As the author of the biography Cronkite (Harper, $34.99, on sale Tuesday), Brinkley has logged countless hours viewing such tapes. But he says he never tires of watching "the most trusted man in America," as Cronkite was crowned in a poll.On the screen, it's Nov. 22, 1963. Cronkite is 46, in his second year as anchor. He's in shirtsleeves. His hair is slightly tousled. CBS Radio already has broadcast an unconfirmed report from Dallas that the president is dead.Cronkite, however, holds off until he's handed a note. "We just have a report from our correspondent Dan Rather in Dallas," Cronkite tells viewers. "He has confirmed that President Kennedy is dead."But in that distinctive and deliberate voice — "flue-cured Southern with the drawl trimmed off," as ... Continue reading →
CAIRO – On a road lined with buildings plastered by posters of presidential hopefuls, most passersby ignore the shiny, decorative pyramids and models of the Sphinx at a knickknack shop near Tahrir Square.Business at Helmi Saqr's store has diminished since protests erupted in the square last year, a common lament from Egyptians hurt by the decline in tourism.Many people just want stability in politics and the economy, he says, which is why he says he'll vote in presidential elections today and Thursday for Ahmed Shafiq, a prominent figure of the regime Egyptians toppled in February 2011."In the beginning, I was with the revolution, but after that, I wasn't, because of the chaos," he said. "Most people want stability. I have pity for my country for ... Continue reading →
NEW YORK (AP) -- The price of oil has dropped below $90 for the first time in nearly seven months as U.S. supplies continue to grow. Benchmark U.S. crude fell to $89.92 per barrel around noon Eastern time in New York. The price hadn't been below $90 per barrel since Nov. 1. It's now at $90.07, down $1.78, or about 2 percent. Oil fell after the U.S. said that oil supplies grew last week to the highest level since 1990. The price tends to fall as more supplies become available. Oil has been falling this month on expectations that the European economy will keep slowing down, cutting into what's expected to be record growth in world demand. Analysts also say Iran may avoid an oil ... Continue reading →