Dan Rather: Where I Was on 9 11. Extended interview

[@JerjerB]

I had the pleasure of meeting Dan Rather about 6 months after 9/11. I met him in pasadena. I didn't acost him. He was signing books. I couldn't afford the book but I told him that I really admired him. I was 14. He instead signed a book for free for me. ❤

[@AudraGibson]

“There’s no apologizing for grief.” Such wisdom in that.

[@FredericaE]

Bravo!! I need to hear this now!! Thank you!

[@stephpartin3939]

His voice is so steady and calming. Even during times of tragedy, he acts calm.

[@christinareyes2963]

He just showed us his humanity that day and we are all better for it. God bless.

[@Sushi2735]

I still cry to this day. All these years later. All the lives lost. I sobbed that day and for days after. You have nothing to be ashamed of, in fact applauded for your humanity❤️

[@rob832]

I agree 100%.

[@DrJekyll38]

I still remember the tears in his eyes when he was speaking on Letterman weeks later.

[@eileeng5076]

Will A.I. ever show this kind of compassion and shared grief like a true professional like Dan?

[@davidlewis6670]

I doubt that will ever happen.

[@lanapoulliot7682]

I grew up with Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. Hands down the best newsmen ever.

[@vivians9392]

Walter Cronkite was number 1!

[@ryanarsenault1872]

Grew up with Rather. Always a class act.

[@gregblack2628]

You only had 3 choices. So the best is in the top 3 of 3. I’m impressed, I had no idea doing a newscast was the same as piloting the best war machines in history. Strapped himself in??? Should’ve pulled the ejector Seat lever back in Vietnam and landed on Walter himself . I guess Matt Wallace was his co pilot.

[@povertylevelphilanthropy1524]

@@gregblack2628 you’re dramatizing the differences and completely omitting the similarities that he gave describing why he compared the two. What you actually did there is far more indicative of the current mainstream media. FYI, in studios, like he’s describing, the anchors were literally on risers/platforms, in computer chairs. Different studios had different setups but they all had some sort of safety system in place, so the chairs/anchors didn’t roll, or fall off the platform. Most had devices that locked the chair to the floor, and some had straps that secured the actual person. These newsrooms are/were very loud and chaotic so, unlike nowadays, or in studios that were separate from the news room, many anchors had to wear an earpiece in both ears, instead of just one. The earpieces, back then, worked like walkie talkies, meaning they had to be connected to a particular channel and, with that older technology, there were more steps in getting all the audio/visual aspects up & running. So, his comparison wasn’t about anything other than exactly what he said, and it’s also just an expression. When a person goes looking to point fingers, they’ll always find something and what that something is will often tell you plenty about the accused, and the accuser.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

@@gregblack2628. There is always some creep on the internet, that has to make things out to be ugly.

[@tothemoonandback95707]

Good for you Mr Rather!!! ‘There is no apology for grief’ is a great statement. Especially at a time of great personal or national mourning. Being from the UK myself, it has been a very emotional and unsure period since the death of our beloved Monarch. To see our News Presenters and Reporters displaying their grief so publicly along with the rest of the Nation was extremely comforting. Sometimes showing true emotion is what we need from the people we see on our televisions so regularly.

[@donnageorge2761]

Yes, I agree with you, and I think it’s better for the news people to show emotion. After all, they’re only human, 9/11, was probably one of the biggest news days in the world, shock, disbelief, fear, after the second plane hit the tower, and it was quite a bit out what was happening, when Princess Diana died for you all over in the UK, I remember the news, commentators struggling as well, I even saw a lady Bobby (I don’t know what you call them I mean no disrespect) she was crying, and as you said, with her Majesty, your queen, devastating for you all, doesn’t matter that she was old, and sick, and I know I was here in the states and I was reading online news break, and it came out that her Majesty had passed away, and I said my friend oh, no, the queen died, it’s a reaction , but what I was surprised by here, at least in America only one station was having breaking news. All the other ones were doing regular TV which surprise me, because when Diana died, you couldn’t get anything else on TV

[@williamkelly8026]

I can't imagine going in front of millions of people who are in a state of fear if not panic without a script and with very little hard information and knowing that you will be guiding people through horror. And knowing that your viewers are desperate for clarity. He did an incredible job that day

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Well said 🇺🇸

[@concettalicata3951]

Dan Rather You are a legend. You should NEVER feel guilty or bad about your true feelings. You are so respected for your honesty. Please remember how many new Yorkers love and respect you and to this day wish you were here with us so we can have some truth. All my respect to you always

[@soul2soul399]

It’s important to see dad cry when it counts. Dan’s tears helped deliver the gravity of the situation.

