Dan Rather (file photo from Memogate days) is now suing his former employer for a cool $70 million. Jacques Steinberg of the New York Times has more.
Although it's impossible to sue the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy itself, Rather makes clear conservative groups and bloggers are to blame for his allegedly unfair dismissal from the former Tiffany Network:
Dan Rather, whose career at CBS News ground to an inglorious end 15 months ago over his role in an unsubstantiated report questioning President Bush's Vietnam-era National Guard service, filed a $70 million lawsuit this afternoon against the network, its corporate parent and three of his former superiors.
Mr. Rather, 75, asserts that the network violated his contract by giving him insufficient airtime on "60 Minutes" after forcing him to step down as anchor of the "CBS Evening News" in March 2005. He also contends that the network committed fraud by commissioning a "biased" and incomplete investigation of the flawed Guard broadcast and, in the process, "seriously damaged his reputation." As plaintiffs, the suit names CBS and its chief executive, Leslie Moonves; Viacom and its chief executive, Sumner Redstone; and Andrew Heyward, the former president of CBS News.
In the suit, filed this afternoon in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, Mr. Rather charges that CBS and its executives made him "a scapegoat" in an attempt "to pacify the White House," though the formal complaint presents virtually no direct evidence to that effect. To buttress this claim, Mr. Rather quotes the executive who oversaw his regular segment on CBS Radio, telling Mr. Rather in November 2004 that he was losing that slot, effective immediately, because of "pressure from ‘the right wing.' "
He also continues to take vehement issue with the appointment by CBS of Richard Thornburgh, an attorney general in the administration of the elder President Bush, as one of the two outside panelists given the job of reviewing how the disputed broadcast had been prepared.
The irony is palpable here since back in his anchor days, Rather himself warned that America's legal culture was getting clogged with silly cases filed by people who "will sue at the drop of a hat."
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Dan Rather...
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:01 ET by LionKingI hope this becomes a media circus event. The whole Rathergate episode can explored again as disgraceful journalism with an agenda. Also, the public awareness about liberal media bias can be increased.
Thanks, Dan. Rather will lose his case as CBS will demonstrate how he failed to properly do his job. [Bush got re-elected]
Ahhh, Lion. Dan was just a
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:34 ET by bassndudeAhhh, Lion. Dan was just a little put out because OJ was getting so much attention. Are you reaady for "Allll OJ and Dan all the time"?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
. Are you reaady for "Allll OJ and Dan all the time"?
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 20:51 ET by AndanteWhat? No MSM daily Bush Bash with my AM cuppa Joe.
Now I'll have to have two cups to get spooled up for the day.
Although it's impossible to sue the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy..
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:05 ET by vrwc13...wow, that's a relief, I am off the hook for now anyway.
vrwc13
LOL!
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:10 ET by mattmCBS getting sued, is good. Rather demonstrating Liberal illogic and greed, is good. The crack-up of the Left continues.
Again here is one of the
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:17 ET by Airforce_5_OAgain here is one of the left blaming some one else for their problems,
Dan Rather meets Mr. "It's not my Fault".
The only thing you should feel when shooting insurgents is the rifle recoil.
Apparently...
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:19 ET by c5thenDan Rather thinks that a contract for air-time trumps shoddy journalism and lying. Typical liberal.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Fred08.com
COUNTERSUIT???
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:22 ET by neighbHow 'bout a $70 billion.....nah.....TRILLION class-action countersuit, against DannyBoy on behalf of those of us who were lied to for years by this egomaniacal has-been.
Any of you lawyers out there looking to do some pro bono work?
neighb
Dan Rather lied, and his
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:24 ET by MassConservativeDan Rather lied, and his career died !!!!
Wow, karma is a bitch isn't it??
"There are scandals that need to be addressed. Republicans address them, Democrats re-elect them." - Tom Delay
Love it! These
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:37 ET by USA4freedomLove it!
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
MC
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 20:08 ET by Noel SheppardMC,
Delicious! Absolutely! ns
a Jimmy Carter moment
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:24 ET by wizardjrRather is having a Jimmer Carter Moment, but in public with everyone watching - How sweet!
I think he's still in denial about the phony documents - really.
A Liberal Bias Trial?
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:25 ET by KC MulvilleThe notion of liberal bias is going to trial?
