I keep seeing people saying that Dan Rather and CBS need to come clean and say who looked at the documents and said they looked legit.
Forget that. Dan Blather is an idiot and 60 minutes had no credibility left to lose.
The question that needs to be asked is who forged the documents? It was either someone in the DNC or the Kerry campaign itself. Which one?
Who gave them to CBS? Who tipped CBS of their existence?
Fontgate will undoubtedly be compared to Watergate. In fact, I’ve already seen it. That analogy always comes up and it is tired and overworked. At least this scandal does have some resemblance to Watergate. 7 weeks before a Presidential election Democrat operatives forged documents to smear a sitting President.
Forgetting the iffy analogy, we need to focus on the fact the Democrats forged documents to try to steal the election. The anger should not be aimed at Dan Rather but rather at the Democratic party and/or the Kerry campaign.
Forget Dan Rather- the question is… What did Terry Mcauliffe know and when did he know it?
C’mon, Paul. We’re still a long way here from a massive conspiracy involving “the Democrats.” More likely, it seems to me, is that someone at the Pentagon who wants Bush to lose the election tried to plant some fake evidence in his old TANG file.
The fact is, we may never know who created the memo . . . but we do know who thought they were legit enough to air. Hence the focus on Rather.
By the way, why isn’t HTML enabled in the comments? I just tried to blockquote and it ended up FUBAR.
By this point in time — what with the history well established by Terry McAuliffe specifically, and the other higher profile return/repeat DNC heads from one Democratic attempt to peak after another — it seems preposterous NOT to wonder just what, specifically, the how’s, the who’s, just what is the specific “hiring” process that brings these sorts of people into such positions of influence on behalf of the DNC? And the candidates that the DNC hoists?
In my experience, you can take each and every one of those “outrages” that Democrats attempt to paint all over Republicans, and apply them first to Democrats — just a moment ago, Colmes from Hannity&Colmes (FOX) is ranting with Geraldine Ferraro (who I am so glad that I never voted for, and she has not improved one tad in all these years since that time) that “everytime someone speaks out in criticism of [name your American aspect here] they get smeared by the Republicans”).
Ha, I thought. Colmes is the LAST person, as is Ferraro, in having any credibility in saying such a thing. And they’re just two Democrats…then there’s Kerry himself, lauded by Ferraro as “coming home…and…bringing about the end to the Vietnam War…” and Gore and, and, and…the list is so long among the Left, as to people who work to “bring about the end to” America.
Ferraro lauded Kerry’s actions as being defensible because of the “atrocities committed by Americans (in Vietnam)” while no one blames KERRY as an individual who admits “committing war crimes…and atrocities” and blames “America” instead, despite many who say the war crimes they saw committed were by the North Vietnamese against the locals and against Americans.
I think, if there is any one specific characteristic to the Left/DNC today — here I am, one lone voter who has in the past even registered and voted as a Democrat (not proud of that today) — it is that they undermine, despise even, generally assume that the United States is an evil empire and that they represent a “righteous” speakout, a counter voice.
It’s not a counter voice. It’s not righteous. It’s not even reasonable. It’s certainly not constructive. The Left works to denigrate and falsify. They lose elections because a lot of voters get that about them.
Allah:
The specific “documents” among the larger set of “documents” was said by the unidentified source “to be found among” the “personal papers” of the now-deceased guy who was one of the few writing Bush’s (and others they supervised) paperwork, making their record evaluations as they took place, ALLEGEDLY.
Oh, yeah, found those “documents” among the “personal documents” in the “personal files” of the deceased fellow, and they’re found now, by Barnes, by Rather, by CBS…but no one will cop to the fact that they actually found them, when, under what circumstances.
Someone certainly “planted” them — the typographic characteristics defy the fact that they could even have been produced at the time of their alleged display dates, and I agree with the typographic evaluations if with nothing else.
