Rather Outspoken News

Roger Daltrey of The Who
by Dan on May 17, 2013

Met and talked for quite a while yesterday with the legendary, iconic Roger Daltrey...about "The Who," about staying power in the music business - especially in rock & roll, about life and our times.

 

The Death of Billie Sol Estes
by Dan on May 15, 2013

The death of Billie Sol Estes this week brings back memories. I covered the agriculture/crop-support scandal in Texas, circa early '60s, that bears his name...

 

History's Greatest Orators
by Dan on May 08, 2013

Someone recently asked me my opinion on history’s "greatest orators." Well, historically there are Mark Antony, Hortensia, Joan of Arc, Lincoln, Gandhi, Moses, Jesus and a long list of Biblical orators. Of course, I never actually heard any of those; have only read their speeches (or heard them recited). In my lifetime and ones I've at least heard, live and in person...

 

The Future of Fracking
by Dan on April 30, 2013

Hydraulic fracturing -- AKA fracking -- remains a hot debate. To allow it or not? If so, how much? Under what conditions? (There are many water purity, conservation protection and public safety questions involved.) In my opinion (keep in mind that my opinions are sometimes -- oft-times? -- wrong), fracking is here to stay.

 

Willie Nelson's New Album
by Dan on April 22, 2013

Willie Nelson's new album, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” may be among his best ever. I'll have to listen to it a few more times before rating it anywhere near his classic, "Red Headed Stranger," but make no mistake, I love this album and will be surprised if it isn't an immediate hit.

 

Boston Bombing
by Dan on April 17, 2013

I can't stop thinking about what's happened in Boston. In these times, we're all Bostonians.

 

RIP: Margaret Thatcher
by Dan on April 08, 2013

Thinking on the death of Margaret Thatcher. I remember sitting directly across from her at a small luncheon just after she was first elected Prime Minister...

 

"Bribes A Plenty"
by Dan on April 07, 2013

New York's latest political scandal ("Bribes A Plenty," I call it) is disgusting, disturbing -- and should be for every American...

 

Circumventing Obamacare
by Dan on April 05, 2013

Insurance companies (and best I can make out, practically everyone associated with them) are furiously trying to eradicate or at a minimum drastically circumvent the Affordable Care Act (AKA"Obamacare")...

 

Kim Jong Un Threatening to Nuke Austin,Texas - Say What?
by Dan on March 30, 2013

North Korea's Kim Jong Un is now threatening to nuke Austin,Texas. Say what? Yup. He's doing it. Oh, my. This is too strange even for Sisterdale...

 

Feel Lower Than A Snake's Belly About My March Madness Picks
by Dan on March 26, 2013

March Madness: I feel lower than a snake's belly about my picks so far -- Georgetown a credible choice for final four if not, indeed, winner of it all? Ha! Fla.Gulf Coast took 'em like Grant took Richmond.

 

The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument
by Dan on March 25, 2013

Thinking of Vietnam vets, especially those who were killed or maimed in that green jungle hell. It’s a different time now and the country has re-learned an ancient lesson during the more recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

Obama's Visit to Israel
by Dan on March 22, 2013

President Obama in Israel and the West Bank: The visit's goal is to get Israeli-Palestinian negotiations re-started again...to build some capital for American influence when they do. Obama did what he had to do and may have moved the goal closer.

 

March Madness
by Dan on March 22, 2013

NCAA basketball: I had thought New Mexico might make it to the Final Four, but obviously I was wrong. ('Taint the first time, nor not likely the last.) NM not nearly as good as I thought and Harvard far better than I guessed...

 

Afghanistan's Draw Down
by Dan on March 14, 2013

The U.S. and its allies are drawing down in Afghanistan toward an end of 2014 date. Troop levels are being reduced already, equipment being shipped out. This is all an immense logistical undertaking: roughly $26 billion of U.S. equipment is to be sent back to the U.S....

 

The Effect of Karzai's Comments
by Dan on March 13, 2013

President Karzai’s most recent inflammatory statements about the U.S. and snub of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel getting major play in the region, extending into the Middle East...

