Remembering Sam Donaldson's Career

ABC News has announced that Sam Donaldson is retiring. Donaldon hasn't been on the air much the last couple of years, but once he was one of ABC's biggest stars.

Donaldson covering the White House was a story in itself. How the president or his press secretary reacted to a Donaldson question got people talking.

And the more he rubbed the White House the wrong way the more we liked it. Sam is a character, not unaware of his public persona. Or his appearance. Including his famous hair.

Once we were together on the coast of France waiting for a helicopter to pick us up to bring us to the air craft carrier George Washington. We were to interview President Clinton on board, and we'd been waiting awhile when finally I heard the helicopter approach.

I looked around, but no Sam. As I boarded, blades churning, Sam suddenly pops on board with both hands on his head. He looked at me and said, 'Kid, I don't do wind.'
By Harry Smith