[@chuckselvage3157]

When news reported the facts instead of opinion.

[@soul2soul399]

I really wish we could bring real news back.

[@rebeccaporte3008]

He was literally fired for lying and cover up.

[@gardensofthegods]

Dan Rather is one of the great ones like Walter Cronkite

[@julesxxxooo]

I distinctly remember in the days and weeks after 9/11 thinking, if only the news reported just the facts like they are today, with no sensationalism or opinions attached, we would live in a better place. Bias has always been there.

[@blueduck5589]

Rather's opinion was 9/11 was rumor and NYC was in good shape!

[@tonykiss]

He has gotten us through so much. There is no one like him in media today.

[@InglésconRobert2025]

He got me through nothing. The media was, is, and will continue to be corrupt.

[@ryanprosper88]

This man gave a voice to all the uncertainty and shock of that day. I was a CBS news addict for the next few years

[@giselestrauch5146]

this cbs was ther only channel I could get on 9/11 dan rather was my lifeline that day and on ward thanks dan for helping me and my son during 9/11 to feel reassured in a caring way,

[@BattleBound]

One of the last great newsmen of the modern era.

[@Autshot20]

Yes, and JFK's head moved forward with considerable violence right Dan

[@owlhater270]

He sucks. WTF are you talking about

[@rja9784]

He resigned for fabricating a lie about the president. But I’m guessing you’re a lib and didn’t care

[@catherinelw9365]

One of the first for spreading fake news and he knew it. That's why he was fired.

[@ABBYBENORMAL]

Always so eloquent and professional…

[@elosogonzalez8739]

The greatest news anchor of our time. It was about the story, not the man.

[@pattybristol8296]

Mr. Rather, you have been our latest version of Walter Cronkite. I remember one random time running through a Colorado airport, seeing Mr. Cronkite. I couldn't even talk. You are a legend and a true American beyond compare. You have been there with your soft-spoken way, helping us get through some of the roughest days of our country. Your voice, though strong, still can make us feel at times as if you are whispering only to us, in order to be respectful of the news going on. We are all blessed and grateful for you, Sir. Sending hugs and love.

[@jamespfitz]

He's a liar. He makes up fake news about candidates he doesn't like.

[@RockFan89]

@@jamespfitz now now. please dont confuse Dan with Sean Hannity. Hes a true liar

[@drjuicefire7025]

Dan Rather top notch reporter simply the best. How dare anyone criticize him for getting choked up on the late show. First this is his city. I’m sure he knew some of the top brass of the FDNY. Most of the US was stunned by this. Especially people in the NY metro area. Dan great job always god bless you

[@tylerlozano9849]

I remember crying at home and Dan was on Dave Letterman and I said I’m with you Dan Rather

[@frederickdrake8630]

0h

[@billjordan3952]

Dan Rather is a legend a real journalist

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

Actually Gunga Dan Rather was the originator of fake news before there was fake news. He got caught forging documents about Bush’s military service. The Killian documents. Got caught by fonts that weren’t available on the typwriter when the letter was supposedly wrote. LOL.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

A gentleman and a scholar. Thank you Mr. Rather for your service to this country 🇺🇸

[@leannsherman6723]

Was he in the military as well?

[@snackbarqueen]

Anyone that told you or said that you should have control over your emotions on that day talking about 9/11 and your grief has no heart imo ❤ when news people and people on tv show their true emotions like that it makes me personally feel closer to them and reminds me that we’re all human and we’re in this together ! Dan Rather was such a legend and always will be ❤

[@mickjen]

I woke up to my radio alarm having Dan Rather's voice saying there was a lot of confusion about downtown Manhattan. I worked nights, and I had to get up early for a medical appointment. I walked up the stairs, my stepmom was on the couch, and we both saw the second plane on live television. I didn't sleep for over 48 hours. Just stayed up all night at my job, watching live television reports.

