Schieffer hands over the anchor desk

A year and half ago, Bob Schieffer unexpectedly took over for Dan Rather on the CBS Evening News anchor desk. Nobody anticipated it, but Schieffer became an instant hit (and a personal favorite of mine) due to his honest, credible, warm and conversational manner. Fast forward to tonight, and Schieffer officially handed the baton to Katie Couric. While it could have been a very awkward moment, it actually was very well-produced and, well, seemingly real. At one moment during the interview with Couric, Schieffer fought back tears as he spoke of his family. Then, as the interview ended, Couric walked off the set and Schieffer said a few closing words. “This was totally an unexpected adventure for me, but I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said. “In March of last year, you invited me into your homes, but what made me feel good is that you were kind enough to invite me back. I will always remember that.” Then the closing music came up, and Les Moonves and Sean McManus shook his hand, followed by the embrace of his family. A class act. Of course, Schieffer is not going away — he’ll be reporting from Washington. Couric takes over the desk on Tuesday.