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    50 Years Later

    The day JFK died: TV anchor recalls exclusive interview with assassin's mother

    Joe Leydon
    Nov 22, 2013 | 10:00 am

    Last weekend, Bob Schieffer returned to the scene of the crime.

    The veteran CBS newsman and longtime Face the Nation host was in Dallas – specifically, in the former Texas Schoolbook Depository, now the site of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – to conduct interviews and tape commentaries for his Sunday morning program, as part of his network’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

    Back in 1963, on the day of that dreadful crime, the Austin-born Schieffer – then a hustling young reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram – was working in his newspaper’s city room, ready to take calls from reporters filing stories from Parkland Hospital, Dealey Plaza, Dallas Police Headquarters and other locations, when he grabbed a ringing phone. “In all my years as a reporter,” he would later recount in his 2003 memoir This Just In: What I Couldn’t Tell You on TV, “I would never again take a call like that one.”

    What happened?

    “A woman’s voice asked if we could spare anyone to give her a ride to Dallas.

    “’Lady,’ I said, ‘this is not a taxi, and besides, the president has been shot.’

    “’I know,’ she said. ‘They think my son is the one who shot him.’

    “It was the mother of Lee Harvey Oswald, and she had heard on the radio of her son’s arrest.

    “’Where do you live?’ I blurted out. ‘I’ll be right over to get you.’”

    He has never forgotten the terrible events that unfolded five decades ago, during what he calls “the weekend America lost its innocence.”

    And that is how 26-year-old Bob Schieffer landed an exclusive, career-boosting interview, conducted primarily during the hour-long drive from Fort Worth to Dallas, with Marguerite Oswald.

    Schieffer went on to become the first reporter from a Texas newspaper to report from Vietnam, and then reinvented himself as a broadcast journalist – first at WBAP-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth and later, from 1969 onward, as a member of the CBS news team. During his lengthy tenure with the network, he has covered all the major Washington beats – The White House, The Pentagon, Capitol Hill and the State Department – and logged thousands of hours of airtime covering everything from political conventions to country music icons. He served as anchor of the Saturday edition of the CBS Evening News for 20 years, and has hosted Face the Nation since 1991.

    And yet, despite his many accomplishments elsewhere, Schieffer has always remained passionately and indissolubly attached to Texas. Just as important, he has never forgotten the terrible events that unfolded five decades ago, during what he calls “the weekend America lost its innocence.”

    During production breaks at the Sixth Floor Museum, Schieffer graciously shared some of his memories about that unforgettable weekend.

    CultureMap: Have you ever thought about how differently your career might have turned out if you hadn’t answered the phone at that particular moment on Nov. 22, 1963?

    Bob Schieffer: [Laughs] You know, it was just one of those things. Total happenstance. I think that most stories that I’ve gotten over the years, I’ve gotten because I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I think that’s how a lot of reporters get their stories. I think that’s why one guy gets the Pulitzer and another guy doesn’t. You just happen to be where the news is happening.

    CM: I guess what might seem so odd to anyone who wasn’t alive back then is, Marguerite Oswald’s first impulse was to call a newspaper to get a ride to Dallas.

    Schieffer: Well, when her son had defected to the Soviet Union, we had done a story about it. And she had dealt with reporters along the way on that. And she was such an outsider. You have to remember: These people were not from Texas, they were not of Texas. They were itinerants – they had lived all over. They’d be one place for a while, and then she’d move them to another place. At one point, she put Lee Harvey Oswald and his brother in an orphans’ home, and told them they were a burden to her. She’d been through multiple marriages. And I don’t think she knew anybody else to call. She’d worked as a practical nurse, and as a babysitter, and as kind of an au pair for various people. And I think because somebody at the Star-Telegram had dealt with her, that’s why she called.

    Actually, I didn’t find out until this year that earlier that day, she called the home of Jack Douglas, who was one of the editors of the Star-Telegram. But he and his wife were not there – they had gone down to see the President. And their 11-year-old son had been sent home from school after they had announced that the President had been shot. And when she called this house, this 11-year-old answered the phone. And when she said, “I need to get ahold of your father, I need to talk with him,” he said, “Well, he’s at work. But here’s the telephone number.” And I guess that’s when she called up the Star-Telegram – and I just happened to be the one who picked up the phone.

