there is more coming out than Ben Barnes," Burkett wrote. "No proof, just gut instinct."

[Huck]

The Rathergate just keeps on growing. Love it.

[ArmyBratproud]

Paging the Feds....

Why aren't you on this?

[Diogenesis]

[CatOwner]

Burkett said he had passed on his ideas to the Democratic National Committee but that the DNC seemed "afraid to do what I suggest."

I'm not buying it. The DNC was fully aware of the tactics being used here. If these are now the talking points, then Burkett is about to be made a scapegoat, if he isn't already.

[Andy'smom]

Did I hear that this was some Yahoo group?

[Cboldt]

Paging the Feds.... Why aren't you on this?

Why do you think the Feds should on this?

[AmericanMade1776]

In e-mails to a discussion group for Texas Democrats in recent months, Burkett laid out a rationale for using "down and dirty" tactics against Bush. Burkett said he had passed on his ideas to the Democratic National Committee but that the DNC seemed "afraid to do what I suggest."

In another message, dated Sept. 4, Burkett hinted he might have had advance knowledge of some details contained in an explosive segment on CBS News' "60 Minutes" one week later. In addition to an interview with former Texas Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes claiming he helped Bush get into the Guard, CBS broadcast documents purportedly showing that Bush had disobeyed a direct order to take a physical required to continue flying in the spring of 1972.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationalpolitics/2002039078_natguard18.html

[Iam1ru1-2]

In an Aug. 25 posting, Burkett said he and others had "reassembled" files showing Bush did not fulfill his oath to obey his superior officers. It was unclear whether he was referring to records released in response to Freedom of Information requests or previously unpublished documents."

Reassmebled is putting it mildly. How about "making things up out of whole cloth".

[dawn53]

Cleland confirmed having a two- or three-minute conversation by cellphone with a Texan named Burkett in mid-August. "I told him to contact the campaign," Cleland said. "

Looks like Cleland is not willing to go down with the ship.

[blackie]

Perfect ~ the Robins are outed and it isn't even Spring. :):)

[Robert357]

Fox News, fair and balanced, you decide...

CBS News, liberal biased and slanted coverage, let us think for you.....

I would think the CBS or ViaCom Management would be afraid to show business cards to strangers for fear of the comments they will get.....

[Real Cynic No More]

That looks suspiciously like Dan Rather's daughter's handwriting. I remember her style from when we were in school together some years ago.

[Hank All-American]

Dan Rather should have to answer the serious questions raised by that document. Some have suggested it is a forgery, but the content is what really matters. Perhaps the author merely reconstructed what he read in an earlier document. My local pen repairman says the pen used to write that note is consistent with pens available in Austin.

[jess35]

"I asked if they wanted to counterattack or ride this to ground and outlast it, not spending any money. (Cleland) said counterattack. So I gave them the information to do it with," Burkett wrote.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=694&u=/ap/20040918/ap_on_el_pr/bush_guard_questions&printer=1

Cleland, you're busted.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I think a serious crime was committed in Travis County, Texas. If the county prosecutor will not impanel a grand jury and take testimony, then a US Attorney for that district should.
The crimes ? How about forgery for starters ? Perhaps someone more versed in the possibilities of criminal law could provide guidance here...
RICO statues have been used for lessor crimes.

[Lancey Howard]

Burkett said he had passed on his ideas to the Democratic National Committee but that the DNC seemed "afraid to do what I suggest."

LOL, meaning that CBS has lower ethical standards than the DNC??? I didn't think it possible. On the other hand, maybe the DNC changed its mind and DID go through with Burkett's plan.... to pass off forged documents to their lapdog accomplices at CBS.

[Tall_Texan]

It sounds like the "Burkett as scapegoat" thing is taking hold (everywhere except at the Washington Post where they misfiled the DNC fax that Burkett was no longer on the team). You can expect the DNC to wash their hands of this guy as if he was found in a leper colony.

Sure, they'll claim they've never heard of the guy, that they are "shocked and disappointed" that anyone would forge documents, etc. when the truth is that their own little hand grenade had blown up in their faces (maxing Max Cleland the appropriate spokesperson since he knows well about such things).

[Ed_in_NJ]

Looks like it went in as 'down and dirty' and came out as 'stoopid.'

[Iam1ru1-2]

"Why do you think the Feds should get (on) this?

You're kidding right? If not, where have you been this past week?