Dan Rather Retires from the CBS Evening News
(Also some Dan Ratherisms)


Rather smiles following his announcement, but looks kind of sad. Dan going into commercial break, following his announcement.
Dan Rather makes the announcement
Screencaps from CBS Evening News 11-23-2004


Saying, "It has, and remains, an honor to be invited into your home each evening and I thank you for the trust you've given me," Veteran CBS Evening News Anchor Dan Rather told the world he'd be stepping down from his position as Chief Anchor, as well as the program's managing editor.

Rather. 73, will leave the nightly news broadcast on March 9, 2005, 24 years to the day after he replaced Walter Cronkite.

The veteran broadcast journalist from Texas, will continue to work full time as a correspondent for the network's two "60 Minutes" programs as well as on other assignments.

Dan is a hard-hitting reporter, with a "Southern Flare," as evidenced by his various sidebar comments. Some of my favorities actually came from his coverage of the 2004 Presidential Election.

HIGHLIGHTS

"Do you hear that knocking? President Bush's re-election is at the door."
"Thin as turnip soup."
"Put on another cup of coffee, we may be all in the waiting room for quite awhile."
"If you have to bet the double wide."
"This race is humming along like Ray Charles."
"We had a slight hitch in our giddy up, but we corrected that."
"If you believe that, you believe that rocks can grow."
"These electoral votes are swinging like Count Basie"
"They can play Johnny Be Good in Illinois"
"Hotter than a Times Square Rolex"
"We need Billy Crystal to Analyze This"
"Let's hit these biscuits with a dab of gravy."
"Don't taunt the alligator until you cross the creek."
"Bush is sweeping through the South like a big wheel through a cotton field."
"This race is hotter than the devil's anvil."
"In some ways, George Bush's lead is as thin as November ice."
"It don't mean a thing if they don't get those swing states."

I remember watching dan when he was a local newsman on Channel 11, KHOU-TV, in Houston, texas. I'm going to miss Dan's warm and friendly style when I flip on the set to watch the CBS Evening News.