    CM: But, again, the idea that Marguerite Oswald or anyone else would think of seeking help from staffers at a newspaper office at such a moment – that’s probably unfathomable to most folks below a certain age.

    Schieffer: Yes, but you know, in those days, newspapers were so much a part of the community. There was no security system there – it was not at all like it is now. People could just walk in off the street. If they didn’t like a story that was in the Star-Telegram, they’d come up and complain to the city editor. There was an old man named Monroe Odum, who was almost blind, and he sold Star-Telegrams out on the street in front of the Worth Hotel, which was right next door to the Star-Telegram. And if he didn’t like the headline on the first edition, he’d come up and complain to the editor. He’d say, “I can’t sell a newspaper like this. Put some news on the front page.”

    That’s just kind of how it was – we were so much a part of the community. So while it was odd and unusual that Marguerite Oswald called – it was not that weird that people would call the newspaper.

    CM: For nearly two decades after 1963, you couldn’t mention the word Dallas anywhere in America – probably anywhere in the world – without people saying, “Oh, yeah, that’s where Kennedy was killed.” It was as if the entire city had been stained, even damned, by the actions of one man, Lee Harvey Oswald.

    Schieffer: Yes. There’s no question about that. And you’re hearing this from a guy who grew up in Fort Worth – and there was never any love lost between the two cities. But Texas and Dallas were seen as places for these right-wing hate groups. The John Birch Society was very big here. But actually, these were just pockets of right-wing hatred. When [President Kennedy] came to Fort Worth, 10,000 people came out at 10 o’clock at night to see him. The next morning, there were 5,000 people in the parking lot outside the Hotel Texas. There was a sold-out luncheon of Fort Worth’s A-list. And they weren’t all Democrats by any stretch. People just couldn’t get enough of him. They loved him. Ruth Carter, who was Amon Carter’s daughter — she and some other people got together this priceless art collection. Van Goghs, Picassos, all of this stuff. And they hung them in the suite where the Kennedys spent the night in the Hotel Texas. They just wanted to do something nice for them. That’s how people felt.

    Nellie Connally, John Connally’s wife, said as they rounded the downtown area, “You can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you, Mr. President.” And that was absolutely accurate. And then this happened.

    And you know that just minutes before the President was shot, they had that big reception for him at Love Field. They crowds were cheering him on during the motorcade. Nellie Connally, John Connally’s wife, said as they rounded the downtown area, “You can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you, Mr. President.” And that was absolutely accurate. And then this happened.

    But [Lee Harvey Oswald] was not of Dallas. He wasn’t from Dallas. He was a loser. A deeply disturbed failure at everything he had done. A week before, his wife had accused him of being impotent. He couldn’t get anything right. And he was about as far from the right-wing as you could get. I mean, he’d tried to kill Edwin Walker earlier that year. He was a Communist, a Communist sympathizer. He was a Castro sympathizer.

    And it’s interesting, some of the reporting that has come out about him in the past couple of years. We all knew about him going down to Mexico. But while he was there, he went to the Cuban embassy to try to get a visa to go to Cuba. And they said, “No thank you.” They didn’t want any part of him. They thought he was nuts.

    Like I say: This could have happened anywhere, in any city or any state in the country. It had nothing to do with Dallas. This was a deeply disturbed man. And to think that someone like this could have cut down the President…

    CM: Which is, really, to my mind, still the scariest aspect of this tragedy. I know there are people – intelligent people -- who believe in conspiracy theories. But I have always felt that Oswald acted alone. If there was any sort of cover-up, I think, it was a cover-up after the fact by people who should have had Oswald on their radar before he could pull the trigger.

    Schieffer: Well, the FBI and the CIA both withheld information from the Warren Commission. And we now know that through the reporting in recent years. But, again, it was a CYA deal. They were not part of a conspiracy. They were just afraid they were going to be blamed for not keeping [Oswald] on their radar, as you say.

