Rather: "I'd Probably Just Sit Here And Drink" If I Had To Read CNN's News

This morning on "Morning Joe," Dan Rather responded to the New York Times report that CBS may outsource its newsgathering operation to CNN (since denied by both parties).

Rather stressed that he did not support the plan but used the opportunity to knock Viacom and CBS executives in explaining how "the home of the most celebrated news division in broadcasting" may now be considering farming out its reporting to a cable news network:

Things are changing. With Sumner Redstone and Les Moonves, they're facing a situation for the network as a whole. Ratings are down, the stock is down, and I can understand — while I don't agree with it — I can understand someone saying, "Listen we've got to make some cost-savings here."

Joe Scarborough also asked whether Rather would be nervous trusting news reported by "somebody in another building, in another part of the city, with other managers," to which Rather respoded: "I'd probably do what Merle Haggard suggested. I'd probably just sit here and drink."

Watch:

From MSNBC, 4/8

Watch the full interview below:

Comments

[Hotshortie]

I agree, I think CNN has become monotonous. Lou Dobbs has become a crazy old grandpa who speaks about illegal aliens over and over and over, while gumming his soup.

[Wolfgang]

Lou makes up for all the other so -called journalists who won't speak about the subject. Illigal immigration and anmesty are off the table, Remember the Iowa debates?

[rain39]

There is nothing left to CNN. I just turn it on now if there is significant major news breaking news. They still have international news coverage because of CNN international (a far better network than CNN America) except they repeat themselves to death when they are not doing a scheduled news broadcast. Then they outshine ANYTHING CNN puts out here!

[Ping]

Rather rocks.

CBS sucks.

[castrochavez08]

Ping swallows.

[robiform]

I'd love to see Dan Rather post articles on HuffPo--nice interview on Morning Joe today! Unlike his counterparts on Faux Noise, Scarborough actually lets his guests speak, even if he doesn't necessarily agree with them.

[Patriot0259]

Rather is right. Farming out news gathering to CNN would be a very bad thing for freedom of the press.

[Libsrule]

I think that is a great idea.

Have Rather post here on Huffpost would be a GREAT IDEA!

He is beholden to NO ONE anymore so from an insider's point of view, having him give real news assessments would be a great asset here at Huffpost.

[Clinton]

You're right, it is a good idea. How liberating for him that he can just say what he wants.

[iPolitics]

rather is an excellent reporter. it's a shame that cbs is gutless and faux news are a bunch of spineless fascist who fill the airwaves with lies

[Clinton]

Rather knows so much about how the press and networks operate and have operated, it would be good if he had a venue.

[BongWater]

Dan Rather is a great newsman.
HuffingtonPost should ask him to write some articles.

It would be interesting to find out just what most of TV's talking heads are "on" these days. The degenerates like Glenn Beck, O'Reilly and others must be whacked out on oxycontin, booze and the finest pills from our pharmacological pushers to live with their lies.

[wwoodsm]

I like Dan Rather. Why doesn't another network hire him for a 'real' news show with 'real' integrity (think about it Dan). And best of luck on your judicial undertaking. You deserve(d) better.

[leftbehind2000]

he pissed off the wrong folks by poking around the Bush AWOL story. Anyone who hires him can count WH access goodbye.

[robXdion]

These days they might be considering an apology to Dan Rather. The story that got Rather fired might have been wrong source-wise, but I think anyone can reasonably discern Bush got a hookup to avoid Vietnam. Rather was vain and egotistical, but he and Brokaw were the last of real journalistic craft and reporting.

[captnEarl]

won't make any difference on this W. H access in a few more months this regime is GONE!!!!

[kellygrrrl]

I'd probably have to drink if I just had to watch Joe

[Clinton]

It is pretty grim.