dan rather: a journalist who witnessed history

I grew up watching the Vietnam War unfold on television. Later, I watched 60 Minutes. I remember when investigative journalism meant going out into the world, asking difficult questions, following the evidence and holding people in positions of power accountable.

Dan Rather was one of the journalists whose work I followed.

His career spans some extraordinary moments in modern history:

• Reporting on the Vietnam War.
• Covering the Watergate scandal and the Nixon presidency.
• Reporting from Beijing during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
• Reporting from Berlin during the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989.
• Decades of American politics, presidential elections and international events.

He wasn't simply sitting in a studio discussing history. He reported from places where history was unfolding.

That is part of why I trust his perspective.

I recently read his latest analysis of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. I want to share the main points because I think they deserve attention.

what dan is reporting

1. Fox News is losing viewers

• Fox has lost more than 25% of its audience compared with the previous year.
• CNN and MS NOW have gained viewers.
• Fox is broadcasting fewer Trump rallies.

2. MAGA is losing some of its support

• People are frustrated with the cost of living.
• Trump's promises about ending wars and releasing the Epstein files have become sources of disappointment.
• Some supporters are questioning their loyalty.

3. Trump's longtime supporters are speaking out

• Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan and Candace Owens have criticized Trump.
• Megyn Kelly has criticized his Iran policy.
• Some longtime rally attendees are questioning whether Trump can be trusted.

4. Republican identity is changing

Dan cites NBC News polling showing:

• MAGA Republicans: 55% when Trump took office, now 44%.
• Traditional Republicans: 43% then, now 56%.

5. Democrats are finding opportunities in unexpected places

• Dan highlights a Florida Democratic candidate focusing on affordability, healthcare, Social Security and corruption.
• Her approach is to talk about everyday problems rather than rely on political slogans.

6. There is growing disagreement within Trump's political movement

• Some former supporters are distancing themselves.
• Some conservative commentators are publicly criticizing him.
• Traditional Republicans are expressing frustration with the direction of their party.

7. Americans are participating in the elections

• Dan reported that more than 43 million votes had already been cast at the time of his article.
• He encourages people to participate in democracy.

why I am sharing this

I'm not sharing this simply to argue about Democrats and Republicans.

I'm sharing it because independent journalism matters. We need reporters who investigate, question, verify and challenge those in power, regardless of their political affiliation.

Dan Rather has spent decades reporting on events that changed the world. His latest analysis is worth reading, considering and discussing.

We should never stop asking questions.

We should never stop looking for the facts.

And we should never assume that a political movement is beyond question.