    CM: Would you agree that, for a lot of people, the notion that JFK was killed because of an elaborate conspiracy isn’t nearly as frightening as the likelihood that a single crazed gunman had such an impact on history?

    Schieffer: In a funny kind of way, yes. It was hard for them to accept and process that somebody who was a total loser was able to kill the person who held the most powerful office in the land. And I think that’s one reason why we have all of these rumors and all of these tales of conspiracy – it just didn’t fit into people’s plotline that something like this could possibly happen. But I think it probably did.

    Bob Schieffer, left, and Joe Leydon at the former Texas Schoolbook Depository

    Bob Schieffer, left, and Joe Leydon
      
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    Bob Schieffer, left, and Joe Leydon at the former Texas Schoolbook Depository
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    weekend event planner

    These are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Mar 5, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Hamilton musical national tour
    (c) Joan Marcus 2024
    Hamilton returns to Houston beginning this weekend.

    Spring is here, at least according to our friends at Space City Weather, which means sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.

    Even if the evenings are chilly, we have some windbreaker-worthy events popping off this weekend. Of course, we have the rodeo in full swing. But we also have Hamilton returning to Houston; outdoor events from Mid Main Houston, Discovery Green, and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and a salute to one of the greatest MCs to ever do it.

    And, if you don’t know, now you know.

    Thursday, March 6

    Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
    It’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo season once again and, judging by the recent news story of a cow getting loose and running down OST, things are getting wild over there. Reba McEntire just kicked off the live concert series that has become a Livestock Show and Rodeo staple. Also scheduled to perform: AJR, Carin León, Brad Paisley, Journey, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, and Luke Bryan. Bun B will have a birthday extravaganza on Friday, featuring Keith Sweat, Coco Jones, Houston gospel legend Yolanda Adams, and Ludacris. Through Sunday, March 23. 8 pm (for concerts).

    Mid Main Houston presents First Thursday Block Party
    The businesses of Mid Main, along with Mid Main Lofts, are back with the First Thursday Block Party series. Visitors can stop by the block partners and enjoy beer from Saint Arnold Brewing Company, live music, art shows, special activations, and local vendors at the Winbern Street Market. This month, proceeds will go to Brain Cancer Research & Pediatric Health Initiatives. DJ Tempty will be spinning tunes, while art shows will be going on at Mid Main Art Gallery and Sig’s Lagoon. 6 pm.

    Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Hamilton
    It’s hard to believe that Hamilton, the Tony-winning Broadway smash, is now ten years old. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Through March 23. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 & 7 pm Sunday).

    Friday, March 7

    Rice Village presents Rodeo Roundup
    Rice Village is kicking off the rodeo season with its fourth annual Rodeo Roundup. Family-friendly festivities will take place along Morningside Drive and University Boulevard, with a performance from local country musician Cooper Mohrmann, a mechanical bull ride, and face painting, along with bandana freebies. Pop-up experiences and activations from Rice Village businesses will include rodeo-centered promotions, sips and light bites, and more. 5 pm.

    Anya Tish Gallery presents "Anya's Eye" opening reception
    Anya Tish Gallery will herald the spring with "Anya’s Eye," a vibrant, sprawling group exhibition featuring more than two dozen of the gallery’s artists, many of whom were discovered early in their careers and have gone on to great acclaim thanks to the “eye” of Anya Tish. The show is an opportunity to “see” what Anya saw in the artists she represented, and experience how enriching and life-changing those encounters were. Through Saturday, April 19. 6 pm.

    Naruto: The Symphonic Experience
    Do you prefer your anime with a live soundtrack performed by a full orchestra? If so, Naruto: The Symphonic Experience is a live show featuring an original, two-hour feature film (shown with subtitles) created by Julien Vallespi and Quentin Benayoun, from the first 220 original episodes of the Naruto animated series. An orchestra will perform the iconic songs and themes from the series, live-to-picture, as scenes are projected on a full-size, HD cinema screen. 7 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Moonlight Movies
    Moonlight Movies returns to The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Filmgoers can experience “Love & Other Adventures” with three popular and classic romantic comedies, from a seat on the sloping roof of the Glassell School of Art in the Amphitheater. We don’t know if this was intentional or not, but the series that shares the same name with the 2017 Oscar winner for Best Picture is kicking things off with La La Land, which notoriously almost received that honor. There will also be complimentary popcorn, and drinks, including special cocktails, available for purchase. 8 pm.

