Dickerson faces ‘Nation’ debut

By David Bauder

AP Television Writer

NEW YORK

For his first week as moderator of CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, John Dickerson has no intention of playing around with a format consistent for more than half a century.

The CBS News political director replaces Bob Schieffer, who retired last week after 24 years at the Washington-based public affairs program. Unlike some people who enter a job in a whirlwind of new ideas, Dickerson is being cautious.

A former Time magazine correspondent and a Slate writer, he joined CBS six years ago. Dickerson, 46, has a CBS heritage.

His mother, Nancy Dickerson, was CBS News’ first female correspondent. Her son’s book about her, “On Her Trail,” comes out this summer.

His first week’s guests include three men with national aspirations for themselves or their ideas: just- announced GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

He’ll also speak with the head of the House Homeland Security Committee on terrorism.

Schieffer left “Face the Nation” in strong shape. Nearly 4 million people who saw his finale was the show’s biggest audience in four months.