“I’m going to miss being in the middle of things,” retiring newsman says on Sunday’s broadcast

After more than four decades at CBS News, Bob Schieffer called it a career Sunday as he hosted his last edition of “Face the Nation.”

During the broadcast, Schieffer talked about his impending retirement and recalled how much he enjoyed working at CBS, saying, “I’m going to miss being in the middle of things.”

The show began with the legendary newsman interviewing former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush on his status as an undeclared presidential candidate. The Republican insisted he has not yet made a decision, but promised one is coming soon. “I hope I’m a candidate in the near future,” Bush said.

In the interview, taped Saturday in Nashville, Bush also addressed national security, arguing that the Patriot Act should be renewed and called ISIS the main threat facing the country.  He then applauded Schieffer on his final broadcast.

“Bob, first of all, let me say how much I just respect your service to our country,” Bush said. “‘Face the Nation’ is the go-to place, and I just appreciate everything you’ve done. Unfortunately, you won’t be around for me to announce a possible candidacy.”

Schieffer, 78, joined CBS News in 1969. He announced in April that he planned to retire. This was the 24th year that the widely-respected journalist hosted “Face the Nation.”

The Emmy-winning newsman previously anchored the Saturday edition of the “CBS Evening News” for 23 years. Then he transitioned to interim anchor of “The CBS Evening News” from March 2005 to August 2006, following the departure of longtime anchor Dan Rather.

At the end of Sunday’s broadcast, Schieffer told viewers he remains grateful that they tuned in each week.

“The one thing I will never forget is the trust you placed in me and how nice you were to have me as a guest in your home over so many years,” he said. “That meant the world to me and it always will. Thank you.”

SEE BOB SCHIEFFER’s GOODBYE  HERE  ON TOUTUBE

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