Dick Clark had a stroke in late 2004, rendering him unable to usher in 2005.  His recovery has been difficult, and his voice is still pretty messed up and he seems tired and weary.  It made for a pretty depressing New Year's party.  Here's the sad way Dick Clark welcomed 2008 and 2009.

 

2008....

Sort of a rough around the edges type of delivery.  Poor guy, we admire his determination in ringing in the New Year like this, no matter how painful it is for the rest of us to watch.

 

Countdown Pain of 2009:

His face is contorted as he strains to get his words out.  How about the awkwardness of Dick Clark and his wife kissing after the ball drops?  There really should have been some sort of warning.  It's pretty bad that you HOPE they cut to the Jonas Brothers so you don't have to watch Dick Clark speak.  It sort of seems like he's gargling boiling sea-water when he's speaking. 

 

Thanks for a lot of good New Year's Dick Clark, but it's clearly time for you to step aside.