Schieffer says colleague Rather is "holding up pretty well"
Philadelphia Inquirer
The National Guard documents debacle "has taken its toll (on Dan Rather), no question. How could it not? It's a tough thing to go through, but he's also a tough guy," says "Face the Nation" host Bob Schieffer. "Dan has been one of the great reporters of the last half of the 20th century. He's certainly had more than his share of scoops. It's unfortunate that something like this happened toward the end of his career."
If Rather's troubles open door, Schieffer may walk through it
Posted: Nov. 10, 2004
On TV
Mike Drew - Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
A recent column listing network news people I've most admired unwisely overlooked an old hand at CBS. Recently, he's been touched by controversy.
Bo-ring, you're yawning. Who needs another story about Dan Rather?
Not me. Today's subject is Bob Schieffer, a longtime Rather colleague. Rather remains on the air while under CBS-ordered investigation for relying on forged documents in a story on President Bush's National Guard tenure. If the probe results in Rather leaving, Schieffer could be a temporary replacement.
Temporary, because he's 67 with a contract just through next year. Desperately coveting younger viewers, CBS is more likely to go with the less-wrinkled John Roberts - or Peter Jennings, if they could get him - in Rather's role.
Over a 35-year CBS career, Schieffer has sat in the Rather chair many times and is equally competent, with six Emmys as evidence. What's most important is that he's a far warmer authority figure than the seat's contentious occupant. |