 

In Afghanistan with US Troops
by Dan on March 12, 2013

U.S. troops are in the process of going more “expeditionary force” mode – fewer hot meals, more tents than barracks. But morale is good. The average soldier’s attitude seems to be ‘just make sure you don’t take away our wifi, and Gatorade and we’ll be fine.’

 

The Jamaican Lottery Scam
by Dan on March 06, 2013

This week is National Consumer Protection Week, a fitting backdrop for a story I’ve been working on that has become deeply personal.

For years, I’ve heard stories from friends -- mainly senior citizens -- who have received stacks of suspicious mail promising riches from lotteries that no one has ever heard of. Some would even get phone calls saying they had won prize money. Clearly, there was a story here. But I had no idea how big it was....

 

The Sequester and the Tea Party
by Dan on March 02, 2013

President Obama and the Democrats so far look to be on the losing end of the Washington madness, the battle of wills over what to spend and what to cut. Republicans, especially the Tea Party movement...

 

Princeton's President
by Dan on February 28, 2013

Find myself thinking much about my recent interview with Dr. Shirley Tilghman, Princeton University President. She is a remarkably accomplished woman of science...

 

Washington's Showdown
by Dan on February 26, 2013

Outgoing Transport Secretary Ray LaHood has suggested that everyone should see the movie “Lincoln” re the current Washington showdown. It’s a great idea...

 

Movie Review of Amour
by Dan on February 23, 2013

The Oscars are tomorrow, so I thought it was time for a movie review. The French film "Amour," is about love (of course), a deeply loving couple and dying. It's long, serious, sad and will strike some as hard to watch. So how and why is it nominated for a Best Picture Oscar?

 

You Trust Your Mother, but You Cut the Cards
by Dan on February 22, 2013

Several people have asked from where did the saying "You trust your mother, but you cut the cards" come? It just popped out of my mouth during last night's "Ed Show," but it's something I've said from time to time for years...

 

Country Roads, Take Me Home
by Dan on February 19, 2013

Country roads, take me home... driving the back roads of Central Texas. The roads 'round Smithville, Rosanky, and then through some of the "Lost Pines" area 'round Bastrop.

 

Traveling Through Texas
by Dan on February 17, 2013

I'm in my last midst of traveling - Austin - El Paso - Dallas - Houston - New York over a one week stretch.

 

Overview of the SOTU
by Dan on February 13, 2013

President Obama did open with and spend some time on the problem of jobs and the economy. He talked the talk and did a good job of it. Now we'll see if he walks the talk (and if the GOP will contribute even a little.)

 

The State of the Union
by Dan on February 12, 2013

The President's State of the Union speech tonight: jobs -- how to create new ones and how to get the unemployed working again should be the main focus, woven in with an overall assessment of the economy and what he intends to do about it...

 

Back from Jamaica
by Dan on February 01, 2013

We’re back home from our reporting trip to Jamaica. As a tourist destination it is beautiful and steeped in history. It has many pluses, but...

 

Reporting from Jamaica
by Dan on January 31, 2013

I'm in Jamaica on a reporting trip. I've been here several times before, but it's the first time in a while. Makes me think back to a report I did a while ago on "Rastafarians" for 60 minutes.

 

President Obama's First Moves
by Dan on January 30, 2013

President Obama is smart to start with an early effort on immigration reform. He may be able to do some business with the GOP on this...

 

Who or What's to Blame for Boeing Malfunctions?
by Dan on January 28, 2013

Boeing's "Dreamliner" has been grounded worldwide due to battery malfunctions. Whatever the specific reason turns out to be..

 

President Obama's speech
by Dan on January 23, 2013

President Obama's speech was muscular and strongly democratic. It invoked our country’s duty to God and the Declaration of Independence.

 

Thoughts on Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Dan on January 21, 2013

I wish every American school child could visit 2 things in Washington that don't draw as much attention as they should: (1) The new Martin Luther King Memorial and (2) Washington's Holocaust Museum.

 

Reporting from a Trip to Germany
by Dan on January 17, 2013

This is written from high on the southern banks of Lake of Constance, one of the largest lakes in Europe, with snow-capped mountains in all their glory in the distance beyond the far shore.

 

The Boeing 787 Problems
by Dan on January 16, 2013

The Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" mechanical troubles are very real. Interesting. Back in 2007 we did an investigation on the 787 after some Boeing engineers came forward...

 

"Newsies" on Broadway
by Dan on January 14, 2013

I finally saw "Newsies" on Broadway. Terrific. It also gave me a chance to have a meaningful discussion with a teenage relative about what organized labor (unions) have contributed to American life...

 

From Dan: My Latest Book
by Dan on January 11, 2013

I'm reading "Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards" by Jan Reid. It's very good; I'm gobbling it up.

 

From Dan: Read It and Weep
by Dan on January 09, 2013

The new government deal with banks means more consolidation -- and less competition = no good for consumers. The federal government, whether led by Republicans or Democrats, continually favors banks. Huge bank lobbying and campaign contributions are a major factor. Read it and weep; the big bankers win again.

 

From Dan: Fiscal Cliff
by Dan on January 06, 2013

I agree that President Obama scored a tactical win re "cliff," but not -- not yet anyway -- a strategic victory. The toughest fights with Congressional Republicans (and some reluctant Democrats) are yet to come.

 

From Dan: A Review of "Les Mis"
by Dan on January 04, 2013

The movie "Les Misérables" is terrific. It’s long, but worth it. Well, maybe just if you're a romantic. But then again, if you aren't a romantic this film just might make you one.

 

From Dan: Politicians Have Not Been Doing Their Jobs
by Dan on January 01, 2013

Let's be straight about this: neither the executive nor legislative branches, neither the White House nor Congress, deserve kudos for what they are doing re "Fiscal Cliff."

 

From Dan: General Norman Schwarzkopf
by Dan on December 28, 2012

I regret the passing of General Norman Schwarzkopf. He was a great, dedicated soldier and friend.  When the USA had it all on the line (Gulf War I) he and the troops under his command delivered.

 

From Dan: Thoughts Over the Holidays
by Dan on December 26, 2012

During the holidays my thoughts go to my Texas childhood: how my late mother and late father always reminded us to have in mind and help the hungry, the homeless...

 

From Dan: Review of the Movie "Silver Linings Playbook"
by Dan on December 11, 2012

Saw the movie "Silver Linings Playbook." Good. Excellent date movie. On a five star scale, I give it at least four stars

 

From Dan: Egypt's Constitution
by Dan on December 06, 2012

Egypt continues to boil over new constitution. The current draft favors the effort to dictate Islamic law. It’s big trouble and the outcome is hard to predict.

 

From Dan: The Best Movies of All Time (In My Opinion)
by Dan on December 05, 2012

Saw something in the Wall Street Journal recently that said Casablanca was the best movie of all time. I love it (partly because my late parents loved it so) and it deserves consideration, but...

 

From Dan: Trouble Spots to Keep an Eye On
by Dan on November 28, 2012

It’s a critical time in Egypt (and, by extension, all of the Middle East). Which way does the country turn? More Islamic left, back more toward Mubarak-style rule right, middle course...or chaos?

 

From Dan: What Washington Needs
by Dan on November 26, 2012

What Washington needs now is an injection of humility and reason among both Democratic and Republican leaders. Let's see if we get any of either from either side, at the White House or in Congress.

 

From Dan: Reflections on Thanksgiving
by Dan on November 21, 2012

In honor of Thanksgiving, we want to post Dan's closing thoughts from last night's broadcast:

 

From Dan: Review of "Lincoln"
by Dan on November 19, 2012

Saw the movie "Lincoln.” It was excellent. Lots of substance -- meaty, meaningful and sticks to you; you find yourself thinking about it much afterward.

 

From Dan: The Jill Kelley Connection
by Dan on November 14, 2012

As I have been saying, there may be a lot more to this Petraeus story yet to be uncovered. Among the areas the FBI and CIA are bound to be digging into: Who is Jill Kelley?

