CBS arranged for a confidential source to talk with
Joe Lockhart, a top aide to John Kerry, after the source provided the network with the now-disputed documents about President Bush's service in the Texas National Guard.
The network's effort to place Burkett in contact with a top Democratic official raises ethical questions about CBS' handling of material potentially damaging to the Republican president in the midst of an election.
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"At Burkett's request, we gave his (telephone) number to the campaign," said Betsy West, senior CBS News vice president.
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Burkett said Monday that his contact with Lockhart was indeed part of an "understanding" with CBS. Burkett said his interest in contacting the campaign was to offer advice
<snip>
"My interest was to get the attention of the national (campaign) to defend against the ... attacks," Burkett said, adding that he also talked to former Georgia senator
Max Cleland and Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean during the past 45 days
full text linkcomment: The Dems are toast on this one. The evidence of coordination is overwhelming. The Kerry campaign launched " Operation Fortunate Son " simultaneously with the breaking of the CBS memo story. Coincidence? No Way! Kerry even used the 60 Minutes footage of Ben Barnes in the "Fortunate Son " Video
What did Kerry Know???.....When did He Know It???