Assuming there is no evidence at this point that ABC delayed giving the Feds the tape, that still does not explain or excuse ABC sitting on the tape right now. Are they not a "news" organzation? Is this "news"?
You can bet that anything detrimental to Bush would be rushed to the air--pronto! It was just too bitter a pill for ABC to risk "influencing the election" at this late date--not in favor of Bush, that is.
Not if it's a fake...which is why they are trying to get it authenticated. Playing a fake tape would instantly kill their credibility.
Look, I hope all the assumptions are true and that ABC put peoples lives in danger by holding this tape and that they are completely obliterated from the news scene. But in all fairness, many are jumping to conclusions. Now, if the tape IS authenticated, ABC will have to play it, thereby gaining a huge viewing audience, a tremendous scoop, and guaranteeing the re-election of the President. :-)