[@danieldougan269]

Dan is a hero. He is always willing to ask the hard questions, and he takes his responsibility as a journalist very seriously.

[@martym.6274]

Hero? Hero? The man used falsified documents to try to rig an election. He used the Kennedy assassination to further his career, caught in lies, and has the credibility of a rattlesnake. He’s the epitome of the corrupt, dirty, lying media.

[@RM-ti8nf]

Hero? Deserving of respect, no doubt, but how is he a hero?

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

Actually Gunga Dan Rather was the originator of fake news before there was fake news. He got caught forging documents about Bush’s military service. The Killian documents. Got caught by fonts that weren’t available on the typwriter when the letter was supposedly wrote. LOL.

[@boogitybear2283]

Dan Rather has really lived an interesting life. He was also in Dallas when President Kennedy got assassinated.

[@walterpaton8698]

Not sure, but Dan is one of the last truthful news reporters. He told as it was, not what he wanted to be.

[@marymorris6897]

You're right. By 2005 news programs were increasingly turning into opinion programs. The story would go, "Mr. X says this," or, "Ms. Z thinks this." So it could be claimed they were reporting on the news of the person saying or thinking something.

[@RedHotMessResell]

I know, right? I love his interviews on AXS with musicians and actors. SO good.

[@catherinelw9365]

Then why was he fired for lying? He's a traitor.

[@jacquelinenicole4740]

@@walterpaton8698 I so LOVE him, Peter Jennings and Tom Brockaw(might spell wrong) I so cried when those two passed. They crossed me as gentlemen and truthful. Obviously I don't know them personally, but that was my perception. I don't watch news anymore since those 3 left

[@leannsherman6723]

I hung on his every word. What a statesman. There will never be another news reporter who comes anywhere close to him or Walter Cronkite.

[@ciarraibuzz]

What has always been attractive with Rather is that he is a serious man not given to chuckling and fooling around. This went, as far as I was concerned, from the Lee Harvey Oswald shooting/death up to 9-11-2001 and beyond. I like serious, smart people in the news department.

[@YourFreeBeats]

Similar experience. I thought “some poor commuter pilot went off course” and actually felt sorry for the man’s family as he would have been ridiculed in the news. Then I saw the second plane hit live and it was beyond obvious that it was a commercial airliner.

[@kennethdemuchest3985]

When I was a kid my dad would watch him every evening before he went to bed.

[@blueduck5589]

Yeah, Rather was good for insomnia.

[@Maya-bu2rf]

I remember hearing him report to Walter Cronkite that the president was shot. He was reporting from Dallas. I will never forget the moment when Walter Cronkite took his glasses off and said the president was dead.

[@josephrobichaud5198]

By far one of the best interviews I've ever heard! You got lucky on this one, Dan had a lot of things to vent.

[@StellaJean1000]

An absolute professional.

[@deniseeulert2503]

When the federal building in Oklahoma was bombed I remember coming home. I turned on the TV and at first thought the video I was seeing was some kind of movie. Dan Rather was on in the middle of the day, which was surprising, and he looked like hell, because his face didn't have the expected makeup to make a broadcater look natural in the strong lights.

[@RickWolfff]

A little chuckle: Dan Rather makes a little chirp sound with the letter S - particularly noticeable when he said "CBS News." As I played this video, my wife in an adjoining room yelled over, "Am I hearing birds?"

[@douglassauvageau7262]

A frank and faithful recollection. Very professional. Emotionally striking. Most striking from a correspondent that was 'in-country' reporting on brown-dirt Vietnam warfare.

[@chem3066]

I think it showed you were human to get upset- we all felt that way

[@thomasgray7128]

Dan of course is the best at his job! This interview among many others was very interesting and informative and very professional! To me that’s what Dan Rather was all about!!😁😁👍👍Thank you Dan for your support and dedication to journalism!!😁😁❤️❤️👍👍

[@sharisiragusa8271]

Dan Rather, One of the Best News Anchors of All Time....Thank you....

