LONGEVITY alone certainly did not define Andy Rooney's extraordinary run as a grumpy exclamation point for CBS's Sunday night broadcasts of "60 Minutes," but his decades of commentary were a marvel.

His weekly observations maintained a quality and consistency that sustained a durable connection with viewers. Rooney's death at age 92 after minor surgery came as a surprise for legions of fans..

Rooney's journalism roots ran deep, and he enjoyed a busy, prolific career in broadcast news. His capacity to produce those nuggets of observation built on all his professional expertise and life experience.

Fundamentally, though, his ability to craft those commentaries was a special gift.

A classic newsroom excuse is "I didn't have time to write short." Bright, tight and brilliant is not easy. No one should imagine that Rooney persisted because what he did occupied so brief a segment on air.

Was every commentary a classic? Maybe not, but it is safe to say each wry take on this or that in life registered with someone.

Rooney was famous for his pithy observations, and through years some viewers felt pithed upon. He would murmur an apology, and return to grumble again.

Rooney was sufficiently insightful and original to survive changing fads and tastes in politics and popular culture. His humanity transcended time and generational experiences.

Andy Rooney spoke volumes in a few dozen words, and America sought him out week after week to listen.