David, I am totally with you on this. I've not seen Rooney in many weeks as I simply switch off or over to something else. He has become a buffoon and, yes, a caricature of himself. Perhaps they could lure Dick Cavett to fill that slot. I do think Krulwich or Ferguson would also do well.

Bonnie Hunt would be fabulous. She's able to put a humorous spin on issues and skewer like crazy. She was an absolute delight on "Life with Bonnie".

Has anyone considered two staples of CBS' own "Sunday Morning"? The venerable Charles Osgood and the always entertaining Bill Geist; either would be perfect. They already know the CBS territory and players. Bill Geist does some of the sweetest/strangest pieces week in/week out. He's one of the reasons I look forward to the show every Sunday.

Just my thoughts...

Just FYI, Andy turned 90 recently, not 80. (Whoa! My bad -- and my bad math! I'll correct immediately. And geez... now I feel bad, picking on a 90-year-old. - David B.)

I didn't think of it before, but I agree with Phil that Dick Cavett would be a great replacement. He already does something similar on his NY Times blog.

I would love to see Jon Stewart doing the segment every week, if Comedy channel could spare him.

Here, here! Even my 11 year old agrees.... "His eyebrows are scary!"

How 'bout a woman... Yes! Bonnie Hunt would be terrific!!

The thing about Rooney is that he isn't a comedian so much as the Norman Rockwell of television commentators. I really don't think a comedian should replace him, though they are fully licensed to poke fun at him. Rooney certainly needs to be replaced but his successor should be reminiscent of a bedtime storyteller for adults, not a hip, witty political satirist.

There's something that you all are overlooking. Andy's not only 90, but something's going on with his health. The tipoff is watching his hands as he speaks. He's either grasping his hands tightly, or they're shaking uncontrollably. Obviously I don't know whether it's Parkinsons, or some other condition, or just the ravages of age, but he may not get out as much because he can't (or has been warned by his doctor not to).

This said, I've also noticed a distinct degradation in the quality of those 2 1/2 minute pieces this season. It's as if he's recycling ideas from ten years ago. (In my case, it's not so much overlooking as not conjecturing. But the recycling observation, I think, is entirely accurate regardless. -- David B.)

Steve Hartman is the obvious heir-apparent. He already works for CBS, has every attribute that you describe and even punctuates Katie Couric's Friday evening installments with enjoyable, quirky segments. I think he may already have subbed for Rooney, too.

Otherwise, I agree that a change is definitely indicated.

I couldn't remember Steve Hartman's name when I suggested Charles Osgood or Bill Geist. Yes, Steve is perfect. The pieces he does for CBS are great. Does anyone remember when he would put a pin on the map, visit an obscure town, and find some amazing stories and people? He's a natural for this slot.
Andy needs to step aside. And suggesting he needs to get out more is absolutely correct. Over the years he's gone to the "Poland Spring", out in New Jersey to buy a single gallon of gas, etc., etc. Those pieces were great, but that time has come & gone.
Let's get Steve on the road...

How about a younger Willie Geist? He does a 5 minute segment for Morning Joe on MSNBC and it is humorous, pointed and fits into a small time slot.

I believe Rooney did an off-site piece on the Super Bowl (perhaps?). I remember thinking, "Wow, no wonder he doesn't get out much." Regardless, he does do WAY too many pieces on what he gets in the mail or viewer comments. Very lazy, even for 80...er...90.

I agree, Rooney's been recycling his "greatest hits" for some time and it's time to add some fresh voices. Robert Krulwich would be a refreshing change as would Nancy Giles, who already works for the network as a writer and commentator on CBS News Sunday Morning and would add some much needed diversity to the 60 Minutes team.

Except for the NPR Science Correspondent, all your suggestions are Actors/Comedians. I think with it being a legitimate news program, it really should be a journalist so I like the NPR Guy suggestion. But even better would be a good sardonic/satirical columnist, like [Jack] Cafferty of CNN. Like a Jon Stewart but dead serious all the time instead. (But you choices would still be enjoyable, though they would be a lowering of 60 Minutes; journalistic integrity - not that Rooney these days isn't already doing that).

Perhaps I'm of the minority, but no one will top Andy Rooney. I have forever been a fan of his and he's been my favorite author since I curiously read passages from "A Few Minutes With Andy Rooney" at the Little Rock AFB base library, and could not stop laughing.

Andy Rooney has not only humor, but wisdom. Being as there are more people reaching 80,90, even 100 yr old plateaus, we need a real senior citizen to speak to us. If nothing else, Andy Rooney (along with fitness guru Jack LaLanne) is teaching something that's extremely important in our lives; that we can still function in body and in mind. My vote is not to replace him.