This is too good to be true. Check outside for snow, gang, because I think it's Christmas!
How the heck is Danny ever gonna get a Jury of his PEERS ?
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:25 ET by JayTeeHey Rather !! Take Responsibility for what you say, and what you Said.
Otherwise you were just a Talking head reading from a Script that someone else gave you.
Good luck, hope you break the Bank at CBS.
What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE
Sometimes stories make me
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:26 ET by Free ThinkerSometimes stories make me smile and this certainly made my afternoon. dan rather was nailed presenting a bogus report against a sitting President during an election. Maybe he could sue Mary mapes for making the story up, but he stuck with it and it got him disgracefully fired and cemented his legacy as a biased fraud. In a classic liberal move he is now dodging responsibility and suing the network for firing him because of his own lack of ethics in his reporting. What a victim. I hope a judge chuckles before he dismisses this joke of a lawsuit.
Dan, remember:
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:35 ET by USA4freedomDan, remember: Courage.
You gutless wonder.
Things did not work out like you wanted them to. Poor baby.
Some one should have to pay.
So let’s review, you pushed a story that was a lie, even
after it was proven it was a lie you: STILL PUSHED THE STORY.
Dan they should be suing you! You are the idiot that make
sure that CBS was in last place each and every week.
You are the idiot that walked off the stage when they held
your broadcast up for a sports event to finish.
You are like that washed up boxer that does not know when to
quit.
It’s over Dan, no one gives a dam about your or your views.
You should have a few shekels set aside for “old age”. Retire with a little
dignity (if that’s possible).
You are not even yesterdays news.
Don’t forget: if a frog had side pockets, he'd carry a handgun." Idiot.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
He mentiones Richard
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:43 ET by bassndudeHe mentiones Richard Thornburgh as a reason. One of the panelists reviewing his made up story. This guy is blaming everyone but himself. If I remember correctly, it was Rather himself that said the documents may be phony, but he belived the story.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
I dunno ... I'm looking
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:43 ET by drillanwrI dunno ... I'm looking forward to the fake but accurate MSM news coverage of the fake but accurate law suit of this fake but accurate "journalist" ... On the fake but accurate CBS, as read on the teleprompter by fake but accurate news pixy Katie Couric.
Why isint he suing also
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:46 ET by bassndudeWhy isint he suing also Katie for stealing his job?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
money washing
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 15:51 ET by iveseenitallIt's all just money laundering. Don't pay any attention to this story, except if you are someone who can dope out the truth about this "lawsuit". What a joke on the public.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
I agree
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:03 ET by celatorHere's a thought Danny boy should tattoo on his arm...
"Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive" - Sir Walter Scott (Marmion, 1808)
What would Westmoreland think?
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:01 ET by i b squidlyShouldn't Dan be the defendant and Bush the Plaintiff? Why is no one in jail for forging government documents?
First, kill all the lawyers.
-Wlm Shakespear
Drudge just reported that
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:05 ET by zhombreDrudge just reported that Rather, allegedly armed and rambling incoherently, broke into Viacom corporate offices demanding the return of his stolen CBS Newshour memorabilia.
"In the scuffle that
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:09 ET by MightyMouth"In the scuffle that followed the "60 Minute" clock was broken beyond repair."
"Witnesses reported Rather cowering in the corner clutching the broken time piece and sucking his thumb".
He was heard to mumble: "I'll be back dammit!"
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Z
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 20:10 ET by Noel SheppardZ,
Nice! Very good! ns
Shouldn't you be in jail, Dan?
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:08 ET by NBFDan tried to throw a national election with forged military documents. I can't believe he's not in jail.
Flame On! Woo-hoooo!
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:21 ET by GalvanicIt can't be that Rather really needs the money; he's got more than he knows what to do with. It's about hurt pride and tarnished reputation.
Fortunately for us, CBS will probably put up a vigorous defense and reveal even more of their inside investigation findings than previously released, further discrediting Dangerous Dan Rather.
So, let the games begin!
If you've read this and
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:28 ET by AJIf you've read this and still aren't convinced of the bias in the mainstream media, then you need to be put in straightjacket because you are a danger to yourself and people around you. This is as blatant as getting shot it the face. You can't not notice it.
