Reply #26: I think that the smear machine already had their contacts prepped

[yardwork]

at the major news organizations. "Readers" Tom Mortensen and Liz MacDougald are probably well known to their contacts at major media. This is the way that pr companies work - they steer stories to their contacts in the media.

What is underhanded is their attempt to make the questions about the memos look like a spontaneous discovery by a clever but disinterested blogger, when the truth is that it was a carefully orchestrated campaign against Dan Rather, implemented as soon as the episode of 60 Minutes II was telecast.

As an American who believes in the Constitution, my biggest concern is the blurring of the lines that should be separating public relations from news reporting, as well as the blurring of lines between legal representation and business consulting. It's unethical imo. And the worst part is that they convince the loyal foot soldiers that this is all about being a good Christian!

The mind boggles.