I don’t really see him as defending Whitlock. What I did read was Donovan basically saying that he disagrees with Whitlock’s sources, since they were not checked, and that because he used these questionable sources, his argument was pretty much nil. Another couple of things I noticed as well, was how Donovan mentioned that both Rush and Whitlock are clearly misunderstood by those that criticize them. I’ve seen this to be the case many times when it comes to Rush. I don’t know that much about Whitlock so I can’t really say much on him. I think you’re reading something that really isn’t there, as are several people here.
Donovan isn’t using the “fake but accurate” scam that Rather used. What he’s said is that Whitlock used a type of source that he, himself (Donovan) wouldn’t use. How does that equate to Rather’s “fake but accurate” reporting?
I don't think I ever said it did. But, I think you could argue that a reporter using that quote without checking the source has malice as a motive.