So, Danny the boy Blather is going after CBS.
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:32 ET by Dave RWhatever doubts I may have had about Dan Rather's sanity have now been confirmed to have been well-founded doubts.
Dan is stark-raving nuts.
This is actually funnier than the Cavuto video from this morning.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
Dan
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:33 ET by well99The gift that keeps on giving.Only problem with it is I can see Hillary/Hsu issue sliding into the background.Not the msm has put it on the main burner.Where it should be.Instead we get Simpson.
well99,
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:44 ET by Dave RExcellent point. I'll bet the Hsu story evaporates (what there was of it, anyway).
LOL-Maybe this is Dan's last-ditch effort to help the Hildebeast get elected POTUS before he leaves this world.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
W99
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 20:14 ET by Noel SheppardW99,
Very astute observation. Hillary needs a distraction right now. Could this be it?
On the other hand, isn't OJ enough? ns
OJ yup
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 20:31 ET by well99That is true.To many in this country have such a avid facination with Celebs.I agree with Dave R this seems to conviently timed.It isnt like he needs the money and his reputation is shot.You cant change it.Too many people will remember him for trying to smear GW.
}}---> Deeelicious Danny
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:37 ET by Cool ArrowLove seeing the Left consuming its own.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
I'm skeptical
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:40 ET by KopykingOkay, okay, maybe I see a conniving liberal hack behind every bush (no pun intended), but has anyone considered that Danno "I'm crazier than a gila monster missing his tail" Rather thinks this will be his vindication because to prove his case he'll get to submit as evidence all the documents that his experts can be called upon to verify as real?
I sure hope Dan Rather
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:25 ET by fitzfongI sure hope Dan Rather pursues this...that way he'll get stuck in deposition. Stick a fork in him.
Let's take a look at how
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:45 ET by Roger the ShrubberLet's take a look at how some of our more level-headed Hufftarded friends eacted upon hearing this news:
Go Dan, GO!!!! The BushCo cabal has blackmailed and intimidated America long enough and we need a few more heroes instead of corporate whores and ethical cowards!!
or, how about...
Got caught? Doing WHAT?? The substance of those memos was TRUE, his checkers looked at the facts, and said they were true. Why doesn't Georgie clear HIS name, by telling the truth? HE WAS AWOL, DRUNK and HIGH for most of his "service". This WH is the worst EVER. Liars, they have ruined planty of careers.
Here's some solid logic, since Rather is suing for $70 million:
Good for you Mr. Rather. It's obvious money is the only thing they care about.
And my personal favorite:
CynAnne
... I'm with you, my fellow HuffPo-ers! Take 'em to the cleaners if you can, Dan, and show 'em that just because you're older, doesn't mean you're ready to roll over..! ;) ...
Log in | Parent | posted 04:09 pm on 09/19/2007
ScorchedEarth
yeah Dan, right on, how dare you be fired for trying to influence an election by using patently faked documents.
Log in | Parent | posted 04:43 pm on 09/19/2007
MartyGee
It's sleasy to describe them as "patently faked documents". The documents cannot be, or at least have not been authenticated.
This lawsuit and the likely depositions might clarify the documents as patently faked documents or genuine documents.
Log in | Parent | posted 04:50 pm on 09/19/2007
ScorchedEarth
they were created with Word which is made by Microsoft which wasn't in existence when Bush was or wasn't AWOL.
Log in | Parent | posted 04:58 pm on 09/19/2007
BreadandRoses
So you believe.
there is a good deal of doubt as to whether that is true.
Log in | Parent | posted 05:03 pm on 09/19/2007
As my man Quinn would say: Speaking Truth to Moonbats....
Bush was hidin' out in
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:48 ET byBush was hidin' out in Alabama during his National Guard service.
http://leler.com/funstuff/bush-high.mp3
Speaking truth to
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:09 ET by Roger the ShrubberSpeaking truth to moonbats!
http://z.about.com/d/politica
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:24 ET byhttp://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/h/4/bush_serving_beer.jpg
GEORGE Magazine
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:43 ET by Del DolemonteJFK Junior's magazine did a lengthy investigative story about Bush's alleged AWOL escapades back in 2000. It pretty much debunked the "Bush Was AWOL" claims. It said he was sloppy in keeping records of where he was, etc, but so was everyone else in the National Guard in those days.
