IT'S AMAZING CRONKITE LIVED SO LONG

by Leo E. Laurence

San Diego -- 7/17/09 -- Meeting Walter Conkite was a highlight of a trip to New York City four years ago. And, it is amazing that he lived another four years.

While representing the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) at the international organization's national convention in New York, Conkite appeared on a panel.

We are all familiar with his TV image as "the most trusted" man in America as the anchor of CBS News.

But the man I saw that afternoon in the "Big Apple" was old and very frail. His voice was weak and hoarse.

Wherever he walked, he was assisted by aides.

But, he was still "the" man of historic significance.

When he left the elevated speaker's platform, as soon as his feet touched the floor, he was surrounded by an army of bodyguards.

It looked all so presidential.

But, he looked so frail.

I'm surprised that he lived for another four years.
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