Dan Rather
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Journalist, storyteller, lifelong reader. Texan by birth and by choice. Author of STEADY: bit.ly/DanRather-STEADY
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Articles by Dan Rather
New Kids On The Block
Members of the new class of Democratic Senators: Senator-elect Juliana Stratton (D-IL), Senator-elect Annie Andrews (D-SC), Senator-elect Peggy Flanagan (D-MN), Senator-elect James Talarico (D-TX), Senator-elect Josh Turek (D-IA), and Senator-elect Troy Jackson (D-ME). Credit: Getty Images Just when you think you’ve seen everything in politics, along comes an election that upends all your preconceived notions.
Nothing But Blue Skies
As I was reflecting on the political earthquake that took place on Tuesday, I thought back to when I began “Steady.” Nothing could have prepared me, or us, for the next six years of unprecedented upheaval and the obliteration of political and societal norms. I looked back at my first-ever “Steady” from January 2021, written just after the January 6 insurrection: “These are dangerous times.
Stunner
Texas Senator-elect James Talarico. Credit: Getty Images Call it a tsunami, or a blue-nami, an earthquake, a generational defeat, a massacre, or, as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suggested, “close to an extinction level event for Republicans.” However you want to characterize Republicans’ 2026 midterm defeat, it was a holistic drubbing of the Party and a rebuke of the man who leads it.
From the desk of…Is the MAGA Magic Gone? Trump’s cult is showing signs of collapse
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... For those of you new to Steady, welcome. We thank you for coming aboard in the late stages of one of the most important midterm elections in our nation’s history. Here we have no corporate overlords, no one to make sure we equivocate on lies. No one to say, “but on the other hand.” Many days there is no “other hand.” There are facts and truth — or as close as it’s possible to get to the truth.
Big Numbers, Hopes & Fears
The collapse of the Republican Party has many contributors, but primarily it can be attributed to one person. The state of our economy is complicated and involves multitudes, but again, its main cause comes down to one man. Tariffs? With almost all of them, the same guy is to blame. The country is bogged down in a seemingly never-ending war. America’s standing around the world is somewhere between ridiculed and pitied. Longtime allies are being shunned, while Russia is welcomed like a big brother.
“People Get Ready”
A Reason To Smile As we head into what is shaping up to be an anxious week, awaiting election results and bracing for presidential tantrums and shenanigans, we thought about what kind of reason to smile might help ease some of that understandable trepidation. The song “People Get Ready” quickly came to mind. The title is an astute description of the anticipatory feeling many of us have… we are getting ready, ready for change.
“People Get Ready”
As we head into what is shaping up to be an anxious week, awaiting election results and bracing for presidential tantrums and shenanigans, we thought about what kind of reason to smile might help ease some of that understandable trepidation. The song “People Get Ready” quickly came to mind. The title is an astute description of the anticipatory feeling many of us have… we are getting ready, ready for change.
From the desk of…I Don’t Give a Damn- Trump is finally being honest about something
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... During the final sprint of any election cycle, candidates and their surrogates offer their closing arguments, what they believe is the best case for voting for them. Apparently, Donald Trump did not get the memo. The president traveled to rural Georgia on Saturday night for a rally to support Republican candidates.
Is the MAGA Magic Gone?
For those of you new to Steady, welcome. We thank you for coming aboard in the late stages of one of the most important midterm elections in our nation’s history. Here we have no corporate overlords, no one to make sure we equivocate on lies. No one to say, “but on the other hand.” Many days there is no “other hand.” There are facts and truth — or as close as it’s possible to get to the truth.
Rather :’I don’t give a damn,’ Trump is finally being honest, in Georgia
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dan Rather The final sprint of any election cycle, candidates and their surrogates offer their closing arguments, what they believe is the best case for voting for them. Apparently, Donald Trump did not get the memo. The president traveled to rural Georgia on Saturday night for a rally to support Republican candidates.
From the desk of…Here comes trouble: turns out Trump can’t fill a room like he used to
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... It’s not uncommon for presidents to campaign for their party during the midterm elections, up to a point. Historically, a president will step out to support a candidate, not smother them. They show up for big events and wave the flag for the party. What they don’t do is steal a candidate’s thunder or make it all about them. In other words, act “presidential,” as it used to be known. That is not how Donald Trump operates.
