CBS' Bob Schieffer Plans Retirement

(CBS/AP)  Veteran CBS Washington hand Bob Schieffer, who has anchored "Face the Nation" since 1991, said Tuesday he plans to step down from the Sunday morning political talk show with the inauguration of a new president.

The start of a new administration next January provides a natural transition, he said.

"That's when I'll stop doing what I'm doing now," Schieffer, who turns 71 next month, told The Associated Press. "But I'll still have some relationship with CBS, at least I hope so."

Schieffer has talked retirement before. The bladder cancer survivor once planned to step down when he reached 70, but he spent a year and a half filling in as "CBS Evening News" anchor between the exit of Dan Rather and entrance of Katie Couric. He helped improve the ratings, got good reviews and enjoyed a chance at the top job that he never thought he'd have.

Since Couric's arrival in fall 2006, Schieffer has stopped commuting to New York and concentrated on "Face the Nation."

There's no obvious successor in place at CBS News. Jim Axelrod and Scott Pelley have both filled in during a rare circumstance when Schieffer was absent.

Schieffer said he hoped to keep an office at CBS and contribute occasionally, the way Tom Brokaw has at NBC News with documentaries and some primary night commentary.

"Bob can work at CBS News as long as he wants to and I hope that's a long time," said CBS News President Sean McManus.

There's always the chance of a second career: Schieffer plays guitar in the country band Honky Tonk Confidential and recently played a party at New York's "21" club.

"If I ever get to the Grand Ole Opry, I'll move right into country music," he said.

Schieffer has been at CBS since he was 32, but started dressing for the job in the ninth grade, when he was occasionally seen wearing a bow tie. But he dropped the bow tie to become a beat reporter, covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and later, covering the Vietnam War for his hometown paper.

"Personally, I'm thrilled to death. I'm a newspaper reporter and this is the name of the game," Schieffer explained back then.

[pempines1]

Such a beltway insider...

Schieffer is the older brother of Tom Schieffer, a friend and former business partner of President George W. Bush, who was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Australia 2001-2005 by President Bush and as of November, 2005 is currently the U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

Mr. Schieffer''s kid glove treatment of fellow veteran John McCain during their last meeting was appalling. If Mr. Schieffer were to bring up John McCain''s history of racial epithets (as documented in the San Francisco Chronicle) he could perhaps salvage his milquetoast reputation.

[pempines1]

Such a beltway insider...

Schieffer is the older brother of Tom Schieffer, a friend and former business partner of President George W. Bush, who was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Australia 2001-2005 by President Bush and as of November, 2005 is currently the U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

Mr. Schieffer''s kid glove treatment of fellow veteran John McCain during their last meeting was appalling. If Mr. Schieffer were to bring up John McCain''s history of racial epithets (as documented in the San Francisco Chronicle) he could perhaps salvage his milquetoast reputation.

[lonewolf9203]

I will miss seeing such a quality journalist. He is one of many who have my respect for their integrity and knowledge. He is insightful and very well respected by his peers. He will be sorely missed in the ranks od the regular journalists.

[keithle1]

Haven''t seen CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. No plans to either. I watch MSNBC & BBC WORLD NEWS. Can''t stand FOX NEWS.

[keithle1]

Class act of the old school. Journalist''s journalist. Not hired for his blonde hair, toothy smile, capacity for small talk & ability to giggle on command when video is shown of a waterskiing squirrel.

[lowerhay]

It''s hard to believe that I feel comfortable calling someone that I admire so much by his first name, but here goes:

Bob:

I am old enough to remember watching you during the John F. Kennedy assasination.

You are every bit as credible, beloved and admired as "Uncle Walt" - - Walter Cronkite.

You will be missed for your intuition, insights, and dry wit.

I will never forget you & will remember you fondly.

Deborah Moore
Minnesota

[sgtrds]

I was always hoping they''d give up looking for another anchor and have him do the nightly news after Rather left. So long Bill.

[trishaker]

Bob is a true professional; one Texan whom I can respect. Also enjoyed listening to his self-read book. I know his family will enjoy his company more, but millions of us will miss him on Sundays.

[kymmiepoo37]

Bob,
You are one of the fine "Faces of the Nation" of CBS News. Your work and professionalism is to be forever hailed. Best to you in retirement. Be Well, Good Sir.

[rushlimpdrug]

While you''re at it could you pack Andy Rooney''s bags, tap him on the shoulder and tell him, "It''s time."?