Sad to say, since Junior's unnfortunate episode of pilot error, all of the issues of GEORGE have been taken offline. You might be able to find it cached somewhere, though. It's definitely worth reading, but only if you have an open mind. If your mind is already made up about "AWOL Bush", don't bother. If you want to search for it, the authors were Peter Keating and Karthik Thyagarajan .
I'll just post the first paragraph:
"The following analysis, which relies on National Guard documents, extensive interviews with military officials and previously unpublished evidence of Bush's whereabouts in the summer and fall of 1972, is the first full chronology of Bush's military record. Its basic conclusions: Bush may have received favorable treatment to get into the Guard, served irregularly after the spring of 1972 and got an expedited discharge, but he did accumulate the days of service required of him for his ultimate honorable discharge. "
"received favorable
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:10 ET by"received favorable treatment"
"served irregularly"
"expedited discharge"
Good work on debunking that Del!
"may have received
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:18 ET by MikeB"may have received favorable treatment". May implies uncertainty. Great reading comprehension there, blaster.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
"Bush's commander Col Jerry
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:27 ET by"Bush's commander Col Jerry B Killian felt Bush was shirking his duties and receiving preferential treatment because of his connections"
And, this is documented
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:31 ET by MikeBAnd, this is documented where?
Btw, blaster, do you also call for the release of John F'ing Kerry's military records? He served in Viet Nam, you know.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
Mike B,
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:37 ET by Dave RAnd the actual status of Kerry's discharge has still not been determined.
If it was anything other than honorable, then he would be disqualified from the presidency, which might just explain his reluctance to release the records.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
Wow. You guys are wasting
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:38 ET by Roger the ShrubberWow. You guys are wasting your time with this Truther. The facts do not matter. Everything is a conspiracy. Bush Lied, People Died (For Oil). Blah blah blah. Even Blaster's folks don't like it when he comes up from the basement because they are tired of the same old aimless, pointless, boerderline-insane rantings.
Our only consolation is that tards like Blaster have had a really sh*tty past 7 years. How's therapy going, Blasty? Still eating paint chips?
blaster,
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:54 ET by Dave RSo, GWB was a trained fighter pilot, which was a life-threatening proposition in and of itself, whether he saw combat or not. Had his unit been sent to Vietnam, I am quite sure he would have gone. Just like his Father did in WW II, when he was shot down in the Pacific and nearly captured. The other guys shot down it that area that day weren't so fortunate, BTW.
During this same period, future president Billy Joe Bob Bubba Arkansas white-trash is dodging the draft (thus shirking his military responsibilities completely) and flying over to Moscow (in the heat of the Cold War) to protest against his own country. (BTW-I consider this a blatant act of wanton sedition on the part of that no-class worm, one that should have landed his good 'ol boy ass in the slammer as soon as he returned to this country).
You guys cannot rehabilitate Clinton's disgracefull reputation, so you have to try and tear down GWB in order to make Billy Jeff look better.
How typical
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
}}---> Expedited discharge?
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:24 ET by Cool ArrowI don't think my wife would let me watch those movies.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Dammit, Cool.
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:32 ET by Dave RLMAO-You owe me a keyboard for that one. That is the second time today I've had to remove some beverage or other from it, hopefully before it shorted out.
I'm surprised it is still working.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
}}---> Sorry Dave
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:38 ET by Cool ArrowI'm just having such a good day where "All the news that's fit to print" seems to be pretty expensive if you're a NYT thumping liberal.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Kinda stings emitting
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:39 ET by MikeBKinda stings emitting beverage through the nose, doesn't it?
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
Mike,
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:53 ET by Dave RActually, the coffee isn't as bad as the carbonated stuff. It really burns.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
Was he successful in
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:52 ET by BDWas he successful in acquiring a "Good year" with 50 points in it?
Yes.
Case Closed.
C-BS should settle.
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 16:48 ET by NBFMaybe C-BS should settle, and pay Dan the Disgraced $70 million in monopoly money.