“I Don’t Give a Damn”
Donald Trump campaigning over the weekend, when he made what may be the biggest blunder of his presidency. Credit: Getty Images During the final sprint of any election cycle, candidates and their surrogates offer their closing arguments, what they believe is the best case for voting for them. Apparently, Donald Trump did not get the memo. The president traveled to rural Georgia on Saturday night for a rally to support Republican candidates.
Dwight Yoakam
Happy 70th birthday to a favorite of mine, Dwight Yoakam. He and his unique brand of country music are this week’s reason to smile. The singer-songwriter, actor, and filmmaker was born and raised in Appalachia. He told me in an interview a few years back that where he came from was a “profound” influence on who he became as an artist.
From the desk of… The rekindled Trump-Putin Bromance-Can this election get any stranger?
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... For two-thirds of the country, early voting has begun — and not a moment too soon. It has been 637 long days since the president took office. If you have a point of view about his job performance, now is an excellent time to express your feelings at the ballot box. Donald Trump is nowhere on that ballot, but he wants you to think he is. He has tried to make this midterm election more about him than about any Republican member of Congress.
Here Comes Trouble
Attendees at a Trump rally in Highland Heights, Kentucky, on October 17 (credit: Getty Images) It’s not uncommon for presidents to campaign for their party during the midterm elections, up to a point. Historically, a president will step out to support a candidate, not smother them. They show up for big events and wave the flag for the party. What they don’t do is steal a candidate’s thunder or make it all about them. In other words, act “presidential,” as it used to be known.
The GOP’s epic fail
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... When Donald Trump was inaugurated in January 2025, he didn’t take the oath of office with his hand on a Bible. No matter. The Republican Party was rejoicing. They controlled the White House and Congress. While this confluence has occurred a few times in recent history, 2025 was different. Along with control of the House and Senate, a Trump-stacked majority was sitting on the Supreme Court.
The Rekindled Trump-Putin Bromance
For two-thirds of the country, early voting has begun — and not a moment too soon. It has been 637 long days since the president took office. If you have a point of view about his job performance, now is an excellent time to express your feelings at the ballot box. Donald Trump is nowhere on that ballot, but he wants you to think he is. He has tried to make this midterm election more about him than about any Republican member of Congress. We will soon find out if that is a winning strategy.
Julie Andrews
Dame Julie Andrews, creator of iconic roles from Eliza Doolittle, to Mary Poppins, and Maria von Trapp to Clarisse Renaldi, Queen regnant of Genovia, continues to dazzle and entertain generations, eight decades into her prolific career. She is this week’s reason to smile. With Andrews celebrating her 91st birthday earlier this month, we thought it was a great reason to take a look back at her life on stage and screen.
Dan Rather Quotes - The Quotations Page
Showing quotations 1 to 3 of 3 total A tough lesson in life that one has to learn is that not everybody wishes you well. Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic. An intellectual snob is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture and not think of The Lone Ranger.
From the desk of…Blood Money Trump’s most heartless betrayal of Ukraine starts with Putin
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Donald Trump’s most recent, highly suspect efforts to suddenly and unabashedly, assist Russian President Vladimir Putin haven’t received the attention they deserve. Over the weekend, the President of the United States plunged a dagger into the back of Ukraine and that country’s latest effort to finally beat back the Russian invasion.
The GOP’s Epic Fail
When Donald Trump was inaugurated in January 2025, he didn’t take the oath of office with his hand on a Bible. No matter. The Republican Party was rejoicing. They controlled the White House and Congress. While this confluence has occurred a few times in recent history, 2025 was different. Along with control of the House and Senate, a Trump-stacked majority was sitting on the Supreme Court.
Rather: Blood money
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Donald Trump’s most recent, highly suspect efforts to suddenly and unabashedly, assist Russian President Vladimir Putin haven’t received the attention they deserve. Over the weekend, the President of the United States plunged a dagger into the back of Ukraine and that country’s latest effort to finally beat back the Russian invasion.
From the desk of…Republican candidates may be stuck with the wrong partner
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Over the course of American history, we have come to expect a certain level of decorum and civility from the upper chamber of Congress. This week those expectations were dashed after witnessing the behavior of some Senate Republicans. Republicans have controlled both houses of Congress for the last 20 months.
Blood Money
Trump’s most heartless betrayal of Ukraine starts with Putin Credit: Getty Images Donald Trump’s most recent, highly suspect efforts to suddenly and unabashedly, assist Russian President Vladimir Putin haven’t received the attention they deserve. Over the weekend, the President of the United States plunged a dagger into the back of Ukraine and that country’s latest effort to finally beat back the Russian invasion.
