Mike Wallace, on the Comeback

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Mike Wallace will always be, in my mind, one of the great network television journalists. I worked with him as a cameraman for a number of years at 60 Minutes, and was somewhat intimidated in the early years of the broadcast, because he had such a large reputation, of being tough and unflinching in his work, demanding perfection from all those he worked with.
As the years passed however, I came to see the many facets of this brilliant and kind man, whose presence at CBS News, and in my life, both professional and private, became a cornerstone of what represents the best in television news.
There are many stories I can recount, and hope to write about before I go, because I was fortunate to have a ring-side seat during an era of American culture and journalism that will not come again. Mike was very much a player on that stage.
Willis "Skip" Brown

Willis Brown of CA 1:08AM June 04, 2011

I have watched "60"min. since it started in 1968 ( I was 17 then). Mike and "60min.) could not have came at a more difficult time.The vetnam war,Student up raising,raical tension etc.We (the working people) needed some like mike to ask the hard hitting questions we wanted to be ask.Like: why the school does not have a Black student union on campus? What is the war all about and who is really winning? Are some of the members of the "KKK" in congress as some say? Mike would ask all and investigate all. Back in the day we all watched to see what company would put Mad Mike and 60min. out of their building.I loved the hidden cameras (I think 60 min. was the first to use this to go public with).I remember one they did on a car repair place where the camera caught the mechanic of the shop squirt some oil under a car in the shop. when the owner of the car came to get the car the mechanic told them that there was an oil leak that needed major repair,the owner of the car drove the car out of the shop. When 60min.came back with the owner they ask to speak with the owner are supervisor of the shop. The owner came out,Mike showed him the tape from the hidden camera. The owner went to his office and came back with a tire iron and chased the 60min. crew off his property.
60min. will never be 60min. with out Mike Wallace!Never.That's for the great years!!
Retired Correctional officer/photojournalist

Preston Kerns of MO 7:55PM September 28, 2008

Chris Wallace tells his father not to ruin his vacation. Sounds about right.
It was during the Reagan Administration that we waited in the Rose Garden for Ronald Reagan to come out to speak at a Take Pride in America ceremony. I heard a commotion off to my right...and there was Chris Wallace loudly berating a local TV cameraman for setting up where the younger Mr. Wallace thought his cameraman should be. His language was nasty...and I cannot look at him to this day and not remember his self-important attitude.

Steve Brooks of TN 2:17PM June 15, 2008

Years ago, one of the news magazines profiled Mike Wallace using the headline (and theme) "Mike Malice."
A personal, childhood experience suggested Mike was anything but malicious.
Back when Wallace hosted the syndicated TV show, "Biography," I wrote him a fan letter. In the letter I indicated that I knew Mike had written a book titled "Mike Wallace Asks." I explained that I couldn't find a copy of it and asked where I might buy one..
Weeks went without a reply. I either reconciled myself to accept my disappointment or forgot about the matter- I don't remember, since this was over 40 years ago.
In any event, I came home from school one day to find an unexpected package addressed to me. I opened it up, first noticing a copy of "Mike Wallace Asks" and then an accompanying letter. Wallace's note offered an "apology for taking so long to respond, but it took me awhile to find a copy of the book for you since it's out-of-print."
This is not the Mike Wallace you read about, but it's the one I know the most about, as I was pleased to tell him when we finally spoke a few years ago.
Stacy Harris
Publisher/Executive Editor
Stacy's Music Row Report
www.countrymusicreport.com/Stacyharris.htm

Stacy Harris of TN 1:16AM June 14, 2008

What an admirable career Mike Wallace has had. He is a man who can really be proud of his stay here on the planet. To bad his son decided to take such a low road and be a nothing journalist.

Sue Snyder of WA 10:09AM June 11, 2008

I think Mike was an excellent investigative reporter. He wasn't afraid to ask questions and press for an answer. I totally disagree that he was nasty and mean. He was aggressive, and that is what made him so good.
Get well, Mike. Enjoy your vacation and your retirement. You have earned it. Best wishes!!! You will be missed by millions.
Oh, and tell Chris to get a job at a REAL tv network!!!

Dottie654 of IA 1:09AM June 10, 2008