 

From Dan: Holding Our politicians Accountable
by Dan on November 07, 2012

At the end of an election season, there is always a sign of closure. We know who our president will be for the next four years - and a sense of the Congress he will have to deal with.

But in many ways, an election is like a wedding day. An important date on the calendar to be sure, but it's the subsequent marriage that matters more. And it's the same here.

 

From Dan: The Candidates Make Their Final Election Pushes
by Dan on November 06, 2012

As for the substance of the campaigns (as opposed to just polls): Romney's best argument is a version of "the economy is not moving well enough, fast enough" and "I'll do better.

 

From Dan: The Importance of Pennsylvania
by Dan on November 06, 2012

President Obama's "fire wall," in the decisive Electoral College: Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa. If he carries those three, he’s very likely to win.

 

From Dan: Fox News Is Calling It
by Dan on November 05, 2012

The Race: Neck and neck at the wire. There are some indications --polls included -- that there has been slight movement toward Romney in the last week. Fox News programs give the impression that they believe Romney will win.

 

From Dan: Who's to Blame for Hurricane Sandy Response Efforts?
by Dan on November 05, 2012

The Department of Homeland Security -- on a bi-partisan basis -- has much to answer for in the wake of Sandy. Preparation? Speed of action? Level of action?

 

From Dan: Will Obama be Able to Motivate His Base?
by Dan on November 04, 2012

I'm saying again for emphasis: President Obama absolutely, positively must get his vote out if he hopes to win.

 

From Dan: The Key 4 States
by Dan on November 04, 2012

In the presidential race the "Key 4" states are Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin and Ohio. Romney needs at least two, and probably three of those states to have a chance to win.

 

From Dan: Electoral Votes vs. Electoral College
by Dan on November 03, 2012

If--if--President Obama wins it may be by more than a sliver margin (in Electoral Votes anyway). If--if--Romney wins it is more likely to be just barely (in the Electoral College).

 

From Dan: The Race is Heart-Poundingly Close
by Dan on November 03, 2012

The Race: the national popular vote outlook is still heart-poundingly close, perhaps hair-thin advantage goes to Romney.

 

From Dan: Sandy and the Presidential Race
by Dan on October 30, 2012

As the damage is being assessed it's hard to know if -- and if so, how -- Hurricane Sandy affects the presidential race.

 

From Dan: Hurricane Sandy Beginning to Hit
by Dan on October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy is beginning to hit the most populous part of the NE coast right now. Tonight and tomorrow are likely to be the worst of it -- it's the NE corner of the storm that's starting to strike now.

 

From Dan: Keep Your Eyes on Ohio
by Dan on October 28, 2012

Key “swing-state” polls – most importantly in Ohio – tend to have Obama tied or leading. Yes, this might indicate that one candidate wins at the polls nationwide, but another candidate wins the decisive electoral vote.

 

From Dan: Keeping My Eye on the Frankenstorm
by Dan on October 27, 2012

I'm in Austin to attend a book fair gala tonight and appear at the event over the weekend for Rather Outspoken. But still keeping my eye on the so called "frankenstorm" off the U.S. East Coast.

 

From Dan: With Less Than Two Weeks to Go in the Election...
by Dan on October 24, 2012

My assessment from analyzing polls, opinions of experienced political professional consultants and others:

 

From Dan: Who Won the Debate?
by Dan on October 23, 2012

Probably the biggest news out of the debate is that Romney adjusted his stance on Afghanistan. Now he says he favors withdrawal in 2014 -- he previously had ducked and dodged about a timeline.

 

From Dan: The Keys to the Race
by Dan on October 22, 2012

The keys to the race going forward: tonight's debate, the economy, turnout...

 

From Dan: Obama's Got the Edge
by Dan on October 22, 2012

The Presidential race is still tight, volatile. Modest edge for Obama, mostly because he still has a thin advantage in Ohio.