Judy & Barbra
Two Reasons To Smile Credit: Getty Images This week marks 63 years since one of the best duets of American standards was arranged and recorded. On October 4, 1963, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand sang their intermingled versions of their signature songs “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again.” It aired on Garland’s variety show two days later. Either of these women singing either of these songs would qualify as a great reason to smile, but taken together it is a home run.
Another Shoe Is About To Drop
Trump targets the most vulnerable Credit We all know the odds of a pre-midterm apology from Donald Trump acknowledging the disastrous state of the nation are closer to none than slim. A validation for what we are paying everyday at the gas pump and at the grocery store would be appreciated. It’s tough out there and these prices hurt those who don’t have a billion in the bank. Instead, the president recently gave himself an A+ on the economy, saying, “There’s never been a job done like we’ve done...
From the desk of… Standing up to Trump-one woman shows the way
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Rather: No checks only blank checks, California
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Back in January, Donald Trump made a stunning admission, one that threatens to haunt him come November 3. During a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, the reporters asked him about his business dealings during his second term versus his first. “And so why now are you doing the deals?” asked Tyler Pager.
No Checks Only Blank Checks
Corruption is a Trump family affair Credit: Getty Images Back in January, Donald Trump made a stunning admission, one that threatens to haunt him come November 3. During a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, the reporters asked him about his business dealings during his second term versus his first. “And so why now are you doing the deals?” asked Tyler Pager.
“Songs In The Key of Life”
A Reason To Smile One of the all-time great albums dropped 50 years ago this week: Stevie Wonder’s “Songs In The Key of Life.” It is our reason to smile. The groundbreaking, double album immediately went to No. 1, where it stayed for 13 weeks. It won the Grammy for Album of the Year. The Library of Congress deemed it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” when it was inducted into the National Recording Registry. It is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
From the desk of…Trump’s Cheat-To-Win Strategy because he fears he can’t prevail any other way
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... At his ill-conceived midterm convention in Dallas, Trump told the assembled sycophants to “cheat like hell” in the coming election. With that in mind, we remind ourselves that we are now five weeks out from what is arguably this country’s most important midterm election since 1866 at the end of the Civil War. The level of engagement and enthusiasm being shown by American voters for this current election is heartening.
“Dance With The One Who Brung Ya”
Republican candidates may be stuck with the wrong partner Donald Trump with Senate candidate Michael Whatley at a rally in Gastonia, NC. Credit: Getty Images Over the course of American history, we have come to expect a certain level of decorum and civility from the upper chamber of Congress. This week those expectations were dashed after witnessing the behavior of some Senate Republicans. Republicans have controlled both houses of Congress for the last 20 months.
From the desk of… He Said, Xi Said Trump spent his day kowtowing
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... It was a scene that must have made Chinese leader Xi Jinping feel right at home. There he was in the Oval Office on Thursday for a photo op with the President of the United States. But it was only a photo op, no reporters allowed, no questions asked, according to The New York Times. Chinese state television was in the room but stood by in silence.
Trump’s Cheat-To-Win Strategy
Because he fears he can’t prevail any other way Credit: Getty Images At his ill-conceived midterm convention in Dallas, Trump told the assembled sycophants to “cheat like hell” in the coming election. With that in mind, we remind ourselves that we are now five weeks out from what is arguably this country’s most important midterm election since 1866 at the end of the Civil War. The level of engagement and enthusiasm being shown by American voters for this current election is heartening.
“I’ll Be There For You”
The theme song for the hit sitcom “Friends” is a famous earworm for a reason. It is an infectious, upbeat anthem to friendship. We were reminded of “I’ll Be There For You” because the show, which ran for ten seasons on NBC, premiered 32 years ago this week. The song and its famous hand claps are this week’s reason to smile.
He Said, Xi Said
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dan Rather It was a scene that must have made Chinese leader Xi Jinping feel right at home. There he was in the Oval Office on Thursday for a photo op with the President of the United States. But it was only a photo op, no reporters allowed, no questions asked, according to The New York Times. Chinese state television was in the room but stood by in silence.
From the desk of…Trump’s ban is backfiring-as the media unites against him
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Journalism has survived dictators, despots, and others who have tried to control the Fourth Estate. It will survive Donald Trump too. He can expel reporters from the White House, but the reporting won’t stop. By this point, we all know facts are not this president’s friend. He can lash out, but by every indication a majority of the American people have long since caught on to his act, mostly because of rigorous journalism.
