The one and only Andy Rooney

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[Rooney: Nothing seems funny this week...]

And it wasn't just doorknobs and desk clutter. There were times when he spoke for the nation.

[Rooney: And lift-off...]

He shared our sense of helplessness when the space shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986.

[Rooney: We can all be prouder to be human beings because that's what they were. They make up for a lot of liars, cheats and terrorists among us.]

And in 1995, our anger over the Oklahoma City bombers.

[Rooney: I could kill the bastards.]

And in 2003, he said this about the war in Iraq.

[Rooney: We didn't shock them, and we didn't awe them in Baghdad. The phrase makes us look like foolish braggarts. The president ought to fire whoever wrote that for him.]

Safer: Do you ever get any flack for being too political?

Rooney: Do you think I'm too political sometimes?

Safer: Yeah.

Rooney: Well-- I suppose I am sometimes. It's hard to conceal the fact I am more of a Democrat than I am a Republican. But I'm absolutely open-minded about it, I think. And-- I would-- I would-- object to being called either.

In 1990 though, he was pilloried for making some questionable observations about race and homosexuality which led to a suspension from CBS.

Safer: The controversy that you got involved in which led to a three-month suspension. You made some remarks that the homosexual community in this country took as offensive. And you were-- you were pretty nasty about-- about their outrage.

Rooney: Well, I suppose I was. If I was, I'm sorry.

Safer: Do you look for trouble?

Rooney: No. I don't. I-- it comes naturally to me.

He's not exactly Mr. Congeniality, even to his most ardent fans.

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by hilarygraham October 5, 2011 8:57 AM EDT: I love Andy Rooney so much I made this video tribute to him (link below). I've also honored Andy Rooney's legacy by not having my eyebrows waxed for the past month. And even if you weren't a fan, you have to agree that Andy Rooney brought unabashed crankiness to an art form. Now we just need some ladies to get out there & break the curmudgeonly glass ceiling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jSqnZi8Rqc; Reply to this comment


by worldipnetwork October 4, 2011 1:18 AM EDT: What took CBS so long to get rid of him? After I watched Morley Safer interview him, I know why people do not like him. He is not a nice person. He needs to remember the viewers watching made his career possible and be more appreciative. CBS says he is iconic -- I agree -- iconic as in a person who should have never been on television. He says he is a Democrat but he acts like a Republican. The man is an idiot. Out with the old in the with new.

I wish CBS would wake up and get rid of Scott Pelley too. Pelley looks too uncomfortable/uptight behind the anchors desk. He comes across as being fake.; Reply to this comment


by meincalifornia October 3, 2011 6:38 PM EDT: what made you what you became? something sometime back stopped you in your tracks...mentally...life and you have been searching for meaning ever since. Sort of like the hoarder syndrome. Well, retirement will slowly alleviate...change because you no longer will be in the surrounding that created that block $%6() stunt. Did not really understand you when younger...kinda get/got you later. You're cool...but lol you don't care. That's cool too.; Reply to this comment


by RyanCasey1958 October 3, 2011 5:41 PM EDT: Thank God this left wing dinosaur has finally left. Also, Rooney never liked his fans and threw away his fan mail. What a swell guy.; Reply to this comment


by mari1963 October 3, 2011 4:01 PM EDT: I wish him well in his retirement. But I don't understand what took him so long. Doesn't he have a life outside of CBS? Why did he wait so long? Andy, find something else to do and enjoy it !!!; Reply to this comment


by Danize October 3, 2011 3:06 PM EDT: Curmudgeon is totally the wrong word to describe Andy. How about gadfly, like Socrates? He was always getting in the face of Athenians and challenging their assumptions. The once difference here is that Andy has been given a laurel crown, not a cup of hemlock. Andy, you have earned a tidy little corner in the hearts of millions.; Reply to this comment


by rdvnyc October 3, 2011 1:23 PM EDT: Check out my latest blog post about Andy! http://thebigapplemove.blogspot.com/2011/10/andy-rooney-meh.html; Reply to this comment


by mdambeck October 3, 2011 11:39 AM EDT: Andy, I wish you a great retirement. I have loved your wit, questions, dialogue, and segments for more than 30 years. While too much on 60 minutes is leaning liberal bias, you have always maintained fair reporting. In you farewell, you said you were concerned with death. I offer a prayer for you that you will find God, your savior and mine. I wish to see you live long on this side, and in heaven. Thanks for great writing all these years, a real talent will be missed. Mike; Reply to this comment


by calif7 October 3, 2011 10:41 AM EDT: Just finished his book-My War- about his experiences during WWII. A insightful must read for every American. Thanks Andy.; Reply to this comment


by TampaBayTed October 3, 2011 9:24 AM EDT: It's about time the old windbag retired. Maybe let some 75 year old take his place. My grandfather had much the same wit as Mr. Rooney only he didn't get paid a hefty salary for his bon mots.; Reply to this comment