Lots of people are claiming that Dan Rather stepping down from his anchor chair next spring is a victory for bloggers. But this isn't really news--there were rumors of it in September. Admittedly, that was after Memogate broke, but I thought that Rather was going to be retiring in '05 regardless, and there had been rumors of his impending retirement of at least the anchor chair for years.

If he were to step down now, and the reason stated was because of Memogate, that would be a blogosphere victory, but this just looks like what was planned all along. He continues to do Sixty Minutes. I don't see that he's being punished at all. Or am I missing something?

I have to think that he's bailing not because of memogate, but rather (lol) because W won. I could see him staying if he got to report on all of the glorious accomplishments of a (gag) Kerry presidency. He has such a distaste for W and the Republicans that he just can't stand it anymore.

To which I say: Don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out. Booyah!

Rand,
I don't think you've missed much of anything regarding the story as reported.
The only 900# gorilla in the room is the upcoming "investigative" report on the 60 Minutes 2 false document episode.
But, since Rather is continuing on at 60 Minutes 2, it would appear said report will at least be a whitewash of Danny boy's culpability. Can we spell Marla out in the freezing cold?
Mike

Rand,
You can take credit for inspiring the vast editorial staff at ScrappleFace to cover this story:
Bloggers Force Retirement of 73-Year-Old Newsman

The blogosphere is no different from the traditional media... Swift to claim victory, swifter to run from the appearance of defeat. (And swiftest at creating a story in order to keep their updates coming.)