He Said, Xi Said
It was a scene that must have made Chinese leader Xi Jinping feel right at home. There he was in the Oval Office on Thursday for a photo op with the President of the United States. But it was only a photo op, no reporters allowed, no questions asked, according to The New York Times. Chinese state television was in the room but stood by in silence.
Rather: Trump’s ban Is backfiring
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Journalism has survived dictators, despots, and others who have tried to control the Fourth Estate. It will survive Donald Trump too. He can expel reporters from the White House, but the reporting won’t stop. By this point, we all know facts are not this president’s friend. He can lash out, but by every indication a majority of the American people have long since caught on to his act, mostly because of rigorous journalism.
Trump’s Ban Is Backfiring
Journalism has survived dictators, despots, and others who have tried to control the Fourth Estate. It will survive Donald Trump too. He can expel reporters from the White House, but the reporting won’t stop. By this point, we all know facts are not this president’s friend. He can lash out, but by every indication a majority of the American people have long since caught on to his act, mostly because of rigorous journalism.
“That’ll Be The Day”
It is hard to believe it’s been almost 70 years since Dick Clark stepped onto the set of “American Bandstand” for the first time. The music and dance showcase ran for more than three decades. On the show, Clark, who was both host and producer, played the biggest hits of the day. For the premiere, in August 1957, there was none bigger than Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be The Day.” The song, written by Holly and Jerry Allison, was the best-selling of Holly’s foreshortened career.
From the desk of… Obama, Trump and the age of AI-No easy answers
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... In the divided States of America, you can count on one hand the number of issues on which Republicans and Democrats agree. Almost everything is viewed as red or blue, conservative or liberal. You can’t go to the grocery store or the public library without being confronted by a divisive issue. Then along comes artificial intelligence (AI).
Standing up to Trump
The country needs more elected representatives to meet every Donald Trump order, action, or whim with a direct question: “What does this have to do with the real and urgent issues facing the American people, the punishing costs of food, fuel, and housing; the Iran war; and the absence of accountability for high-level pedophiles in the Epstein files?” Ideally, more people should also ask, “What do distractions like the East Wing ballroom construction, the Reflecting Pool renovation, renaming...
From the desk of… Donald the desparate- how to beat Trump’s schemes for suppressing the vote
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Call it what you want, a dividend, payola, or a straight-out bribe. It would be sad if it wasn’t so alarming. There he was, the president of the United States, promising to pay every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. Imagine any president in American history making such an offer without being impeached the next day.
Obama, Trump and the Age of AI
In the divided States of America, you can count on one hand the number of issues on which Republicans and Democrats agree. Almost everything is viewed as red or blue, conservative or liberal. You can’t go to the grocery store or the public library without being confronted by a divisive issue. Then along comes artificial intelligence (AI). The new technology has stormed into our lives whether we like it or not, and suddenly it doesn’t matter for whom you voted.
“Waitin’ On A Sunny Day”
Bruce Springsteen is our country’s conscience – an artist who can tap into the feelings of a nation and express them poignantly and pointedly in song. He did so after the September 11 attacks with his album “The Rising.” He was accompanied, fittingly, by the E Street Band, for the first time in more than two decades. Springsteen said he was encouraged to create the album by a stranger.
Donald the Desperate
How to beat Trump’s schemes for suppressing the vote Call it what you want, a dividend, payola, or a straight-out bribe. It would be sad if it wasn’t so alarming. There he was, the president of the United States, promising to pay every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. Imagine any president in American history making such an offer without being impeached the next day.
From the desk of… A Trump con-vention-but many Republicans are opting out
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... It doesn’t get much more awkward than this. With gas and food prices soaring, a self-started war showing no sign of ending, and polling numbers plummeting, Republicans and their president are gathering in Dallas to celebrate — their word, not ours.
Donald the Desperate
Donald Trump speaks in Dallas on Wednesday night. Credit: Getty Images Call it what you want, a dividend, payola, or a straight-out bribe. It would be sad if it wasn’t so alarming. There he was, the president of the United States, promising to pay every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. Imagine any president in American history making such an offer without being impeached the next day.
From the desk of… Trump is making us sick- recalls are on the rise, while food inspections are at record lows
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Turns out we Americans are taking an important part of our lives for granted. We’ve assumed for a long time that our groceries are safe, that food inspectors are on alert, and that it would be foolish, reckless, or just downright dumb to eliminate government workers whose job it is to keep us from eating contaminated or bacteria-laden food. All those assumptions have gone the way of $5-a-pound hamburger meat.
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