Yes, I agree with Paul/Wizbang! that it’s a big deal. Our civilization has denigrated to some pitiable place if we as a public start trying to assimilate without notice or extreme notice, the fact that the DNC has presented forged documents as “military records” for a U.S. President. Or even a U.S. politician.
This is not a little deal here. This is a big deal.
No one has mentioned that Sen. Tom Harkin made comments today trashing Bush for lying about his
guard service, blah-blah, as proved by “the documents.”
Did Harkin really watch the program, or is he relying on DNC talking points, when were they written, and by
whom? Fontgate has all the trappings of Carville and
McCaulife.
one of the reasons people are focusing on the documents is the Gee Whiz! factor. Most folks are still digesting the audacity of the “purported” forgeries and haven’t had enough time to consider who is responsible. Let ’em sleep on it.
But I am curious. There’s no way some wack did this on his/her own. Especially with the story breaking out of Boston….. Hmmmm
What I find curious is that the microfilm of Bush’s pay records self-destructed. I worked in the microfilm industry in the 70’s and 80’s. We weren’t using nitrocelulose film that disintegrates (or worse) like the old silent films do. There is no reason why anything that was filmed in the 70’s should ever fall apart because of age.
When I heard that the film of the pay records was “accidently” destroyed while trying to preserve the old, fragile film, my only reaction, was “How convenient”.
Bush’s records weren’t accidentally destroyed. That
was a mistaken belief that has since been corrected.
The documents were found in Denver. Do a search.
Guru got a link? I have no idea what you are talking about.
And Caltechgirl:
one of the reasons people are focusing on the documents is the Gee Whiz! factor. Most folks are still digesting the audacity of the “purported” forgeries and haven’t had enough time to consider who is responsible. Let ’em sleep on it.
Blogspeed– gotta love it.
Sidney Blumenthal has been pointing everybody to the
60 Minutes story. Hmm. See:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1300188,00.html
If the question is what did McCaulife know and when, I’d like to say “nothing,” as usual. But I suspect the greater truth is that he loves it. Call me a conspiracy nut, but if Kerry wins, Terry boy is likely out and Kerry becomes Dem in Chief and Hillary might not get her shot. Terry was, is and will always be Clinton’s boy. All Kerry has done is let the wolve’s in the door with his recent campaign additions. This scandal might drag Kerry down poll-wise, or keep some of the base home. Big deal. The top Dem players have to know this guy is a loser anyway. They can’t be THAT dumb, can they??
If the question is what did McCaulife know and when, I’d like to say “nothing,” as usual. But I suspect the greater truth is that he loves it. Call me a conspiracy nut, but if Kerry wins, Terry boy is likely out and Kerry becomes Dem in Chief and Hillary might not get her shot. Terry was, is and will always be Clinton’s boy. All Kerry has done is let the wolve’s in the door with his recent campaign additions. This scandal might drag Kerry down poll-wise, or keep some of the base home. Big deal. The top Dem players have to know this guy is a loser anyway. They can’t be THAT dumb, can they??
McCaulife is a politician’s politician. They play to win even when they seemingly lose.
Allah-
Don’t you find it convenient — a little too convenient — that the wording backs up exactly what the Michael Moore wing of the Dem party has been saying.
“Bush wasn’t here during rating period.” and “sugar coating” and “talking to someone upstairs”
Come on.. The most suspicious thing about these documents was not the typeface but what they said. It was as if someone sat down to create documents to back up Terry McGoofball’s comments. (OH that is how it happened)
This required a very good knowledge of the Dem talking points. Further how did CBS come to get them? I’m still not clear. They were supposedly in “personal files” but the DOD had them? The guy’s son said his dad never wrote them and CBS did not get them from the family.
This story stinks.
Somewhere there is a Dem operative crapping in their pants. (and you can quote me on that)
Paul
The question that needs to be asked is who forged the documents?
Yes, it sure does. Which is why I asked it four hours ago. 🙂
Just bustin’ your balls a little, Paul. Good post, let’s cross-reference.