Ever since George H.W. Bush
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:31 ET by fitzfongEver since George H.W. Bush took Rather behind the woodshed, CBS News' chief fraud has had a Captain Ahab-type obsession with the Bush family...culminating in his reckless, irresponsible, knowingly fraudulent "story" on George W. Bush's National Guard service. He was the architect of his own demise and his blatant fraud should discredit his entire career. Every story this crook ever did should be called into question. In order for this jackass to succeed in his frivolous lawsuit, he's going to have to lie under oath...no problems there, I'm sure.
I hope he wins! Yeah, you
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:44 ET by jdhawkI hope he wins!
Yeah, you got it right. I hope Blather wins his case. $70 million out of the coffers of CBS would be sweet. With the constantly declining viewership, just maybe CBS will fold up its tent and go home.
And, if prune face get the money, who cares? His best years are long since past. And, he won't be around long enough to enjoy it anyway.
Liberals tase their own; liberals sue their own. This just gets better and better!
The tased one jdhawk
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:51 ET by SportPoliticsDid you catch what the libs covered up ?
"I believe I could have handled the situation without interruption," Kerry said in a statement issued Tuesday, "but again I do not know what warnings or other exchanges transpired between the young man and the police prior to his barging to the front of the line and their intervention."
OOPS - it's the libs own flip flopper pointing out what they didn't want anyone to know during their endless whining - the freak barged to the front of the line.... (his mic should have been cut off immediately and he should have been sent back to the rear - but libs can't keep even general order )
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/18/student.tasered.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
Uhhh, uhh... well uhhh... that doesn't matter he was just askin a question...uhh.. duhh... uhh......
jdhawk, sure he'll "win"..
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 21:47 ET by upcountrywaterThen c BS will appeal, no way will they ever shell out 20- 70 million.. I can't think of nothing better for danny blather to spend his last months ; years, watching his wealth being SUCKED UP & DRAINED in the court system...
One rule: Never sue anyone BIGGER than you, LMAO
Entitlement over infrastructure every SINGLE time.
This has a lot more to do
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:44 ET by mostlymoderateThis has a lot more to do with contract law than it does partisan politics. Remember, Les Moonves is the guy that fired Imus from a show as well. Like it or not, I think Dan Rather has a valid breach of contract claim.
Dan Rather Translation or Tarnishlation
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 17:59 ET by Lame CherryEgo freak Dan in this lawsuit is telling the world this:
1. Liberals of all sorts shun me now.
2. No one will even put me on talk shows to trash Tartie Couric.
3. Stuck on basketball television has me so remote that I don't even watch myself.
4. Won't someone believe me that forgegate was real even if I forged the documents.
This is the most fun news of the day. I hope Dan sues CBS until he doesn't have a crapper shack in the middle of Texas as CBS has deeper pockets than millionaire Dan.
When one considers all the people who are dead because of Dan Rather. He led the charge to destroy Nixon.....which created the killing fields of Cambodia and the masses of dead in Vietnam.
Then you had weakling Carter which created Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Iran etc....
The last 2500 American dead in Iraq are Abu Gahrib, Dan Rather dead at his propaganda hands.
Literally Dan Rather had his hand in the deaths of millions of people and cost Americans billions in defense and wars.
Dan has not yet begun to be repaid for the misery he caused in this life. He should just shut up and repent as money is not any value where the judgment which counts sends "fire criers in crowded theaters like him".
Of course being not God, one can not speak for Him.......but I do believe in justice.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
}}---> Red Letter Day, Lame
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:11 ET by Cool ArrowWe've got Rather
We've got Jesse calling Obama Whitey
We've got Seattle's South Lake Union Trolley - S.L.U.T.
We've got Hsu in court
We've got OJ skating again.
We've got Waxman wringing his hands over NYT special rates.
We've got Hamsher hogging up the Liberal party line.
Isn't it a bit greedy to axe for more?
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
I think George Bush and
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 18:44 ET by kathleenirishI think George Bush and others who have been unfairly smeared and butchered by the Media should sue Rather, et al. I want to sue their arses myself for all the pain and suffering they inflict on me, too. They should go to jail for being traitors, though, first.
Anyone who says they support the troops but not the mission is a liar.
Danny Boy
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 19:17 ET by GoodieCOURAGE, yes, what COURAGE......
