FROM WITHIN CBS - ANNOUNCEMENT TO STAFF LATER THIS MORNING

National Review Online (The Kerry Spot) ^ | 9/20/2004 | Jim Geraghty

[Rutles4Ever]

My source familiar with discussions within CBS says that the discussions of "Dan falling on his sword" have been "muttered all over the place, but there is nothing solid - so far just "rumor and speculation." However, many staffers has been told to gather around 11 a.m. for an announcement of some sort.

[1Old Pro]

So if the documents fall, Burkett falls, and the whole shabby edifice falls,

I'll only be satisfied if Rather resigns. This mistake was much too egregious for a slippery "apology" and then a move on and forget strategy.

[Republican Red]

The direct phone number to the CBS Evening News news desk is

212-975-3691

I'm not at my home phone so I can't call. Anybody up for calling the office and asking what's up?

[NeoCaveman]

Dang, you beat me to it. GMTA

[Luis Gonzalez]

IT'S VD DAY!!!!!

meaning victory over dan of course...

[Lancey Howard]

Brit then announces he feels like the chairman of a slide-rule company and returns to Fox.

[mhking]

That still seems so bizarre anyway, doesn't it?

Yes and no. The PD at KPRC, Ken Charles is a grandstanding bandwagon-jumper (he was the person who fired me at WGST Atlanta. Over the phone. And wouldn't meet me in person afterward. He was probably afraid I'd kick his ass. He was probably right.), so I take that affiliate's kicking CBS off with a grain of salt.

Now if other affils start doing it, then I'd figure it to make more sense.

[dinasour]

From now on, the CBS dress code will require all staff to work in their pajamas.

[mhking]

Nevertheless, it's still a courageous and correct decision on the part of KPRC.

If Ken Charles weren't the one pulling the strings at KPRC, I'd agree with you.

But thanks to my personal history with Charles, I don't trust him or his motives as far as I can throw him.

[Colofornian]

My Guess: He won't fall on the sword, but they'll announce him doing creating a new program for Sunday mornings after the new year, and his position on nightly news (and 60 II) will be less and less.

I can see it now. Dan will retire after the elections. And for some strange reason, CBS' nightly news will run a 40-night continuing series on how corporations are discriminating vs. the elderly despite long-term corporate loyalty.

[hyperpoly8]

We were duped, but the thrust of our story is true. Never mind that the forgeries were the only backing for the story. Never mind that we ignored anyone with a contrary point of view. Never mind that CBS hates the Bush family. Danron Rathergate.

[js1138]

If Rather doesn't resign or take early retirement, he continues to be the story.

If he does step down, there is blood in the water, and all his controversial stories will be discussed, including 1988.

[Americanwolf]

I can hope that is the case. :) well me and about 1000 other freepers!

[Straight Vermonter]

Amazing how often we get the backstory from folks in the know on FR.

[Revolting cat!]

An infernal announcement!

[Diogenesis]

[small voice in the wilderness]

They have only ONE patsy who can fall on the sword. Someone who the American People will not tolerate being treated roughly by conservatives.

They are banking on the fact that no one will say "...but??..." when Max Cleland is named as the person who typed the bogus memos.

[cake_crumb]

Apoligies and claims of the DNC network having "been misled" aren't enough. Legs, we need LEGS. Lotsa legs. Centipede-like legs.

[spacejunkie2001]

I think that if he makes Burkett the fall guy, Burkett will turn on him and more info will surface.

[Lancey Howard]

I agree. Rather may be a little dim but he is fully aware of the parallels that will inevitably be drawn between him and Richard Nixon if he "resigns in disgrace". He will not do that.