    Saturday, March 8

    Power of Vision - International Women's Month Celebration
    The “Power of Vision" series stands as a dynamic and empowering collection of events, crafted to equip women with essential tools for success. These events feature captivating speakers, valuable resources, and insightful information, all thoughtfully curated to inspire and guide. This year, in a harmonious alignment with International Women's Month, the series is dedicated to amplifying the goal of empowering women, celebrating their achievements, and fostering an environment of growth and inspiration. Noon.

    Young Texas Artists presents The Stars at Night Gala
    Young Texas Artists, a nonprofit arts organization, will present its 40th anniversary party, “The Stars at Night.” The evening will feature dancing, barbecue, a live auction, and YTA’s Spring Art Show & Sale. Following the gala, guests can walk into the theater for the Young Texas Artists Music Competition Finalists’ Concert & Awards, followed by YTA’s After Party — the evening’s grand finale — back in the Grand Pavilion. 5 pm.

    Betelguese Betelguese presents Biggie Tribute
    The bar's Washington Avenue location will host a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. with music, themed cocktails, and great vibes. Guests can expect plenty of Biggie tracks, as well as "Biggie-adjacent" tracks from artists like Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil’ Kim, Lil’ Cease, The LOX, Mase, and more. The Betelgeuse Betelgeuse photo booth will be stacked with themed accessories for guests to capture the fun as well. The special menu features cocktails such as the A T-Bone Steak, Cheese Eggs, and Welch's Grape for $16, an Alize daiquiri for $14, and a Grand Marnier margarita for $14, and more. 8 pm.

    Performance Arts Houston presents Meow Meow
    International siren and comedienne extraordinaire Meow Meow brings her glorious brand of subversive and sublime performance to Houston. The post-post-modern diva has hypnotised, inspired, and terrified audiences globally with unique creations and sell-out seasons from New York’s Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House. The crowd-surfing queen of song creates an evening of music and much mayhem, featuring Piazzolla tangos, Weill, Brecht, Brel, and even Radiohead alongside original chansons. 8 pm.

    Sunday, March 9

    Houston Botanic Garden presents Bayou Blues Festival
    The Houston Botanic Garden’s Bayou Blues Festival will be an afternoon of roots music, curated by Houstonian Annika Chambers. In addition to five hours of live music, attendees can snap photos in front of the Garden’s bluebonnet field, enjoy the Family Fun Zone, shop a festive market featuring local vendors and plants from the Garden, and browse information stations staffed by select nonprofit organizations. Access to the entire Garden, including the “Habitat” exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, is also part of the experience. 11 am.

    Emancipation Park presents Jazzy Sundays in the Parks
    Jazzy Sundays in the Parks, Emancipation Park's popular outdoor concert series, kicked off last weekend with performances from Grammy-winning jazz pianist (and proud Houstonian) Robert Glasper and saxophonist Vince Greer. Jazzy Sundays celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the art form. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get to hear some zydeco grooves, too. This weekend, Houston Zydeco band J Paul Jr. & the Zydeco Newbreedz will take the stage, along with Baltimore DJ/producer S.Dot. 5 pm.

    Matt Rife: Stay Golden
    That guy who drops all those crowd-work videos on social media (a promotional tool that every comic must indulge in these days) will be getting his ad-lib on in H-Town this weekend. Matt Rife comes to Houston as part of his Stay Golden tour. Rife self-produced two comedy specials, Only Fans and Matthew Steven Rife, both available on YouTube, which led to two Netflix specials, Matt Rife: Natural Selection and Lucid. He is set to take on a leading role in Rolling Loud, an R-rated comedy co-produced by Live Nation Productions. 7 pm.

    Hamilton musical national tour
      

    (c) Joan Marcus 2024

    Hamilton returns to Houston beginning this weekend.

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