RMR“seriously damaged
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 21:04 ET by RMRRMR
“seriously damaged his reputation.” HA! HA! With whom? His liberal friends? Poor Danny. No more invites to the all-liberal- Friday-nights-champagne-sipping-and-Bush-bashing-funfest huh? Code Pink scratched your name of their Christmas...uh sorry...Holiday turkey mailing list? And after you have already written that wonderful speach welcoming Hilary to the White House and all. Bummer.
Its a guilty pleasure...
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 20:32 ET by Parker1227...watching Rather flail around. He actually thinks he can reclaim his self respect by suing somebody?
Journalism can only have one master - the truth. When you intentionally betray that master - you are no longer a journalist.
It's amazing Rather lasted as long as he did
Wed, 09/19/2007 - 23:26 ET by nkviking75CBS threw Walter Cronkite under the bus by imposing retirement on him so that Dan Rather could take over. CBS News used to dominate the ratings, but Danny boy drove it into the basement and kept it there for most of his tenure. Judged strictly as a broadcaster, he was the least watchable of the big 3 anchors. His quirkiness didn't help. Then the American public began to have alternative sources of information. They also began to wake up to MSM bias. Rather was doomed. It's amazing that Dan wasn't dumped overboard by CBS at least 15 years earlier. CBS ought to sue him for misconduct.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Well, for what their worth,
Thu, 09/20/2007 - 01:16 ET by JerWell, for what their worth, here are my thoughts on Rathergate, Bush, Clinton, and Viet Nam. It's a mixture of opinion and facts (or at least my undestanding of the facts) and so any who may be inclined are free to challenge whichever assertions or conclusions they find questionable.
1. The Mapes/Rather 60 minutes report was simply terrible journalism--sloppily researched, hastily compiled, inadequately verified, rushed to broadcast, and, I believe, did betray an anti-Bush bias by Mapes, Rather, and perhaps CBS.
2. On the other hand, the impact of the controversy could not have been more advantageous to the Republicans and George Bush if it had been the brainstorm of, and orchestrated by, the master [evil?] genius himself, Karl Rove. At least four positive consequences inured to the benefit of the Bush campaign: a.) The integrity of both Rather and CBS suffered a serious blow. b.) It stopped a story that was becoming a deepening embarrassment for Bush--and an effective counterpoint to the swiftboating of Kerry--dead in its tracks. c.) The PR backlash generated by the scandal caused the now gun shy network to cancel another, more thoroughly researched, project exposing the myth of the Niger-uranium tube connection and revealing administration incompetence, and d.) It handed the Republicans a priceless "gotcha" moment tending to confirm their oft-repeated claims of MSM bias. Because of the razor-thin margin of victory, it could even be argued that Rathergate may have tipped the election to Bush. Underneath the facade of outrage, GOP strategists must have been licking their chops.
3. Neither Bush nor Clinton covered themselves with glory with respect to the draft and the war in Viet Nam...but neither did millions of their contempraries in the 1968-69 time period [the years Bush and Clinton graduated and became subject to the draft. Of course, by that time, the war had become enormously unpopular, even widely perceived as discredited. [None of this should be interpreted as being critical in any way whatsoever of the hundreds of thousands--actually millions--who served honorably in Viet Nam before, during, and after that relevant period. This nation owes an eternal debt for their service, and for what they accomplished in the face of perhaps the most difficult circumstances in American military history.] But, having also graduated from college in 1969, I can state categorically that I knew of not one single young man--Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal--who, at that point in time, wanted to fight in that war. Everyone who conld get a deferment did so, be it medical, student, hardship, c.o., defense industry employment, you name it. If you could find a spot in the Guard or Reserves, you grabbed it. Bill Clinton finessed the system, strung out deferments, was accepted in the ROTC, and then fortuitively drew an unreachable lottery number, thereby ending his draft exposure. George Bush reportedly received favorable treatment to land a spot in the Reserves, flew jets for awhile, somewhat mysteriously stopped, failed to take his required flight physical, missed drills, transferred to Alabama to work on a friend's campaign, was rarely seen for weekend drills, managed to get credit for absences, and then somehow obtained an early discharge (honorable) to attend graduate school. As I said, neither covered himself with glory.
