Rather vs. Jackson
Competition is the name of this game, so when newsmakers make the news, RedEye pits them head to head.
Today, “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Dan Rather vs. legendary pop artist Janet Jackson.
EMBARRASSING INCIDENT ON CBS
Dan Rather: In a public apology, CBS News admitted that it could not authenticate documents it had used in a “60 Minutes” story that questioned President Bush’s service in the Guard during the Vietnam War era. Many critics consider the documents to be fake.
Janet Jackson: After nuzzling up to Justin Timberlake during a scintillating Super Bowl halftime performance, Jackson had her breast accidentally exposed in what was later called a “wardrobe malfunction.”
Winner: Rather, for stepping up with the apology.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Dan Rather: CBS News appointed former U.S. Atty. Gen. Dick Thornburgh and former Associated Press chief Louis Boccardi to investigate what went wrong with its story on Bush.
Janet Jackson: Federal regulators fined CBS a record $550,000 for Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction,” which exposed her breast during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show.
Winner: Jackson. She won’t pay a dime of it.
BODY OF WORK
Dan Rather: His books include “The American Dream,” “Deadlines and Datelines,” “The Camera Never Blinks” and “The Palace Guard.”
Janet Jackson: Her albums include “Control,” “Rhythm Nation 1814,” “The Velvet Rope,” “janet.” and “Damita Jo.”
Winner: Jackson, on sales alone.
SIX DEGREES OF KEVIN BACON
Dan Rather: Appeared as himself in “The Last Party,” which also featured actor Sean Penn. Penn and Bacon were in “Mystic River.”
Janet Jackson: She had an uncredited appearance in “Malcolm X,” which starred Matt Dillon. Dillon and Bacon were in “Loverboy.”
Winner: Rather. “Mystic River” had five Oscar nominations and two winners.
EARLIER CAREER REGRETS
Dan Rather: In 1987, he walked off the news set because the U.S. Open tennis tournament ran long. The network went dark for 6 minutes when the tournament ended.
Janet Jackson: She eloped with singer James DeBarge in 1984.
Winner: Push. There are no winners here.
AN EARLIER CBS MOMENT
Dan Rather: In 1995, “The Late Show with David Letterman” taped a duet during a concert sound check between Dan Rather and R.E.M. on “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” The title refers to an ’86 incident when Rather was attacked by a man who kept asking, “Kenneth, what is the frequency?”
Janet Jackson: When asked about the Super Bowl incident, Jackson told the audience of “The Late Show with David Letterman” she was “sure you’re sick of hearing about this.” Letterman replied, “I’m not so sure they are sick of hearing about it.”
Winner: Push. Everyone’s a winner.
