Schieffer Toasted and Roasted

CBS News President Sean McManus and Senators Sam Nunn and Lindsey Graham roasted Bob Schieffer at the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Awards on Friday night.  Colleagues and friends such as CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz, who in a taped appearance joked that he had never heard of Schieffer or his Sunday show, came out to toast the venerable host of Face the Nation. 

But of all the big names in the room, it was Bob’s wife Pat who really stole the show.  In her introduction of Schieffer, she recalled, “On our anniversary last year, my husband asked me if there is anything that I hadn’t done but wished I had.”  “I told him yeah – George Clooney,” she said to a room full of laughter.  And guests didn’t have to look far for entertainment.  Schieffer’s band, Honky Tonk Confidential, which includes CBSers Dianna Quinn and Kaylee Hartung, performed “TV Anchorman” and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.”  Even MSNBC’s Luke Russert took the stage to pay tribute with his rendition of “Shout.”

Spotted at the event were Jan Crawford, Nancy Cordes and Bob Orr, DC Bureau Chief Chris Isham, Face the Nation EP Carin Pratt, Mary Hager, Rob Hendin, Christine Delargy, Politico’s Michelle Levi and CBS News’ Paul Friedman and Barbara Fedida who traveled down from NYC for the dinner. 

Past honorees include Helen Thomas, who was in attendance, and Walter Conkite.