On Saturday, we lost yet another true American legend: former CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite. Those of us who were not alive during the 60s and 70s, the heyday of his career, can’t completely understand what made Cronkite such an icon, but we can all feel the sorrow around us as a result of his passing.

So why was Cronkite billed as the most trusted man in American during his tenure at CBS? If you look at his résumé, it is quite impressive; Cronkite reported on several historic (and tragic) events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His brand of journalism – “report the news, don’t become it” – has been praised by his contemporaries as well as by today’s top journalists. His coverage of the following events makes him a journalism legend:

Kennedy assassination
Cronkite is perhaps best known for breaking the news of the Kennedy assassination live on November 22, 1963. The footage of the broadcast is fascinating to watch; in spite of the nature of the story (as it is the first time such news was broadcast on live television), Cronkite maintained his composure and reported as a journalist should, although there was noticeable emotion in his voice after he read the official AP bulletin reporting that JFK was dead.

Vietnam War coverage
In February of 1968, Cronkite reported on the aftermath of the Tet Offensive from Vietnam. When he returned, he filed an editorial report confirming that the situation in Vietnam was not close to victory, but rather a difficult stalemate out of which the U.S. would have to negotiate. After the story aired, President Lyndon Johnson reportedly said, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost Middle America.” Johnson did not seek reelection that year. Read More »

On Thursday, March 21, the Washington Times unearthed a serious security breach within the State Department concerning the passport files of presidential hopefuls Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, and John McCain.

In addition to providing excellent fodder for political journalists weary of the constant campaign trail bickering, these revelations have sent various governmental offices into damage control mode.

Senator Obama’s file was breached on three occasions—in January, February, and March. Senators McCain and Clinton’s files were viewed last summer.

The New York Times reported that State Department officials had discovered the breaches as early as last summer but failed to inform the candidates.

The Washington Post quotes State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, stated that while the breaches were flagged,

“That information didn’t rise up to senior management levels […] that should have happened.” Read More »