 

From Dan: Austin's Safe Place
by Dan on October 20, 2012

I'm in Austin doing some charity work and some investigative reporting, along with writing, narration, etc for future "DRR" programs. More than 30 years ago Austin pioneered an establishment called "Safe Place" for abused women

 

From Dan: The Second Debate
by Dan on October 17, 2012

My first impression, maybe a draw or a tie.

 

From Dan: Obama May Have a Disadvantage in Tonight's Debate
by Dan on October 16, 2012

Obama may be somewhat at a disadvantage in that the format of tonight's debate is different from the first one: that one was head-to-head, with only a moderator, whereas this one is a "town hall" format, with questions from the audience (as well as, presumably, some from the moderator.)

 

From Dan: Is Tomorrow's Debate the Most Important Debate in Presidential History?
by Dan on October 15, 2012

Tomorrow's Presidential debate may prove to be the most important of any in the nation's history - in the television era or otherwise.

 

From Dan: Who Won the Vice Presidential Debate?
by Dan on October 12, 2012

Now with a little time to reflect: Biden may have done a bit better than Ryan in appealing to uncommitted voters, "swing votes" and independents. (A few early, quick polls tend to reflect that small samples of these voters like Biden better…for whatever, if anything, such polls may be worth).

 

From Dan: Two Men Auditioning for Presidential Nominations
by Dan on October 11, 2012

Another way to look at tonight's debate: Two men auditioning for Presidential nominations in 2016.

 

From Dan: The Candidates #1 Job Tonight: No Big Mistakes
by Dan on October 11, 2012

Biden's number one job tonight is not to make any big mistakes; not say or do anything that winds up negatively "viral" on the Internet or TV News programs - no gaffes, no blunders. Ryan's number one job: ditto.

 

From Dan: Tonight's VP Debate is the Lightweight Bout of the Debates
by Dan on October 11, 2012

Tonight's Veep debate is a lightweight bout (Obama and Romney compete for the heavyweight championship when they meet.). No veep debate in history has decided any Presidential election.

 

From Dan: Living By the Crystal Ball
by Dan on October 08, 2012

Obama had an opportunity to just about close Romney out in the first debate. He didn't. Romney was fighting to stay alive and give undecided voters, including some leaning away from him but not convinced, reasons for a second look - especially in key swing states.

 

From Dan: Time for the Dems to Read 'Em and Weep
by Dan on October 07, 2012

Democrats can read 'em and weep. The latest polls indicate the Romney bounce is better than in the very first early polling after the debate.

 

From Dan: Debate Overview
by Dan on October 04, 2012

Overall the debate was boring, but Romney looked at least a little, maybe more human, approachable than before - which was one of his major goals.

 

From Dan: What Obama Needs to do in Tonight's Debate
by Dan on October 03, 2012

From Dan: In tonight’s debate President Obama needs to:
--Explain how and why a new term would be different from this term.
--Not be defensive or passive in the face of attacks.

 

From Dan: Romney's Chance to Reboot in Tonight's Debate
by Dan on October 03, 2012

From Dan: Tonight’s debate is a time of opportunity for Romney. It’s an opportunity for President Obama, too, but less so than for his opponent. Romney needs a breakout and a breakthrough...a reboot, if you will, of how the public perceives him.

 

From Dan: The 2012 Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement
by Dan on October 01, 2012

This is Dan Rather's acceptance speech upon receiving the 2012 Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement from Washington State University.

 

From Dan: The Importance of Ohio and Virginia
by Dan on September 28, 2012

Mark it: Should either Presidential candidate carry both Virginia and Ohio, he is highly likely to win the election -- which is one of the reasons we're working on a story about what some Democrats in Ohio are calling voter suppression.

 

From Dan: The Latest from the West Coast
by Dan on September 26, 2012

I’m in LA for some political reporting… and on from here to Washington state (and then Seattle). I’m doing some appearances on behalf of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University.

 

From Dan: The Worst Congress in the History of the Republic
by Dan on September 23, 2012

I spent a couple of days in Washington, D.C., reporting and visiting friends, including some on Diplomatic Row.

