[Cboldt]

They wanted the scoop & knew a couple of other outlets had been sent the same docs.

Oh yeah, I forgot that the WH gave copies of the memos to all the pool reporters. Scoop is gone at that point. Have to wonder though, why did USA TOday get a package of 6 documents the day after CBS aired the story? Belf and suspenders in case CBS had chickened out?

[js1138]

Oh yeah, I forgot that the WH gave copies of the memos to all the pool reporters. Scoop is gone at that point.

Come to think of it, THAT does sound like a dirty trick by the Waskily Wepubwecans. Makes me proud.

[okie01]

Have to wonder though, why did USA TOday get a package of 6 documents the day after CBS aired the story?

Based on their description of the source, they almost certainly got them from Burkett. And it appears they knew enough about him to be leery. Recall that their first story was very neutral -- it was about the challenges more than the documents themselves.

If USA TODAY knew enough about Burkett to keep him at arm's length, it's one more compelling reason why Rather's "unimpeachable source" had to be somebody else.

[GoLightly]

USAT says they got them from an "independent" source, rather than the WH. CBS runs with the "best" 4, rather than the entire package. The plot thickens.