Dan Rather AXS TV not CBS

Dan Rather

Dan Rather
Looking Ahead to the 2012 Elections
Arts and Lecture Series
EASTERN CONNCTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
9 October 2012

   Tonight Dan Rather gave an object lesson in public speaking at ECSU.  He was suave, heartfelt, compassionate, articulate, uplifting and informative. His voice was strong, his points were well taken and his wit was sharp.  81 years on earth and more than 60 years as a practicing journalist have made him wise, knowledgeable and sharp as a tack.
   We were given an overview of the upcoming presidential election and the work he does at his new journalistic home AXS TV
   After 40 years at CBS he was weaseled out by Sumner Redstone and Leslie Moonves because they were afraid of the Bush Whitehouse.  Rather touched on this episode briefly and said it is now behind him but it is related powerfully in his 2012 book, Rather Outspoken.  He talked about election politics and the passion of journalism.  He answered questions and spoke about our responsibilities as citizens in a free society.  But mostly he made the magic that a skilled communicator with a great heart can sometimes achieve.