 

From Dan: Recalculating the Presidential Race
by Dan on September 20, 2012

The dynamic of the race for the presidency has shifted; the contours have changed. For a long while this year, the following was the more or less consensus assessment: Republicans had an excellent chance of winning because of the economy, especially the jobs picture.

 

From Dan: Can Romney Recover?
by Dan on September 19, 2012

Romney is counterattacking in the wake of the secret video in which he opened himself up to the charge that he was dissing the poor and middle class -- a performance even many top Republicans are criticizing.

 

From Dan: Why Romney Could Win the Election
by Dan on September 14, 2012

New clouds have moved over Romney's moon. The latest polling from Florida, Ohio and Virginia indicate that President Obama  has lately opened a bit of a lead among likely voters. Note the "among likely voters."

 

From Dan: Perhaps They Should Have Listened To Eisenhower
by Dan on September 13, 2012

President Dwight Eisenhower once said, "I do not believe any political campaign justifies the declaration of a moratorium on common sense."

 

From Dan: Obama, Netanyahu and the Presidential Election
by Dan on September 12, 2012

Pay no mind to national polls re Presidential race at this stage. They are virtually meaningless with little or no shelf-live. Do pay attention to under-reported news out of Israel.

 

From Dan: Romney on Meet the Press
by Dan on September 10, 2012

Romney's strong, confident and forceful interview today on Meet the Press was one of his best. David Gregory questioned him well.

 

From Dan: Will President Obama's Speech Be Enough?
by Dan on September 07, 2012

President Obama's acceptance speech was passionate and effective.

 

From Dan: Bill Clinton Hit a Home Run
by Dan on September 06, 2012

Bill Clinton's speech last night was a home run. Upper deck home run. May or may not help Obama's re-election chances, but it gave him a boost at least

 

From Dan: A Scene From Charlotte
by Dan on September 06, 2012

A scene from Charlotte: Former Secretary of the Treasury Robert (Bob) Rubin is well known for his brilliance and gentlemanly demeanor. It was put to the test last night

 

From Dan: Scant News About China These Days
by Dan on September 06, 2012

There's saturated news coverage of the political conventions, but scant coverage of rising tensions with China.

 

From Dan: Julian Castro, Rising Democratic Star
by Dan on September 05, 2012

Ohio governor Ted Strickland made a great speech on the convention opening night. But San Antonio mayor Julian Castro - a young up-and-comer - topped all the speakers with his speech

 

From Dan: Obama and the Democrats Know They Need Women Voters
by Dan on September 05, 2012

Again there's a strong emphasis on appealing to women voters at the Democratic convention.

 

From Dan: The Charlotte Arena Is Filled To The Gills
by Dan on September 05, 2012

The Charlotte basketball arena (18,000 -19,000 seats) is filled to the gills - crowded to the rafters and part of the roof.

 

From Dan: Reporting from the Democratic National Convention
by Dan on September 04, 2012

The main theme in the speeches at the Democratic convention so far is that President Obama and the Democrats are the party of "inclusion, understanding" and bringing the US all the way back from the disastrous policies of the Bush years.

 

From Dan: The DNC Trying To Appeal To Women
by Dan on September 04, 2012

Early in the evening at the DNC, Newark's mayor Cory Booker brought the convention to its feet with a fiery, thundering speech - the best speech of convention so far.

 

From Dan: Heading to the DNC
by Dan on September 03, 2012

I enjoyed visiting with my old friend Willie Nelson last night in Austin – we had a good talk on his bus. But now I’m back on the road, headed to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

 

From Dan: Republicans Getting a Bump
by Dan on September 01, 2012

Romney figures to get a "bump" in the polls from the convention (parties and candidates usually do.) The question is how big and how long it lasts. Expect him to get a 3-5 point bump (pretty much in the normal range based on past convention history).

 

From Dan: Romney's Speech Was Solid
by Dan on August 31, 2012

Romney's speech was at the very least solid, workman like…and some, maybe many, may yet rate it good to excellent. It will be hard to argue that it soared.

