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Wolf remembers Johnny Carson

From Wolf Blitzer
CNN

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Wolf Blitzer Reports
Johnny Carson

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As he was for millions of Americans, Johnny Carson was often the last person I saw each night before I closed my eyes.

Just imagine how excited I was when he began telling jokes with my name as the punch line during the first Gulf War in 1991 when I was CNN's Pentagon correspondent -- and when he actually invited me to join him on the set shortly thereafter.

"My next guest is a well respected journalist with a lot of expertise on the Middle East, and like a lot of journalists and reporters, he was known by his peers and his buddies but not generally known by the general public. Then came August 2 and he was thrust in the spotlight all over the world. There is probably nobody in the country who doesn't know who he is now. Would you welcome please, Mr. Wolf Blitzer," said Carson when he introduced me on March 22, 1991.

I remember walking through that curtain like it was yesterday. I was quite obviously stiff and nervous. Can you imagine actually appearing on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" -- and hearing a legend say this:

"It is really a pleasure to have you here. It is a pleasure to have you here. It was like watching, as I told General Kelly here a week ago who did those amazing briefings for you fellas at the Pentagon, and he seemed to have a great rapport. It was like watching a daytime show. I'd get up in the morning and turn on and see you guys there. Have you gotten used to this at all? You were really thrust into the spotlight, as I said, nationwide."

He asked me some really good questions and he made me feel very comfortable. Appearing on his show turned out to be a lot easier than I had imagined.

Johnny Carson could not have been nicer to me. He was clearly on top of the news. When we spoke off camera, he was so knowledgeable on everything going on. Let me simply add my appreciation to him and to say how much we miss him. Thanks, Johnny, for everything.


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