Paul,
You’re giving the DNC and the Kerry campaign too much credit. Here’s how it happened. Karl Rove had the files forged and leaked the files to CBS, knowing that Dan Rather would start drooling like Pavlov’s dog the moment he laid eyes on them. And also, knowing Rather’s propensity to run with a story without verifying anything, odds were low he would actually try to get them validated.
Once they ran the story, it was bound to be found out by more alert people than Dan Rather, and whammo! Instant scandal with the DNC appearing to be playing dirty tricks.
Ok, maybe it didn’t happen that way, but I’ll bet some lefties try to advance that theory.
WOW! After reading all the blogs on Powerline from military people who were active duty about those forged documents, Id’ say that after the election, this can’t be allowed to continue.
This is exactly what Zel Miller was talking about when he said his party was putting politics & their selfish interests above the country & it’s people. The libs just don’t care what the country thinks.
Just when you think liberals can’t sink any lower….
Another reason why Bush will win!
BUSH/CHENEY 2004!
I suspect Dan Rather is up to his neck in this. On 60 Minutes he behaved as if he didn’t know Ben Barnes prior to this story. Well, Rather knows Barnes for a long time. In fact, a few years ago Rather gave a speech at a Democrat Party fundraiser headed by Barnes in Texas. He was criticized for his participation in a political function, but suffered no retribution for his unethical actions. In fact, he said he didn’t know it was a Democrat fundraiser which makes him either a liar or a dolt.
In addition, it’s been reported that Rather’s daughter is very active in Texas politics and guess to which party she belongs. As you probably already know, Ben Barnes’ daughter is on the record saying her father lied on 60 Minutes. She believes he was promised a position in a Kerry Administration, and he signed a book deal, as well.
“The fact is, we may never know who created the memo “
Dan Rather knows where he got it from. CBS claims to have somebody who verified its authenticity, not a forensics expert, an eye witness of some kind supposedly. Will they burn their source? They should, he’s a liar. They probably wont. I suspect an invesigation will be launched that lasts well past November. Scumbags.
Hey Evilwhiteguy, I cant tell if thats a parody or not anymore. Has it come to this?
Forgery and fraud are federal crimes. I believe that the DoJ should open up an investigation into these documents. Hell, when that idiot Joe Wilson’s wife was allegedly outed as a CIA agent, the media went ballistic over the Democrats demands for an investigation. The Republican congresspeople and senators should demand a similar investigation. Hey, how about a special prosecutor. Subpoena Dan Rather and when he refuses to divulge his source, lock the SOB up with a bunch of hardassed criminals who’ll make him their boy-toy. LOL. I know it won’t happen, but I can dream can’t I?
Hey J. Edgar Hogg, Sen Harkin is one to talk about lying about military records. He lied that he saw combat in Vietnam when the closest he ever got was when he delivered supplies from Japan to Saigon. He was outed as a fabricator.
I did hear from Terry McCauliffe say they were going to attack President Bush and crucify him even if the information is wrong. Because he didn’t pull the 527 ads. The even weirder part is Kerry said right after the RNC as soon as it was over that he was not going to defend himself against a guy who did not sign up to go to vietnam (ie spoiled brat) but what he forgot is he didn’t sign up for Vietnam either, he joined the Naval reserves, but was called to duty. He said…he said… very nasty.
I suggest the following:
CBS-gate
RatherGate
(Somebody already suggested FontGate)
SuperscriptGate
WordGate
TemplateGate
GatesGate
Okay I’ll stop now
Evilwhiteguy,
The libs are already saying just that (that the docs are Rove plants, in a cunning rope-a-dope manuever).
Allah’s theory makes a lot of sense. One lone partisan making mischief in the archives room.
(Although, that having been said, they ARE acting quite desperate lately).
And of course, whether it’s a “lone gunman” or a DNC plot, the fact remains: Rather ran with it, and his newsroom is now discredited. That alone is a blow to the Left.