 

From Dan: Highs and Lows of Romney's Speech
by Dan on August 31, 2012

The high point of Romney's speech tonight was in the beginning, talking about family, etc.  He came across as warm, likable and "a regular guy" better than I've ever observed him.

 

From Dan: Clint Eastwood, Mondo Bizarro
by Dan on August 31, 2012

I'm a big Clint Eastwood fan -- love his work and his films -- he's an acting and film-making genius. But his prime, super primetime slot last night did not, in my opinion, serve him or the GOP party well.

 

From Dan: The Convention Is Going Quite Well
by Dan on August 30, 2012

My own personal assessment (opinion) is that the Republicans may have had a better convention than most Democrats seem to think.

 

From Dan: C-SPAN
by Dan on August 30, 2012

I'm back from Tampa and doing most of my Republican convention watching tonight on C-SPAN.

 

From Dan: The Next Big Thing?
by Dan on August 30, 2012

Florida Senator Marco Rubio introduced Romney, showing why he is deemed such a "comer for the future."

 

From Dan: The Strongest Speeches of the Convention So Far
by Dan on August 29, 2012

Republican Convention: Biggest winner among convention speech makers so far is Condoleezza Rice. Her performance last night already has talk of, "Why don't we (Republicans) put her up for Governor of California next time."

 

From Dan: The Many Faces of the RNC
by Dan on August 28, 2012

Reporting from the floor of the GOP convention. Mostly sunny skies, occasional rain as the second day begins. The hurricane is hardly talked about on the floor, in the crowd or from the rostrum. This may change as GOP leadership is eager to address it -- especially in font of the TV cameras.

 

From Dan: Filing from the RNC Floor
by Dan on August 27, 2012

I’m filing from the floor of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL.  This is my 28th convention. I started at the Democratic convention in Chicago, 1956. I’ve been on the floor (and sometimes in the anchor booth) of both parties’ conventions every 4 years since.

 

From Dan: Reporting from the RNC
by Dan on August 27, 2012

I'm in Tampa -- the weather is not bad at all. A little wind, occasional rain. The Republicans are in good spirits, although they are worried about the loss of television time because of the delayed start of the convention.

 

From Dan: Todd Akin and the Republican party
by Dan on August 23, 2012

Republican Todd Akin's refusal to withdraw from the Missouri Senate race over his onerous comment about rape is hurting Republicans where it may hurt the worst...

 

From Dan: Colombia and the U.S. Presidential Race
by Dan on August 20, 2012

The U.S. Presidential election being followed closely Colombia. The general belief is that Obama is likely to win...

 

From Dan: Greetings from Bogota, Colombia
by Dan on August 17, 2012

Bogota, Colombia -- spectacular clouds in the mountains and enveloping the city. I haven't been in Colombia in a few years. Came here in earlier years, going back to the 1960s...

 

From Dan: Heading to South America
by Dan on August 16, 2012

I'm off to South America for a few days to do a presidential interview....

 

From Dan: Romney's VP Choice
by Dan on August 13, 2012

Romney has taken a direct turn to the right with his selection of Paul Ryan.

 

Audiobook Excerpt from RATHER OUTSPOKEN
by Dan on June 08, 2012

“Rather’s slight Texas twang has never sounded more charming.”
—AudioFile Magazine

Check out this clip from the audiobook version of Rather Outspoken read by Dan himself.

You can get the complete audio book on iTunes, Audible, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

 

From Rather Outspoken: Dan on Afghanistan
by Dan on June 01, 2012

 

Dan Talks Journalism with Jon Stewart
by Admin on May 31, 2012

Dan sat down with The Daily Show's Jon Stewart and talked about his new book, the current state of the news businessm and Jon's favorite Ratherism. You can watch the entire segment here.

