September 10, 2004

Dan Rather's Last Stand

CBS News and Dan Rather stand behind their story. They're not backing down. But they won't let anyone look at the documents or disclose where they came from. We do know one of the experts who examined them. Marcel Matley examined the handwriting on them and considered them legit. Ok, so Colonel Jerry Killian's signature is on some of the documents (no all are signed). Since we can't see the originals, because CBS News doesn't even have them, we can't be sure Killian's signature wasn't scanned onto a fake document.

Rather had a chance to back down gracefully. Instead, he went on the attack and created a double standard. If it does turn out that these documents are fake Rather's finished. He will be remembered for three thing: covering the JFK assassination in Dallas; "What's the frequency, Kenneth?"; and destroying the reputation of CBS News.

Power Line is the weblog to read to follow the battle on the frontline. But do check out this QandO post that collects the hoax arguments. Unlike CBS News, QandO is backing down on one argument.

"CBS Stands By Bush-Guard Memos"

"Some Question Authenticity of Papers on Bush"

"More Problems Surface With 60 Minutes Documents"