[@richarddiffley796]

I used Dan Rather as a sleep 💤 aid. He's voice put me to sleep. Still works now watching this.💤

[@KarmasAbutch]

😂 gonna add him to my list

[@allymayful]

Doing same about now - in Australia. A wonderful man and very easy on the ears.

[@judyannlemay618]

Mr. Dan Rather is A National Treasure ;] GOD BLESS You Sir…Thank you for Your Yeomen Service ❤

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

Actually Gunga Dan Rather was the originator of fake news before there was fake news. He got caught forging documents about Bush’s military service. The Killian documents. Got caught by fonts that weren’t available on the typwriter when the letter was supposedly wrote. LOL.

[@bernicegridley9573]

This was one of the best reporters ever. We miss you and love you. And even though I always wanted to meet you, which was impossible but the good thing is I will surely meet you in heaven. God bless. 💕🎺🕊️

[@PopGoesTheCultureTV]

Did Dan pass away??

[@danaitz203]

90 yrs old and still living in Texas according to Wikipedia

[@blueduck5589]

Not by a long shot Dan is still with us, unfortunately. @@PopGoesTheCultureTV

[@RockFan89]

@@blueduck5589 unfortunately.?

[@RockFan89]

Hes still alive

[@MrDuds1984]

Rather also was in Dallas when JFK was assassinated in fact the limo speed past him right after it happened

[@John.Christopher]

Dan Rather. What a man of sincerity and integrity. Sincerely, one of the millennial generation. Many upstanding men of past years - we can learn from. Virtues I hope are emphasized to a greater degree as time passes. Peace be with and may God bless you all 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@freedom6919741]

Last news man that could be trusted. I miss those days.

[@40ounce58]

When I was younger, I used to ask the older generation where they were when JFK was assassinated. Now the younger generation asks me where I was on 9/11.

[@concettalicata3951]

You know what? It's true. America is multi religious, ethnic and cultural. But no matter what. On 911 we were united. Why does it take such a horrible thing like 911 for us to stand together? Please. Can't we just be like this every day??

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

I don’t remember how many days after 9-11-01 all domestic flights were grounded, but that certainly would have slowed baseball schedules since teams normally fly across the country to play various teams. Did any professional teams take a bus to get to games that week?

[@JFKMLK]

About 5 days flights were grounded

[@kwizzeh]

I think MLB came back on the 9-19 once U.S. airspace opened up again.

[@jamessimms415]

College football & the nfl stopped for aweek

[@TheBandit7613]

I miss Dan Rather. Back when I had some trust in the media. He knows how fouled up the general media is right now. I saw him in an interview where he tried warning the media to watch the personal opinions presented as facts.

[@bclr5964]

Isn’t this the same guy who made up the Bush/Texas ANG story?

[@ErikPortland]

It wasn't made up

[@RockFan89]

@@bclr5964 Watch the movie Truth starring Robert Redford. It explains how it all unfolded.

[@ksailor71]

I wish he would run for president. Such an honorable man. Trustworthy.

[@cmerton]

Yeah, that's a bad idea. Teevee actors (yes, he IS - Dan Rather is an actor, playing an honorable, trustworthy man) are the last thing we need in government. This is how we got Trump rammed up our collective asses.

[@katevand]

29:00 live like this.

[@jamessimms415]

Was @ my Army Reserve unit for a day of specialized training. We were told to stay off the internet & watched both towers fall before we were sent home.

[@Indigo00eyez]

Is there wind in the background? I love it but between that sound and Rathers voice, I’m struggling to stay awake.

[@02WIFE]

I left my Tues morning Spanish 301 college class to hear Dan Rathers voice in my car

[@pumagutten]

Dan Rather, you are a class act! You are a human being and should never apologize for being emotional! ❤️

[@PopGoesTheCultureTV]

Well put, @pumagutten. Thanks for watching. I hope you'll like, share and subscribe. Best. David

[@michaeldonovan6463]

God bless you, Dan Rather.

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

What's the frequency Kenneth?

[@tbob8212]

After hearing on the radio a plane crashed into the WTC I tuned into CBS news because Dan Rather is the man.

