Kerry Spot reports that Dan Rather is making his last stand.

Media source in New York says Rather just did an interview with CNN on the street: “I know this story is the truth...There will be no retraction...When people talk about where we got the story they’re only doing it because they don’t like the story...”

Stunning. Either this memo turns out to be the real deal, or Rather is going to be a joke by the time this is over.

UPDATE at 9/10/04 10:01:02 am:

Drudge has a more complete quote from Dan Custer Rather.

DAN RATHER, CBS NEWS ANCHOR: I know that this story is true. I believe that the witnesses and the documents are authentic. We wouldn’t have gone to air if they would not have been. There isn’t going to be — there’s no — what you’re saying apology?

QUESTION: Apology or any kind of retraction or...

RATHER: Not even discussed, nor should it be. I want to make clear to you, I want to make clear to you if I have not made clear to you, that this story is true, and that more important questions than how we got the story, which is where those who don’t like the story like to put the emphasis, the more important question is what are the answers to the questions raised in the story, which I just gave you earlier.