A Surprise Celebration for Face the Nation’s John Dickerson

With cocktails and cake, the producers and staff of CBS’ Face the Nation surprised moderator John Dickerson with an on-set first anniversary celebration after the program Sunday.

Bob Schieffer, who moderated the CBS Sunday show for 24 years before announcing Dickerson as his successor last April, was on hand to toast Dickerson’s first year in the chair.

The cake, complete with an icing version of Dickerson’s face, said “cheers to the face of Face the Nation…Happy Anniversary, John.”

In February, Face the Nation had its best February book in 25 years. In May, Face the Nation tied with Meet the Press for first among total viewers and adults 25-54–the CBS show’s best May performance since the 1987 dawn of Nielsen people meters.