journalism

Face the Nation Host Bob Schieffer Is Retiring

NEW YORK - JUNE 03: Journalist Bob Schieffer speaks on stage during the 34th Annual AWRT Gracie Awards Gala at The New York Marriott Marquis on June 3, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for AWRT) *** Local Caption *** Bob Schieffer
Bob Schieffer. Photo: Jemal Countess/2009 Getty Images

In yet another blow to the institution of the anchorman, Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer announced Wednesday night that he will retire this summer. The 78-year-old newsman made the announcement at the annual Schieffer Symposium at Texas Christian University, his alma mater. “It’s been a great adventure. You know, I’m one of the luckiest people in the world because as a little boy, as a young reporter, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I got to do that,” he said. “And not many people get to do that, and I couldn’t have asked for a better life or something that was more fun and more fulfilling.”

Schieffer has worked in journalism for more than 50 years, collecting numerous accolades along the way. This is his 24th year hosting Face the Nation, and a source tells Politico’s Dylan Byers that Schieffer felt pressured to make a decision on his future because CBS News is working on its game plan for the 2016 election. While the network had no comment on a potential successor, Byers says there’s already a short list.

Constant Sunday show guest John McCain is taking this surprisingly well: