Who did Richard Nixon call the ayatollah of the press corps?

Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, famously referred to Dan Rather as the "ayatollah of the press corps." Dan Rather was a well-known journalist who served as the anchor of the CBS Evening News for many years.

Nixon's comment was made during a time of intense scrutiny by the media, particularly in relation to the Watergate scandal. Rather was known for his tough questioning and investigative reporting, which often put him at odds with the Nixon administration.

The term "ayatollah" is a religious title in Shiite Islam, but Nixon used it metaphorically to suggest that Rather had a powerful and influential position within the press corps. It was a way for Nixon to criticize Rather's reporting style and perceived bias without directly attacking him.

Despite the criticism from Nixon and other politicians, Rather continued to be a respected and influential figure in journalism. He reported on major events such as the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the September 11 attacks.

To learn more about the relationship between Richard Nixon and Dan Rather, you can visit CBS News for an in-depth analysis. Additionally, History.com provides a comprehensive overview of Richard Nixon's presidency and the Watergate scandal.

In conclusion, Richard Nixon's characterization of Dan Rather as the "ayatollah of the press corps" reflects the contentious relationship between the media and political figures during his presidency. Despite the criticism, Rather remained a prominent figure in journalism and continued to report on important events that shaped American history.

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