Shep Smith was very gracious on Wednesday’s Fox Report: “Say what you will, Dan Rather’s a tireless reporter, he’s the guy who was never afraid to get involved in a story dodging bullets in wars, hugging trees in hurricanes, making the news come alive. I admire that and try to do the same…And I bet history will reflect that Dan Rather was among other things a news icon who chronicled some of the most important events ever making mistakes along the way like the rest of us.” Shep’s full comments are after the jump…
“On this day in the year 1981, Dan Rather took over for Walter Cronkite as the anchor of the ‘CBS Evening News.’ The tiffany network getting a new face. The number one rating didn’t last but Dan did until now. The changing of the guard, 24 years ago today. Now you know the news of Wednesday March the 9th, 2005, Dan’s last day on the desk. Say what you will, Dan Rather’s a tireless reporter, he’s the guy who was never afraid to get involved in a story dodging bullets in wars, hugging trees in hurricanes, making the news come alive. I admire that and try to do the same. Rather has seen it all and covered it all, never afraid to show us himself and his Texas twang sometimes warts and all. I admire that too. Rather gave my producer and me a ride recently on CBS’s chartered jet from Baghdad to Amman, Jordan. We paid our way, but Dan was kind and respectful to us, even complementary of our work on this very program, a perfect host while embroiled in his own perfect storm. Dan Rather was a southern gentleman to all around. I admire that most. And I bet history will reflect that Dan Rather was among other things a news icon who chronicled some of the most important events ever making mistakes along the way like the rest of us. Tonight, good luck, Mr. Rather. Good luck and God speed.”