Meaning: This quote by Tom Brokaw, a renowned journalist, addresses the phenomenon of a "political jihad" against Dan Rather and CBS News on the internet. The quote captures Brokaw's concern about the intense and aggressive criticism directed at Rather and CBS News, which he deems as "highly inappropriate" and "outrageous". To fully understand the context and significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the background of the events and the broader implications of this statement.

Dan Rather, a veteran journalist, and former anchor of the CBS Evening News, and CBS News found themselves embroiled in controversy in 2004 regarding a report on President George W. Bush's military service. The report, which aired on "60 Minutes II", alleged that Bush had received favorable treatment during his service in the Texas Air National Guard. The authenticity of the documents used in the report came under scrutiny, with critics questioning their validity and raising doubts about the credibility of the story.

In the aftermath of the report, a fierce and polarized debate erupted, fueled by political divisions and partisan interests. The internet, as a burgeoning platform for discourse and information dissemination, became a battleground for competing narratives and ideologies. Blogs, social media, and online forums became arenas for intense scrutiny, criticism, and defense of the report and the individuals involved in its production.

Tom Brokaw's use of the term "political jihad" is noteworthy, as it evokes the image of a relentless and zealous campaign against Rather and CBS News. The term "jihad" typically refers to a holy war or struggle, and Brokaw's choice of words conveys the gravity of the situation and the fervor with which the criticism was being waged. By characterizing the online backlash as a "political jihad", Brokaw highlights the aggressive and ideological nature of the attacks, suggesting that they transcended mere disagreement or critique and took on a more fervent and combative tone.

Brokaw's assertion that the online campaign was "quite outrageous" underscores his belief that the level of criticism and the manner in which it was being conducted were beyond the bounds of propriety. As a respected figure in the field of journalism, Brokaw's perspective carries weight and reflects a broader concern about the impact of intense and partisan criticism on the integrity of journalistic institutions and the individuals involved.

Furthermore, Brokaw's reference to "what's going on across the Internet" speaks to the transformative influence of digital media on public discourse and the dissemination of information. The internet has the power to amplify and accelerate the spread of narratives and opinions, and in the case of the controversy surrounding the CBS News report, it became a platform for the rapid and widespread dissemination of criticism and scrutiny.

In conclusion, Tom Brokaw's quote encapsulates the intensity and contentiousness of the online backlash against Dan Rather and CBS News in the wake of the controversial report on President George W. Bush's military service. Through his choice of words and the gravity of his concern, Brokaw highlights the aggressive and ideological nature of the criticism, while also drawing attention to the transformative influence of the internet on public discourse and media scrutiny. His words serve as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that accompany the digital age and the need for thoughtful and respectful engagement in the public sphere.