[Dolphy]

I don't know if the President has a claim, as a public figure, but I believe Killian's family could well have a claim. A news organization has an obligation to investigate in accordance with reasonable and customary standards. Those standards would be pretty high given the political climate as well as the story coming out of their NYC office. Since the documents were uncovered as forgeries within hours and since CBS deliberately spiked any voice that supported Bush, I think they could have a problem.

[bvw]

In most states, public officials or figures as plaintiffs are required to prove negligence or actual malice on the part of the publisher. To prove actual malice, a person needs to show that at the time of publication or broadcast, those responsible for the story either knew it was not true or had a reckless disregarded for the truth.

See http://www.hfac.uh.edu/comm/media_libel/libel/defense.html