a few times.

He's OK. But.

He's no Edward R. Murrow. He's more like Ted Baxter than most DUers would like to think.

He's a bit pompous and egotistical. (Most anchors are. This is not unusual.)

He reminded me of when I met William Shatner. A bit above it all. Not stupid, but not really on top of what was going on either.

It was in sharp contrast to when I met Walter Cronkite at the Democratic National Convention (more years ago than I care to think about) at the CBS canteen off the floor of the convention. Eyes that would look into your soul. A nice man, easy with jokes and small talk. Tie undone, lounging back in a plastic chair to sip his Coke and eat his rubber sandwich with the rest of the crew. Expand the belly a bit. Roll his eyes and ask, "How are you liking Atlanta?"

Dan always had an entourage. Like Fergie did when I met her, or (as I assume) Madonna does. Dan was a STAR. And make no mistake about it, he wanted you to know that. It was rumored that in "Broadcast News" Jack Nicholson was doing a parody of Rather. I think that is a correct assessment.

Did Rather actually stand for journalistic beliefs? Does he still?

I think the answer is probably yes. Almost 99% yes.

Is he another Cronkite or Murrow. No. 100% no.

But we take our heros, even with clay feet, where we find them.


(edited to say...I'll bet nobody reads this, but I kind of had to let someone know that might be interested...)