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Why sue, Dan Rather?, ‘24’ enters ‘Day 7’ in less than four months
Was hard-charging Dan Rather, our part-time Austin neighbor, really a “scapegoat” in the kerfuffle over a 2004 CBS report on President Bush’s military service?
If the lawsuit Rather filed Wednesday in Manhattan ever goes to trial, maybe we’ll find out.
It’s unclear why Rather, who spent his entire storied journalistic career at CBS, waited three years after being fired as anchor of the “Evening News” to seek justice. And it’s hard to imagine he really thinks $70 million is going to make him feel better about the messy controversy surrounding him.
In the original news piece, that aired in September 2004, Rather raised questions about the legitimacy of Bush’s service in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War. When critics insisted the story was based on forged documents, Rather was first forced to apologize on the air and then, after 24 years in Walter Cronkite’s anchor chair, forced to step down.
Did CBS fold under pressure from the Bush White House? Conspiracy theories have been rampant for years now, and maybe Rather finally wants his day in court to sort it all out.
But Rather, 75, also seems hellbent on destroying what was once a sterling reputation as a reporter. He covered wars, hurricanes, elections and Sept. 11, 2001, before the collapse of his career at CBS. It’s sad to see him drag his own name through the mud now.
Since leaving CBS, Rather has been working for the seldom-seen HDNet, owned by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, anchoring and reporting “Dan Rather Reports.” If he wants to revive his reputation, why doesn’t he nail the story that deep-sixed him? Unearth the true documents that were deemed fake by the White House and prove the story correct. More than a few historians and journalists have sided with Rather in the basic truth of the story. He just presented it with flawed documentation.
Not surprisingly, CBS says the lawsuit is “without merit” and “old news.” But the network also just settled a lawsuit with former employee Don Imus (after he uttered racial slurs on his radio show) for undisclosed millions. Maybe Rather and counsel decided they had a shot at a few bucks, too.
But is the avalanche of negative publicity that’s sure to come worth it?
‘24’ leaks details about ‘Day 7’
When the new season of “24” finally arrives on Jan. 13, Jack Bauer will be roaming around Washington, D.C., dodging in and out of courtrooms where he is is being punished for previous heinous acts of treason and insubordination.
The Counter Terrorism Unit is gone — as in, disbanded — so Jack is loosely attached to the FBI, where an agent played by Janeane Garofalo will be trying to handle him. As previously reported, a woman is president (Allison Taylor) — possibly because the country has run out of Palmer brothers.
So, no CTU, no Chloe? Not so, according to the cast list. Chloe will return in some capacity, as well Bill Buchanan and Tony Almeida. Can’t wait.
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By Marc
September 20, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
I can't wait either!
I'm curious what they are going to try to do with Tony Almeida...flashbacks perhaps? Maybe they will take a cue from "Lost" and add flashbacks and flashforwards?
Thanks for the info! I'm so excited I can hardly wait!