4. Finally, there exists an interesting phenomenon in that a seemingly disproportionate number of major political figures--presidential candidates, senators, etc.--who served in Viet Nam have been either Democrats or moderate Republicans, e.g. Bob Kerrey, John Kerry, Al Gore, Max Cleland, Chuck Robb, Jim Webb, Wesley Clark, Colin Powell, Chuck Hagel, John McCain. On the other hand, well...there's Duke Cunningham. I think we know where Duke is now, but where were all the neocons back then?
Jer
All right, Jer. I shall
Thu, 09/20/2007 - 23:00 ET by fitzfongAll right, Jer. I shall do my best...
1) If you cut Rather, Mapes, Burkett & Co. an extremely generous amount of slack, you can reduce the journalistic fraud to mere sloppy journalism. But Rather and Mapes were clearly more interested in getting Bush than they were in getting the facts of the case. They enlisted an embittered, partisan hack as their source. Then, when they got caught in a huge lie, they went on the attack!!??!?!! Rather mustered all the self-righteous indignation he could and bitterly claimed that it was Bush's obligation to answer these charges...even though Rather didn't have enough evidence to make these charges. If Rather and Mapes were fooled...and I don't believe they were fooled...it's because they wanted to be fooled. And how many snide and condescending comments were made by Rather and his apologists about the "pajama media"? Jer, what Rather and Mapes did would properly be called malice aforethought.
2) I've heard that conspiracy theory about Rove. Frankly, it's a ridiculous attempted excuse; however, if Rather was so stupid as to have gotten himself trapped in a Rove conspiracy is his journalistic integrity worth defending? a) In the eyes of most Republicans, Rather never had integrity. This episode just confirmed that opinion. I think this was only the tip of the iceberg with Rather's journalistic malpractice. b) If an anti-Bush group produced a spot like the ones the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth produced, there wouldn't have been the same backlash. Rather was supposed to be an objective journalist...not a political advocate. Why do you suppose Kerry refused to release his full military records? Perhaps the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth were right? Hmm? c) Please explain this one. The disgraced fraud Dan Rather and his employers backed off a story perpetrated by another disgraced fraud, Joe Wilson because they might have gotten caught in the act a second time? Even if that was the case, it sounds like a fairly prudent decision under the circumstances. I wouldn't be inclined to give them that much credit, though. d) "Gotcha" moment, "Culture of Corruption", Mark Foley scandal, election tipped to Democrats. Pot, Kettle, Black. Not to mention the October surprise in 2000 regarding the Bush DWI. We almost got stuck with Gore after that one.
3) With regard to Vietnam service: Kerry got five deferrments and failed to get a sixth. Clinton protested in a foreign country against the United States during the Vietnam. The fact that he was able to come back to this country without going to jail (not to mention becoming the President of the United States...and beating two decorated war heroes in the process) is pathetic.
4) The fact that these men served in Vietnam in one capacity or another (let's face it, McCain's service was far more honorable than that of Kerry or Gore) does not give them a lifetime pass from criticism in the context of their political views. Democrats use Veterans like Murtha, Kerrey, Kerry, Gore, Cleland, et. al as political props when these individuals share Democrat political views...no more, no less.
Hi fitz...just noticed your
Fri, 09/21/2007 - 21:44 ET by JerHi fitz...just noticed your response, and you did very well. Not sure I can address all of your questions and objections, but I'll take on a few of them.
1. In describing the "terrible journalism" of Rather et al, my use of the modifier "simply" was inappropriate and misleading. It could be interpreted as suggesting "merely" when in fact my intent was to emphasize the egregiousness of the Mapes/Rather debacle.
2. Did I leave the impression that I had bought into the Rovian conspiracy theory? If so, then I really do need to be more careful with my prose. I never entertained for a second the idea that GOP machinations were involved in any manner. My point was that the way it all played out couldn't have been more favorable to Bush if it had been scripted by Rove.
a.) What relevant military records did Kerry refuse to release? I recall it being charged by the Swiftboaters, but my understanding was that everything that could be made available, was.
b.) When, how, and for what was Joe Wilson adjudicated a "disgraced fraud'? Furthermore, I thought it well established that the administration was bamboozled by documents [which had been previously determined to be patent forgeries] purporting to establish the Iraqi/Niger uranium tube connection. But still it was a highly contentious political issue that CBS supposedly backed away from because of the firestorm already raging over the Bush/Guard story. [And that probably was a prudent decision.]
c.) As far as GWB's DWI, the more interesting question is why did it take so long for the information to be uncovered?....Particularly in light of the perceived army of lefty reporters and Dem op/research squads desperately searching for any scrap of info to embarrass Bush. Instead it was finally discovered by a stringer for a Fox News affiliate.