 

 

Mitt Romney Clinches Nomination. Who will be VP?
by Dan on May 30, 2012

Mitt Romney clinched the Republican nomination last night with a win in the Texas primary. But who will he choose as his VP? Condoleezza Rice deserves some consideration. Doubt she'll get much. But she'd be an interesting choice. Solid, and she might help Romney re his problems with women voters. I know, I know: off-the charts idea but, hey, you never know. President Obama picking Hillary Clinton to run with him probably has a better chance -- but that may not be saying much. Most politicos scoff at the idea, convinced Obama will stick with Biden. I agree that's the way to bet it. But, again, who knows what the situation will be come late summer. What do you think of Condoleezza Rice as Romney's VP choice?

 

On Watch What Happens Live
by admin on May 24, 2012

Check out Dan's appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live.

 

Michael Rosenbaum
by Dan on May 23, 2012

If you want to know the key to how television news is supposed to work, I offer you the example of Michael Rosenbaum, for decades a dear friend and colleague who lost his battle with brain cancer this past Thursday. He had just turned 64, still so young with so much to offer.

 

Visiting the Great City of Detroit
by Dan on May 22, 2012

Leaving Detroit after some story work and book signings in Detroit, Livonia and Ann Arbor (home of the great University of Michigan).

 

World's Best Dessert, Grasshopper Pie
by Dan on May 17, 2012

Eureka! I have found the world’s best dessert. The “Grasshopper Pie” at the "L.A. Market” restaurant in Los Angeles. It’s a frozen, chocolate encrusted ice cream pie…mint chocolate chip, homemade from scratch on the premises ice cream on the inside.

 

Photo from BookPeople's Blog
by Dan on May 15, 2012

I had the chance to visit BookPeople's bookstore in Austin Texas this past Friday. Read more about my visit on their blog.

 

My Appearance on YES Network
by Dan on May 14, 2012

My appearance on Center Stage with Michael Kay on YES Network.

 

My Favorite Chapter in Rather Outspoken
by Dan on May 12, 2012

When readers ask, "What's your favorite chapter in Rather Outspoken?" it is naturally not easy to answer. Picking a favorite chapter from one's book is a bit akin to choosing favorites among, say nephews or nieces. Or maybe even your children.

 

At Austin's Book People Tonight
by Dan on May 11, 2012

En route from Dallas to Austin - I have a book signing tonight at Austin's "Book People " at 7pm. It's one of America's great independent, friendly book stores. Looking forward to it.

 

Dispatch from Iowa
by Dan on May 09, 2012

Speaking from center stage in a big sports arena before 13,000 people, as I did yesterday in Iowa, is a challenge. If you don't get at least a bit nervous beforehand, there's either something 
super-human about you or you're not likely to make a very good speech.

 

Dan on Good Morning New York
by admin on May 08, 2012

 

Photos from Book Launch Party
by admin on May 07, 2012

We've uploaded some great photos from the Rather Outspoken book launch party help in New York on April 30, 2012. Check out the photos here.

 

Dan's Appearances This Week
by admin on May 04, 2012

 

 

Photos from May 2 Book Signing
by admin on May 03, 2012

Speaking to the audience at the Barnes and Noble bookstore on 82nd Street and Broadway last night, Dan Rather said it was important to be humble, do justice and give mercy and kindness...

 

Dan on Good Morning America
by admin on May 01, 2012

 

Why I wrote Rather Outspoken
by Dan on April 28, 2012

First of all, I think that – with humility and no intention to be self-serving – on my better days I'm a good storyteller (I ought to be after all these years as a reporter). And I have a lot of good stories to tell. Stories about Presidents I have known, the JFK assassination, what it's like to work for Mark Cuban, and on and on. The list is long, but the book is not. I wanted it to be of manageable length and highly readable.

 

Welcome to DanRather.com
by Dan on April 25, 2012

Thanks for visiting the site. What you'll find here on this blog is a daily anthology of thoughts, ideas and some reporting—all straight from yours truly. Over the next few weeks, I'll be traveling across the country for Dan Rather Reports and will be making stops along the way to meet some of you in person and talk about my new book, RATHER OUTSPOKEN. Please send me your comments, photos and videos at dan@danrather.com and I'll post them on my blog. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

 

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