Something's afoot. Earlier tonight Joe Trippi was on MSNBC complimenting Free Republic, and Buckhead and TankerKC by name, for their "legitimate questions". Yes, he offered some whacko theory on how the documents came to be, but I and others noted he had adopted a tone of reasonableness. To say the least, it was jarring and I and others figure he sees an investigation coming and coming quick. I ascribe the same motive to Cleland.
Just saw Trippi a few minutes ago (CA time). I agree with you, something is going on behind the scenes, you enumerated many of the possibilities and I would add the articles from NY Times and WaPo!
Investigations are probably going on at more places than CBS. Perhaps attorneys are working overtime at the DNC? Forgery and conspiracy charges are no laughing matter.
I didn't see Trippi's appearance, but I did see his comments about freerepublic on the msnbc blog. He was the only person I've noticed, besides here on this board, who commented that Dan Rather didn't like the bloggers, but he ended up using an "expert" from a left-wing blog!