Wow, two responses to my post on a Wizbang comment, that’s more than I get on my own site, hehe (thanks Paul).
Two things. mark buehner, come on, I couldn’t have been clearer in my comment that I was anticipating the liberal response to these “forged documents”. Keep the faith, the liberals can’t afford to have an “Evilwhiteguy” on their side, hehe.
And as for JWR’s comments…I haven’t seen mainstream media backing for my theory, but if you have it, please post it. I’m an Evil Genius for pre-thinking their response. Thanks for confirming my theory . Damn, I’m good. And Evil, muhahahaha…
I’m sure Karl Rove would just love to take credit for this one (on his deathbead), but I doubt he was behind it. This smells more like Mr. “Deliverance” himself – James Carville. What better way to finally shutdown the Kerry/Kennedy wing of the Democratic party than by starting up their very own Watergate.
“Squeal like a pig Johnny!”
“The question that needs to be asked is who forged the documents? It was either someone in the DNC or the Kerry campaign itself. Which one?”
Nah. T’was Hillary Clinton sabotaging Kerry so she has a clear run in 2008.
(oO) What!?!? Oh, c’mon! I can’t be the only one thinking it. ;]p~
A few things mitigate against this being Rove. For one thing, Rove has been with Dubya from the start. This means he’s familiar with Texas politics. He wouldn’t forge a document claiming that a General who was retired at the time of the alleged memo was putting pressure on Col Killian, um retired Generals don’t have that much clout, a little clout because any retired General will have been a rabbi to still serving officers but only a little.
These forgeries were done by someone with no military experience and only cursory experience of Texas politics. Say a serpent headed Dem operative from neighboring Louisiana with ties to the Clintons.
Cui bono? Not Rove, not Bush. Anyone even willing to consider Bush is so sick of this National Guard horseshit that they tune out anything to do with it. Not See BS or Rather. Certainly not Kerry.
Who benefits by having Kerry/Edwards beaten so badly that they can’t hold on to the reins of the Democratic Party?
This stuff certainly points out the major foundational differences between the Republicans and the Demi-crats. One side actually has a rock-solid set of core beliefs, the other has NONE whatsoever. One side is deeply concerned about what is good for ALL of Mankind, the other is only interested in The Quest For Power. One side believes in and plays by The Rules, the other will stop at nothing to achieve their ends. Dan Blather is a proud Atheist-Humanist-Socialist… so what kind of behavior should we expect from him????? The more I see of this, I can’t help thinking that the Democratic party is the home of all kinds of invisible little demons who are pulling their strings. Apparently, NO evil is beneath them!!!!!!
Let’s not be hysterical, Friedheine. I have no idea what Rather’s religious beliefs are. I just know he’s a crap reporter with a political bias. No need to turn an election into a struggle between good & evil. John Kerry may be a twit, he may be a liar, he may be a disgusting political opportunist, and a Kerry presidency could very well be bad news for our country – but he’s not EVIL, as far as any of us knows. Let’s not get carried away and start acting like the stereotypical fanatics they Left tries to smear us as.
(sorry to sound like a liberal, everybody, but I just couldn’t let that one go unanswered)
I am not the least bit “hysterical”. I just find the contrasts to be stark and quite curious. If you would bother to do the research, you’d find that Rather’s worldview clearly begins with his Humanist beliefs. And I didn’t claim that ANYONE was “EVIL”. I was commenting on their TACTICS.
Thanks for taking the time to lower yourself and “straighten me out”, though.
I can’t help thinking that the Democratic party is the home of all kinds of invisible little demons who are pulling their strings. Apparently, NO evil is beneath them!!!!!!
That’s what I was referring to, Friedheine. I guess I misinterpreted.
….wow
and they call US moonbats….
I am beginning to wonder if someone in the DNC is doing this to make Kerry look worse than he is, so he doesn’t win this election. Certain names come to mand, like Clinton. We all know that SHE wants to be president in 4 years! If Kerry gets in she will be too old in eight years! Something to think about.