Posted on 07/13/2006 6:17:19 PM PDT by LdSentinal
NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather says he has considered filing a lawsuit against the network where he had worked for 44 years.
Appearing Wednesday night on CNN's "Larry King Live," Rather paused after a question from King and then said he wouldn't talk about whether he would file a lawsuit against CBS. But he acknowledged, "I can't say that I've never thought about it."
It wasn't clear from the interview what Rather considered to be possible grounds for a lawsuit.
A CBS spokesman commented late Wednesday after the interview, saying, "CBS believes that it has dealt with Dan's departure in a completely fair, equitable and honest way, and we wish him nothing but the best." CBS declined further comment.
Rather said that he brought up several times while at CBS that, after his departure from the anchor desk and assignment as a "60 Minutes" correspondent, the network wasn't living up to its end of his contract. CBS has said that with the many "60 Minutes" correspondents, there weren't enough assignments for him.
Rather said that he had never been told what led to his departure from CBS. He said he wasn't sure whether it was related to the aftermath of the "60 Minutes Wednesday" story on President Bush's military career that relied in part on unsubstantiated documents.
"They handled it in a curious way," Rather told King about the circumstances surrounding his departure. "I wish I knew the whole story, I wish I had an opportunity to say, 'Hey, what's happening? It's Dan, you know me."'
He also said that he had never heard from the head of the corporation or the head of the news division. Rather didn't mention in Wednesday's interview that the day after CBS announced he had left the network, he went to lunch with CBS News president Sean McManus. McManus is said to have explained to Rather that it was McManus's decision and that there wasn't enough work on "60 Minutes" to suit Rather.
Rather wouldn't directly answer former colleague Mike Wallace, who questioned his behavior after the "Memogate" scandal that led to the firing of producer Mary Mapes and the forced resignation of four other CBS employees. Wallace and others, including several in the CBS old guard, said Rather should have resigned.
"They have to answer for themselves for the times in the past when things might not have gone right," Rather said.
As for the September 2004 "60 Minutes Wednesday" report on President Bush, Rather said that CBS had been the victim of forces that wanted to attack the weakest part of the story.
"Do I believe the truth of the story? Absolutely," Rather said.
Yes, if he does it right, he could still wind up in Federal prison. Wishful thinking.
Try again: blatantly fake documents.
Dan Rather, renowned for his unusual expressions and sayings, has led a colorful life. However, one bizarre event really takes the cake.
One night in October 1986, Rather was walking down a Manhattan street when he was punched from behind and thrown to the ground. His assailant kicked and beat him while repeating, "Kenneth, what is the frequency?"
No one could explain the event, and the rumors flew fast and wide. Some speculated the assailant was a KGB agent, while others claimed the attack was the work of a jealous husband. Rather himself couldn't shed any light on the subject.
age discrimination.
It was Buckhead and Free Republic!
Long live the NEW media!
Go for it Dan. Courage!
Dan - have you thought about suing me?
"Do I believe the truth of the story? Absolutely," Rather said."
"Do I believe I am insane? Absolutely," Rather said while standing with a loo plunger stuck in his bum.
Did he think about it?
Yes.
Are he and his lawyers smart enough to avoid like a hot poker in the eye?
Also yes.
The guy you beat Rather that day showed up at the Today Show and shot and killed a bystander near Rockefeller(sp) Center in 2001 if I recall correctly.
I'm sure a FReeper will correct the date if I'm wrong.
5.56mm
Mark
Yes, assuming a rational actor. But since he is barking mad, you never know.
I was going to ping you but figured you get so many pings, you didn't need yet another. LOL
With the crazy lawsuits these days, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that Dan would think about the person who started the entire thing in bringing him down.
Dan old man, cbs let you hang around for twenty five years too long.Your evening news became more and more just a biased hate Bush and anything republican rant, ratings plummeted,cbs was in last place for years and soooo they fired you, gave you the boot, the old heave ho,showed you the door. Now go get lost,quit sniveling, find a hobby but shut up nobody cares.
Maybe CBS will Counter sue Dan Rather.
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