3. What protest in what country are you talking about. I've seen the charge here at NB that it was the Soviet Union. If that's what you think, I think you're wrong.
4. If you wish to refer to those Democratic war veterans as "political props", well, that's your prerogative, fitz, but I think it is really unfair. For godsakes, Cleland left half his body in Viet Nam...Bob Kerrey left a leg. And, frankly, watching the Republicans run ads here in Georgia depicting Cleland alongside Osama bin Laden and questioning his commitment to national security was sickening.
Jer
Good morning, Jer. Thanks
Sat, 09/22/2007 - 14:37 ET by fitzfongGood morning, Jer. Thanks for your response. I might be a little distracted as I'm watching Fulham vs. Manchester City on the tube while writing back. See everyone, soccer is not just a sport for liberals.
1) Fair enough on your sloppy journalism take. However, I don't happen to believe that this episode was an isolated incident with Rather, Mapes and crew. Many conservatives have been highly suspicious of Rather's reporting from day one. While Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw always struck me as liberal anchors, they were far more subtle and dignified. Their tone was typically respectful to both sides, even if some of their biases trickled into the reporting. Rather, on the other hand, cultivated this myth that he was a passionate journalist, just hunting for the truth. He had this annoying penchant for trying to make himself part of the story...the snarky reply to Nixon, the walking off the set during the U.S. Open, etc. Ever since George H.W. Bush nailed him in a live interview, Rather seemed to make it his goal to bring down the Bush family (I've often compared his attitude towards the Bush family to that of Captain Ahab, but I digress). Frankly, I believe Rather had been getting away with this kind of journalism for years, but that technology caught up to him.
2) I know that you didn't imply that Rove set a trap for Rather. Nevertheless, that was a popular theory among Rather apologists.
a) Throughout the 2004 campaign, Kerry refused to release his military records, specifically the ones that would have dealt with the details of his discharge. A "Dishonorable" discharge would have disqualified him as a Presidential candidate.
b) Wilson's story was discredited by the Senate Intelligence Committee in the summer of 2004. Wilson claimed his wife, Valerie Plame had nothing to do with him being sent to Niger. The Committee found a memo from Plame proving otherwise. He claimed that the Niger intelligence was based on a phony document that he'd seen...trouble was he couldn't have seen any such document until eight months after he made the claim.
c) Timing is everything. By now, we're all accustomed to the "October Surprise" tactic. Lawrence Walsh used it to great effect when he dumped the indictment on Caspar Weinberger just days before the 1992 election. Cue the first Clinton victory.
3) As for Clinton's protest, I don't know about the Soviet Union allegation. But in a 1992 Frontline profile of then Governor Clinton, Jeff Greenfield (PBS and Jeff Greenfield...definitely not a right-wing hit piece) reported that while a Rhodes Scholar, Clinton organized an anti-Vietnam war protest in England.
4) As I've said before, Jer, previous military service, while worthy of praise, does not innoculate someone from political criticism. I am well aware that Max Cleland and Bob Kerrey made great sacrifices in service to this country. So did John McCain. That doesn't mean that we're not entitled to question them when they are wrong about political issues. But let's get something straight, people like Max Cleland, Jack Murtha, Michael J. Fox, the "Jersey Girls" are routinely used as political props by Democrat strategists because using them is effective. It's the old labor union trick, simply trot out someone seen as a "victim", have the victim make a controversial political statement and use their victimhood as cover for dissent. When someone dares to criticise the assertions of the victim (the anti-war Veteran, the Embryonic Stem Cell Research advocate who happens to have Parkinson's Disease, the "underpaid" teacher, the wife of a 9-11 victim), that critic is labelled a bully...end of discussion. It's a time-honored tactic of cutting off debate before one has actually begun. Besides, honorable (even some wounded) Veterans and Military men are not immune from personal attacks from the left...Bob Dole, George H.W. Bush, John McCain, General Westmoreland, General Petreaus...
-Fitz