Bob Simon: Mike Wallace Was an Inquisitor With a Tender Soul

Appreciation

The veteran CBS newsman, who invented the television interview and developed a reputation as a tough and fearless interrogator, was an inspiration in his prime and also in his last years, says colleague Bob Simon. Plus, Howard Kurtz on the legendary newsman.

Published Apr. 9 2012 4:45AM EDT

Mike Wallace invented the TV interview. That was on Nightbeat more than 50 years ago and no one has matched him since.

Somehow, before an interview even began, Mike could spot exactly where his subject was vulnerable and he’d go straight for it.

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