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September 15, 2004 High Noon CBS News has announced that they'll be releasing a statement abou the Killian Memos at 12:00 EDT today. Considering that their own document experts have been spouting off about the problems with the memos' authenticity over the last day or so, this should be an interesting statement. So, will they own up to the problems that even their own experts (no doubt seeing their professional reputations on the line) have been touting to the media? Or will they, in a stunning coup, produce Lt Col Killian himself to vouch for the memos' authenticity? UPDATE (JON): They certainly might apologize, or produce proof. But there's always a third option.  |
If CBS fesses up to anything it will likely be the most minimalistic confession in history. Don't look for any real admission of responsibility. I am sure that real CYA memos are flying like snow at CBS. They are parsing and squeezing every word to deflect any assign responsibility elsewhere. And, like the LA Times editorial, will probably try to get some jabs in at Bush at the same time. It will be an irritating and spun admission at best.
Posted by: jim at September 15, 2004 09:52 AM
The cynic in me suggests that CBS will say:
"CBS stands by its story. As admitted by Lt Col Killian's former secretary, these documents are authentic reproductions of letters typed by Lt Col Killian. CBS feels vindicated by the secretary's testimony, and we now call on the Whitehouse to answer the charges contained in these documents."
Posted by: J Heslin at September 15, 2004 10:03 AM
I read this morning that even a CBS correspondant (Scheiffer?) was popping off about how they (CBS) needs to prove the documents are NOT forgeries...pressure must be mounting.
I would think that if the source has ZERO ties to the Kerry campaign, they out him and say he duped CBS...then Danno goes on the Larry King/Oprah circuit, sheds a tear and all is well in cBSville. If the source HAS ties...they stick to their guns and go down with the ship.
Or...run with the "documents are forged...but the content is factual"...and the source will continue to be hunted.
Posted by: mark m at September 15, 2004 10:05 AM
It's pretty clear that they can't continue to defend this - either today or within a few days I would expect Dan Rather to show up and:
1. Start with Clinton type apology. Make sure this is sincere/contrite enough that anyone even bringing this topic up in the future is just a big meanie. Mention how your journalistic integrity/credibility are the most important thing to you. Steps are being taken to make sure this never happens again. We'll investigate this (so you don't have to ...)
2. Now they can start the defense. The reason you got duped was that the basic story is true and there have been so many conflicting things the White House has said about it. It's really your source that was duped (but they believed it themselves so it's not fair to name thme).
3. Well, actually we're really the victim here ... after all there is so much mud being thrown around by both sides how can anyone discern the truth? And look at all the unreasonable things that have been said about us on the web.
4. Imply that it was all a VWRC. People on the INTERNET have been involved in exposing this! This whole thing was probably a conspiracy created to make us look bad. Mention negative campaigning and 527 groups (like the swiftvets!). Good time to get any digs in at any groups you don't like.
Posted by: KevinM at September 15, 2004 10:38 AM
Kevin M
You should work for CBS. I am sure that what you have proposed is highly likely.
"The story is true so we thought the documents were also"
Posted by: retired military at September 15, 2004 10:46 AM
Bob Woodward will unveil a deathbed interview with Killian.
Posted by: Crank at September 15, 2004 10:50 AM
While we're waiting on their latest lie though, you could enhance the photo by replacing Baghdad Dan's hands with Mickey Mouse gloves. It would be really appropriate.
Posted by: looker at September 15, 2004 11:27 AM
"The originals are not in the newsroom!!!"
Posted by: David R. Block at September 15, 2004 05:22 PM