Bob Schieffer is Feeling Good About His Health, and Bad About the Government

It’s probably not the best feeling if you’re CBS News veteran Bob Schieffer, you’re 74 years old, and Imus kicks off an interview with you by saying, “If you’re rich and old, let’s get it over with!”
 
Though he was referring to people leaving money to the Imus Ranch in their will, and not to his guest’s imminent demise, Schieffer couldn’t help but wonder, “Is that why you invited me this morning—because I’m old?”
 
Imus assured the host of Face the Nation that this was not the case, but curiously replied, “I’m sorry to hear that” when told Schieffer was feeling just dandy today.
 
He was feeling less upbeat about the debt ceiling, telling Imus he’s afraid the U.S. might stumble into a default, despite the intentions of leaders on both sides of the aisle. “I think if John Boehner had his way, he’d find a way to make a deal with the President, I think Mitch McConnell would try to find a way,” Schieffer said of the two top Republicans in Congress. Unfortunately, neither man can deliver enough votes from their Party; then again, neither can President Obama. “He’s having no more luck getting people on his side of the street to go along with some kind of deal.”
 
The widely held belief among Americans, from the most sophisticated political junkie to the casual observer, is that an agreement will be reached by August 2. Schieffer, for one, ain’t so sure. “I hope they do,” he said. “But I’m not sure they’re going to.”
 
Even Obama’s reassurances of progress yesterday were not terribly convincing. “I don’t see them any closer right now than they were two months ago,” Schieffer said, noting that the whole exercise of the House voting on Cut, Cap and Balance today is a big ol’ waste of time. “The votes aren’t there to get the thing passed, whether you think it’s a good thing or a bad thing,” he added.
 
He paused to reflect on the last few minutes of commentary. “I’m really optimistic this morning, aren’t I?” Schieffer said.
 
In unrelated, less depressing news, Schieffer’s brother, a onetime owner of the Texas Rangers, was appointed by Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to run the now MLB-controlled Los Angeles Dodgers. Not that Schieffer’s gets any inside info from his brother, who was also an ambassador to Japan for the Bush administration.
 
“He’s the worst source I ever had,” he told Imus. “I could always get him, but I could never get him to tell me anything.”
 
Before signing off, a frightened Schieffer reiterated, “I am in good health,” but was encouraged by Imus to “take a look at that will” anyway.
 
Nice.
 
-Julie Kanfer