Posted on 9/21/2004, 7:25:25 AM by kattracks
Dan Rather took on Richard Nixon and two George Bushes, was punched out on the floor of the 1968 Democratic National Convention and attacked by a man demanding of him, ``Kenneth, what's the frequency?''But the legendary CBS anchorman's downfall might yet come because he trusted a well-known hater of President Bush [related, bio] and was snagged in a political dirty trick.
Rather did the mea culpa circuit yesterday, from his own network ``I'm sorry'' broadcast to an hour with Larry King on CNN.
But media watchdogs, Rather-watchers and Republican critics said the anchor's behavior - in airing false documents and then vociferously defending them - could end, or at least cut short, his storied career.
``Given the fact that he impugned so many people who he said were lying about him, he owes a very public apology to everyone,'' said Brent Baker, vice president of the Washington-based Media Resource Center. ``CBS ought to consider how this man has hurt their credibility, not by doing the stories, but by his intransigence. It may be time for him to retire early.''
Republican firebrand Patrick Buchanan wrote in his syndicated column that CBS ought to at least take Rather off the air until Election Day ``if it is to even begin to restore its reputation and credibility.''
Rather showed no signs of withering yesterday, instead facing the debacle head-on with a series of press interviews and apologies.
At several turns, he turned the tables on his source, National Guard officer Bill Burkett, who Rather said ``lied'' to him. That came only a week after Rather labeled his source as ``unimpeachable.''
Media analysts said the results of the internal probe, which CBS promised to make public, could seal the fate of Rather, who turns 73 next month.
``So far, it sounds like they got some warnings from the experts they consulted and ignored them,'' said Jim Naureckas of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting.
Rather will be gone by October.
Oh, please that be so!
In a just and fair world.....
When even (un)FAIR concedes the obvious, it's time for Dan to go.
I heard a discussion on radio (think it was Fox). Said CBS News revenue was a few hundred million, out of 17 billion for Viacom.
In other words, CBS is a tiny fraction, measured that way.
Went on to say CBS News relies heavily on Rather, for a reputation; for "credibility."
That the market value of such an enterprise exceeds their annual revenue. My addition: It would be in multiples, as far as business valuation methodology.
Discussion concluded with CBS has no emerging "bench" to carry on after Rather.
This will probably subside. But what Rather has done, is to reduce the value of the business.
I'm Sorry
I'm sorry, so sorry
That I was such a fool
I didn't know
Hate could be so cruel
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Uh-oh
Oh, no!
You tell me mistakes
Are part of being old
But that don't right
The wrong that's been told
Spoken:
(I'm sorry) I'm sorry
(So sorry) So sorry
Please accept my apology
But hate is blind
And I was too blind to see
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Uh-oh
Oh, no!
You tell me mistakes
Are part of being old
But that don't right
The wrong that's been told
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Uh-oh
Oh, no!
I'm sorry, so sorry
Please accept my apology
But hate was blind
And I was too blind to see
(Sorreeeeeeee)
I doubt that. The Kerry campaign does not want to show that kind of weakness until after the election.
...Did I say the "Kerry campaign". Yes, yes I did.
I think the pressure on CBS is going to be intolerable. Schieffer being dumped from the debates will "officially decertify" CBS as a legit news org. The affiliates are screaming to national to dump Rather.
The really good news in all of this ... is that in 200 years.... when people read in history books about this election... CBS and Dan Rather will be named as villians trying to subvert the election. This will be forever their place in the history of this presidential election. And the really good news is that though they might deny this place in history.... they at CBS know it to be true.
Dan needs to share a cell with Martha.
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