These are just some random thoughts on Bob Edwards’ final day as host of NPR’s Morning Edition.

The interview of Ted Koppel was poignant, for reasons most people “new” to ME don’t understand. Nightline and Morning Edition started about the same time, with the Iran hostage crisis as the impetus. For a long time, each year on or about the anniversary Bob would chat with Ted about the year past and the early days of their respective shows. I thought it fitting, regardless the reason, for Bob to talk with Ted one more time. Talk about a fellow “straight shooter;” “when the hell do you get up?” cracked me up.

Nice tributes to Bob from the commentators, too…although I kinda missed a final, “G’bye Bob” from John Feinstein, he came as close as I’ve ever heard to breaking Edwards…the few moments of silence after John’s tribute showed Bob isn’t completely unflappable. Kenneth Turan also complimented his host, remarking on how he would miss their chats. Trust me, Kenneth…not nearly as much as we will.

You gotta love Edwards…even when saying goodbye, he didn’t lie or soft-soap the issue. “I’ve been reassigned,” not any wimpy, “I’m moving on…” crap.

I’ve been thinking about why I’m so damned angry about the pinstripes kicking Edwards off the show. I think it goes much deeper than just losing Bob…National Public Radio has always been my network, something I had a vested interest in, something that was responsive to me. Now it’s clear that NPR is not mine…it’s operated by a bunch of pollsters who will do whatever they want without caring what I think about it. Yeah, it goes way beyond just losing the voice of my mornings…I’m mourning the loss of the entire network.

Ok, ok, so it’s silly, but I toasted Bob this morning…with a Starbucks Doubleshot. Seemed appropriate, you know?

A few more news stories:

From the Washington Post: Names and Faces; Bob Edwards Signs Off
From the New York Times: Bob Edwards Signs Off As He Signed On in ‘79 About bloody time the Times notices.