CBS PRODUCER TRIES TO HELP KERRY CAMPAIGN
The CBS producer, who just wasn't skeptical when given documents from an axe-grinding Bush hater, calls up the Kerry campaign and says, hey, you ought to talk to this guy. He's got some good advice for you. No, there's not possibility that Ms. Mapes' (and Dan Rather's and Andrew Heyward's) bias prevented them from being a little skeptical. Nothing to see hear. Move along.

Lockhart, the second Kerry ally to confirm contact with retired Texas National Guard officer Bill Burkett, said he made the call at the suggestion of CBS producer Mary Mapes.

"He had some advice on how to deal with the Vietnam issue and the Swift boat" allegations, Lockhart said Monday, referring to GOP-fueled accusations that Kerry exaggerated his Vietnam War record. "He said these guys play tough and we have to put the Vietnam experience into context and have Kerry talk about it more."

Sure was nice of Mary to hook them up, huh.