Walter Cronkite has died.

His health went downhill rapidly as I stated in June. He was 92. As I said last month, he was a great journalist. He called it as he saw it and I still hear his voice at the end of each newscast..

And that’s the way it is….

From the NYT today:

Mr. Cronkite anchored the “CBS Evening News” from 1962 to 1981, at a time when television became the dominant medium of the United States. He figuratively held the hand of the American public during the civil rights movement, the space race, the Vietnam war, and the impeachment of Richard Nixon. During his tenure, network newscasts were expanded to 30 minutes from 15.

“It is impossible to imagine CBS News, journalism or indeed America without Walter Cronkite,” Sean McManus, the president of CBS News, said in a statement. “More than just the best and most trusted anchor in history, he guided America through our crises, tragedies and also our victories and greatest moments. CBS has a great eulogy here.”

When the Chicago democratic convention turned to shit..he said so:

During the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Cronkite was anchoring the CBS network coverage as violence and protests occurred outside the convention, as well as scuffles inside the convention hall. When Dan Rather was punched to the floor (on camera) by security personnel, Cronkite commented, “I think we’ve got a bunch of thugs here, Dan.”

Yes they were thugs and yes Cronkite called it as he saw it. We have so few journalist’s with his type of honor these days..its very sad. He told me about Kennedy’s death and the death of Jack Ruby. He anchored the moonwalk for me as well as the civil rights movement. He was someone that told you the truth and I loved him for that. So few do it now these days with the birth of corporate media.

And it’s sad that he has left this earth..Rest in Peace sweet man, I adored you and you educated me like very few others did. I doubt I will see someone that rival’s you Mr. Cronkite. I am very sad today..but I hope you are talking up Edward R Murrow as I type this…

His editorial on the Tet Offensive can be watched here.

Walter Cronkite’s health declining rapidly

From the NYT via The Daily Beast:

The New York Times reported today that Walter Cronkite is gravely ill with cerebrovasuclar disease and, according to his family members, “not expected to recuperate.” “He is resting at home surrounded by family, friends and a wonderful medical team,” his three children said. Cronkite’s family told TVNewser, a blog, that he had been suffering from his disease for several years. The CBS News anchor was oftentimes described as “the most trusted man in America” during his work on CBS Evening News from 1960-81.

Cronkite was always on our tv every evening when I was a child. It was Cronkite that announced the news of JKF’s death for me and so many other important news stories. When I got older and moved out..he was on my tv every evening as well. I hope he is comfortable, pain-free and surrounded by those he loves and who love him.

From Wiki:

During the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Cronkite was anchoring the CBS network coverage as violence and protests occurred outside the convention, as well as scuffles inside the convention hall. When Dan Rather was punched to the floor (on camera) by security personnel, Cronkite commented, “I think we’ve got a bunch of thugs here, Dan.”

He is 92 years old and I can still hear his voice which was soothing and paternal for me.

And that’s the way it is….