It has been nearly two decades since Dan Rather bid farewell to the anchor desk at CBS News. Among the trio of prominent TV anchormen, who were once watched by approximately 50 million viewers each night, Rather held the position the longest, spanning nearly a quarter-century.
Throughout his impressive 44-year tenure at CBS, Rather excelled in every role available to a network reporter. He showcased his versatility as a bureau chief, war correspondent, foreign correspondent, and White House correspondent.
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In 2006, just over a year after stepping down from the anchor desk, Rather made the decision to leave CBS itself. According to him, “Dan Rather, CBS News, became an integral part of my name and identity.”
“I’ve missed CBS without apology or explanation. It has been the first time I have appeared on this network since I left,” he expressed.
Even at 92 years old, the manner and reason for his departure still hold a painful sting. He expressed, “Deep within the core of every journalist who takes their craft seriously, Lee, lies the understanding that true news is the information that someone, especially someone in a position of authority, wishes to conceal from public knowledge. That, my friend, is what constitutes real news.”
And that’s what caused him to face difficulties.
In 2004, Rather aired a report on “60 Minutes II” that raised doubts about George W. Bush’s service record in the Texas Air National Guard. He presented “new documents and new information” regarding the president’s military service. However, the authenticity of the documents used by Rather and his producer could not be verified subsequently.
On September 20, 2004, Rather issued an apology during his broadcast, acknowledging the mistake made by CBS News. He expressed deep regret, stating, “It was a mistake, and CBS News deeply regrets it. I also want to personally and directly apologize.”
When questioned about whether that was the lowest moment in his career, Rather responded by saying, “Absolutely, it was the lowest point. I dedicated all of my efforts to CBS News. They may have had individuals who were more intelligent, more skilled, and more talented, but no one worked harder than I did.”
During my early years at CBS, Dan Rather graciously and unexpectedly took me under his wing, making me feel welcomed and supported.
Minus the suspenders and cigars, Rather still retains the same qualities that I remember him for: an insatiably curious, contemplative, well-informed skeptic, driven by his relentless pursuit of the next breaking story.
When asked about his motivation to become a reporter, Rather admits that he has never fully understood the reason. However, he has always known that being a reporter is the only thing he has ever wanted to be. Every morning, as he wakes up, his first thought is always focused on finding the next compelling story.
“Do you still do that?”
“I do.”
“And the size of the audience doesn’t matter, whether it is large or small?”
“No,” he answered.
After his time at CBS, Rather embarked on a journey of reporting from various parts of the world for multiple news broadcasts. Alongside this, he also delved into writing books and became a highly sought-after commentator on presidential politics. In addition, Rather found a new avenue to connect with a younger audience through social media. Reflecting on his adaptability, he asserted, “You either embrace the new terms and actively participate, or you risk being left behind. Personally, I wanted to remain an active player in the field.”
When asked to assess the current state of journalism, Rather took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.
“With a chuckle, he made sure to emphasize, “I want it on the record that I took a moment to think!” He then proceeded to answer, acknowledging the remarkable improvement in the quality of journalism today. According to him, the current generation of journalists surpasses those who came before, citing their superior education, extensive knowledge of global affairs, and unwavering commitment to ethical practices. Their dedication to delivering accurate and impactful news is truly commendable.”
During his tenure, Dan Rather understood that he couldn’t simply emulate the legendary Walter Cronkite. Instead, he focused on being the best version of himself. However, this approach came with its own set of challenges, both in his professional and personal life.
In 1963, as the nation grieved the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Rather found himself unable to take the time to mourn. “I didn’t allow myself the luxury of grieving,” he reflected, “because I felt a professional responsibility to stay focused.” Despite the personal tragedy, he remained committed to his duties. He vividly recalls a conversation with his wife, Jean, who was in Houston at the time. She warned him, “Dan, at some point, you’ll need to make space for your own emotions.”
During his time at CBS, Rather also took charge of the network’s coverage of the civil rights movement. These were the days that he believed could potentially shape his career as a journalist.
During the Vietnam War, the fear experienced by soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen went beyond the fear of death. They were primarily afraid of letting down their fellow comrades. Regardless of race, the soldiers had a deep sense of camaraderie and unity. They operated under the belief that they were all in the same difficult situation together, facing the same challenges and dangers. They had a saying that encapsulated this sentiment: “Same mud, same blood.” This mindset helped them to overcome their fears and focus on supporting and protecting one another.
As a dedicated journalist, one must not lose sight of their empathy. This was evident in Dan Rather’s heartfelt response after the tragic events of 9/11. During an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” Rather expressed his emotions, resonating with the collective grief we all experienced. In a poignant moment, he recited the lyrics to “America the Beautiful,” capturing the sentiment of the nation.
These days, you can find him seeking refuge under the cool shade of a majestic old oak tree, not too far from his residence in Austin, Texas. Known as the Treaty Tree, this resilient natural wonder has withstood the test of time, surviving Spanish conquests, the Civil War, and even the encroachment of urban development.
Dan Rather sees himself in the tangled branches of the tree. According to him, the tree’s longevity of nearly 600 years is a testament to its deep roots.
Throughout his career, Dan Rather dedicated himself to offering others valuable insights and putting global events into perspective. As a reporter, he strived to capture the essence of history in his notebooks. However, Rather understands that the ultimate interpretation of these events lies in the hands of others, and he wholeheartedly believes that this is how it should be.
According to his perspective, the key to addressing one’s legacy is to shift the focus away from the work itself and instead reflect on one’s personal growth. In his own words, he emphasizes the significance of introspective questions such as “Who am I?” and “What can I contribute?” rather than fixating on professional achievements like being an anchor or managing editor of a prominent news program like the ‘CBS Evening News.’