[@doobyboy21]

I remember turning on the tv on the english channal seeing Dan there everyday ! I even wondered if this guy ever had a break !

[@PaisleyParkGirl]

A day that forever haunts me 😢💔

[@craigblair458]

We need more people like Mr rather he is the goat

[@IanEckert1977]

I was watching Sky News In England when the second plane hit the Twin-Towers...RIP sunshines...

[@pammymusic4ever]

A true professional. Dan Rather has seen things I am grateful to have not been witness to. Coverage of Vietnam. He's been a part of my life for the last 6 decades. I am grateful for him.

[@ronprewoznik3566]

I was at home getting my kids ready for school. For some reason, my daughter put on The Today Show. And then it happened.

[@onewingedangelsephiroth1561]

This guy turned 90 years old shortly before this interview. Joe Biden is 80 now and can't string more than 4 sentences together before speaking jiberish. Everyone ages differently I guess, but I'm really impressed by how together Dan is at this age.

[@MothGirl007]

Not true.

[@williamcallaghan2023]

CBS have treated Dan so shamefully

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

Actually Gunga Dan Rather was the originator of fake news before there was fake news. He got caught forging documents about Bush’s military service. The Killian documents. Got caught by fonts that weren’t available on the typwriter when the letter was supposedly wrote. LOL.

[@shazanali692]

I don't know. What happened

[@donnageorge2761]

I remember, Peter, Jennings said that was when he started smoking again,

[@CCGem]

In a few weeks, my husband, father in law (originally from Queens), 11 yr old son and I will be going to NYC 22 years after 9/11. That specific day i was living in Denver with a very troubled 1st husband and his teen daughter that he nor his 1st wife would take into custody. He gave her up as ward of the state. It was a horrible time. I was also working at high stress PR firm with a client I couldn't trust. Listening to KC story, i was a bit triggered, but I do remember thinking that I had to find balance and return to my family in my hometown. Now, I am so grateful that the sad chapter is closed. Now I get to show my son Broadway's Lion King and the 9/11 Memorial with my wonderful 2nd husband and his dad. That event like Covid have been huge barometers as to what us important.

[@edk2221]

I was in college. A plane had hit one of the towers, and we all then watched it broadcasted. We thought it was a mistake, but as we saw live the second plane crash in to the other tower, we knew something was horribly wrong. I lived near one of the USA’s largest airports, and it went completely silent for a week after

[@johnahearn7964]

Planes only stopped for 3 days. I was a controller & worked the last plane into jfk & the first plane out on Friday.

[@Greg-me4kk]

I sincerely and genuinely wish EVERYONE knew the real Dan Rather... You would be shocked. GREAT actor.

[@loismiller7742]

I miss Dan Rather. Real journalist.

[@mjbiron2694]

A class act!

[@bushwhacker5517]

If you watch CBS on 9/11 you'll see Rather wasn't on air till 10am - the south tower fell as they were introducing him - where was he for the hour and 15 minutes between the first plane hitting and 10am - that's kinda what I was hoping to hear about - both Brokaw and Jennings were in by 9:30

[@StellaJean1000]

The first plane hit at 9:48 ET. I was there.

[@421bb4]

whats the frequency kenneth?

[@Tony-outdoors]

As someone from the UK I cannot imagine Don lemon or Sean hannity reporting the news like dan rather for a start he only reported the facts a different time seems like centuries ago.

[@angloaust1575]

Many others could also say where They were! I was walking the Camino safe from The concrete jungle!

[@farmwire]

How many earpieces did he have?

[@willettej7988]

Why does this man whisper? I’ve never cared for Dan Rather’s style, but he did a great job on 9/11, when he spoke louder! Unfortunately, there was no truth in the Bush 43 story.

[@SNOWNDOGS12]

Dan is such a stand up guy.

[@glennthompson1971]

I had the opposite reaction. when hearing world trade center hit by plane (first one), i assumed it was a terrorist attack. Growing up in britain, we were so used to IRA putting bombs in tube & railway station bins, and blowing up brighton hotel, etc. plus planes were hijacked many times, like the one that blew up over lockerbie. But in the USA, terrorism was not expected.

