Rather thought he had the creditability to pull this hoax off. He knew the documents were fake, he just never believed anyone would ever question them if HE were the one presenting them. He just assumed his reputation would mean that everyone would swallow whatever he presented.
You were wrong Dan, and because you were wrong you not only ruined your own reputation, you ruined the reputation of the entire CBS news department.
Creditability, once lost, can only be regained slowly and painfully over years of flawless work.