Goodbye Barbara Walters

If you hadn't heard, Barbara Walters is retiring next summer. For those who didn't know, she was a serious journalist, until she started "The View". From that point, something went very weird. Barbara Walters gave political credibility to Whoopi Goldberg?

Barbara Walters said "I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead both on 'The View' and with ABC News. I created 'The View' and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it."

She added, quote, "I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain. I want instead to sit on a sunny field and admire the very gifted women . . . and OK, some men too . . . who will be taking my place."

Back in March, there were rumors that Barbara was going to retire next summer. She went on "The View" and issued the following non-denial . . . quote, "Here I am, and I have no announcement to make.

"But I do want to say this: If and when I might have an announcement to make, I will do it in this program, I promise, and the paparazzi guys, you will be the last to know."

Barbara Walters is 83 years old. She's been working in TV journalism for over 50 years. She started as a writer and researcher for NBC's "Today" show in 1961.

However, you can't be taken seriously until you have been lampooned. And no one lampooned Barbara Walters better than the late Gilda Radner.