[@joecap4372]

Grand rather reported the John F Kennedy assassination and the terrorist attacks on 9/11 not that many people could say that. Then rather did a tremendous job reporting the John F Kennedy assassination and the 9/11 terrorist attacks just outstanding...

[@MrDuds1984]

The limo speed past Rather just after the assassination and he was one of the first who saw the Zapruder film and he tried to buy it

[@joecap4372]

@@MrDuds1984 that's correct and they have the Cooper film Mr Cooper was filming right in front of the Texas School Book Depository. I do not believe in the conspiracy in this assassination but there is a movie called executive action starring Burt Lancaster will gear this film really made my eyebrow raised...

[@powerwalkwithmybaby]

If there was ever a time where emotions should have been shown/expected would be on 9/11.. - After all,, broadcasters are only human.. 🌷

[@nicholassiefker7126]

Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw & Peter Jennings were the 3 best in the TV News business Today’s anchors on NBC,CBS&ABC are not that good I miss the People in the Newsroom in the background working well those men were on the air .

[@jodiburnett6211]

That moment on Letterman allowed more unity.

[@ZSC92]

That is high level skill.

[@raysutton2310]

Dan Rather's coverage on the day was up there with the likes of Murrow in my opinion.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

I fear Mr. Rather's final comments reflect a sunset retrospective on a career where he was not permitted to speak as he would have wished.

[@SunnySinclair1979]

All I know is good sir is the news and everything was better before that day. I was in the Army on 911.

[@nunosoares2329]

Thank you for your service 😃🎖👍👍

[@robertlazar4929]

From 1 army vet 1st Armored Division /101st/ thanks 4 your service

[@ZSC92]

❤❤❤

[@audreyperrin320]

Was he the one that said JFK was dead I live in Ireland and I don't know any news people we don't get TV from the USA

[@lizsutherland2707]

No, that’s Walter Cronkite who announced JFK’s death. Dan Rather is a bit younger.

[@donnageorge2761]

I do not think there is one person on earth, who is capable of not remembering what they were doing on 9/11,

[@PopGoesTheCultureTV]

Unless, they were under age five at the time or not yet born, of course.

[@mlc4050]

Had to bump Bryant Gumbel off the air

[@mattlord3660]

Dan's coverage that day was off. He repeatedly said that we didn't know if anything that had happened (on camera, before our very eyes) was real, and that the explosions were just minor and New York was doing 'just fine', 'let's not get carried away' etc. They may as well have put a chimpanzee on air. Lord knows how Dan would have handled Pearl Harbour back in the day. The muppet would probably have reported it as being a training exercise. He is by far and away the worst reporter on that terrible day. Rabbit stuck in the headlights, probably caused some people confusion, not to mention false hope, i can only hope he was fired and sued by the victim's families. Complete disgrace and utterly embarrassing.

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

This! And don’t forget: Actually Gunga Dan Rather was the originator of fake news before there was fake news. He got caught forging documents about Bush’s military service. The Killian documents. Got caught by fonts that weren’t available on the typwriter when the letter was supposedly wrote. LOL.

[@fatalritte1550]

I’m like Sam Kinison when people try to explain 9/11/01 in my presence… I had just quit my job and returned home on Greyhound Port Authority the night before… I moved back in with moms and fixing my television the next morning, saw a fuzzy hole in the first building. A month later I would be working 12 hour shifts in the construction crews on Canal street and forgotten by Christmas. YOUR WELCOME!…

[@elainelytle9704]

Sounds/reads like you want a pat on the back.

[@gardensofthegods]

Not sure what you mean by forgotten by Christmas ... forgotten by whom ?

[@bradleymiller3286]

I’m 8 minutes into this and all he’s talked about are his ear pieces. Does it ever get interesting?

[@rickdack1197]

Is Rather long winded or what?

[@jac5482]

I listened to Dan Rather’s live 9/11 broadcast (as well every other major network’s) and I honestly found it to be pretty poorly done in respect to the others. He did not do a great job of portraying the reality of the situation (even without knowing the facts as we know them now), in fact at times downplaying it outright. Once the towers fell however, his tone did change.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

I'll always remember him reporting that Building 7 was about to come down. How hard it must have been to recite the script on that day.