Criticism gets to Rather, but not for long

NEW YORK, March 6 (UPI) -- CBS news anchor man Dan Rather says dealing with criticism is part of the job of a hard-nosed, hard-news reporter -- but it sometimes does get to him.

"No rhinoceros has a hide so thick that some well-placed, hard-thrown, pointed spear can't get under it," Rather told the New York Daily News in an interview days before he ends his 24-year stint as anchor man of "CBS Evening News."

"It's also true, it's not very often. And when it does, when I feel it, it's not for very long, he added."

The 73-year-old Rather said he felt good and had none of the emotional jitters others suggested he might get as he prepares to leave the anchor desk.

"I'm not retiring," said Rather, who'll return to full-time reporting for the "60 Minutes" program. "I'm changing jobs -- for better or worse, I'm a big-game hunter. And I'll continue to hunt big game."