Dont taunt the alligator until after youve crossed the creek. – Dan Rather
This much we know: Journalism is not a precise science. Its, on its best day, is a crude art. We make mistakes I make mistakes. With more than 50 years as a journalist, I have at least had the opportunity to blow more stories, make more mistakes than maybe anybody in television. – Dan Rather
I respect and empathize with reporters and editors who must compete in todays environment. And I know full well that when Ive been covering campaigns, which I still do, Ive made my mistakes and have been far from perfect. – Dan Rather
If I didnt have a front-row seat on history, it was at least a seat on the aisle. – Dan Rather
Performing doesnt turn me on. Its an egomaniac business, filled with prima donnas – including this one. – Dan Rather
But we cannot rely on memorials and museums alone. We can tell ourselves we will never forget and we likely wont. But we need to make sure that we teach history to those who never had the opportunity to remember in the first place. – Dan Rather
I had just turned 10-years-old when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and plunged America into World War II. – Dan Rather
Now, I know you expected me to say that, well, I just kick back in the rocking chair, fished a little bit, listened to Willie Nelson tapes and watched old baseball games on the Classic Sports network. And, tell you the truth, I have done that for maybe about five total minutes. – Dan Rather
I still love following and thinking about politics. I enjoy recommending important journalism I read or see from other sources. – Dan Rather
A tough lesson in life that one has to learn is that not everybody wishes you well. – Dan Rather
As long as I have my health, I want to be reporting somewhere. – Dan Rather
Journalists should denounce government by public opinion polls. – Dan Rather
A free and truly independent press – fiercely independent when necessary – is the red beating heart of freedom and democracy. – Dan Rather
Fear rules almost every newsroom in the country. – Dan Rather
To err is human but to really foul up requires a computer. – Dan Rather
The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called “truth.” – Dan Rather
Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. – Dan Rather
