Either Relevant or True

The gossip that earned last night’s “Worst” from KO:

Meanwhile, Matthews’ MSNBC cable cohort Olbermann, who was also at the memorial, is “threatening to quit if he isn’t installed as Russert’s replacement,” another insider said. “I know, it sounds ludicrous, but, then, Keith Olbermann is ludicrous.”

What’s actually ludicrous is the idea of Keith taking over MTP. The man is good at what he does, but the things that make him stand out - most notably his humor and heart-on-the-sleeve passion - would be a bad fit.

I think Chuck Todd would be a good fit, but he may be percieved too young. They should change the format a bit and get away from the “celebrity” host. Perhaps both Chuck Todd & Gwen or Andrea would be a good format. I believe Keith when he says that he or Chris would not want that job. I think Keith can do more with Countdown in terms of his creativity and could better push the boundaries of TV news. I would like to see more Countdown shows on NBC though.

I do sense that the part of the Page 666 that said, ‘no one from MSNBC would be considered due to the partisian perception.’ I saw this coming years ago, when Keith started being called the “left’s Bill O’Reilly or Limbaugh” in various profiles. I know that is not what he is, but unfortunately that is the perception. And the past dem. primary fight has only doubled these efforts to paint Keith as far left. Not only by the righties, but the many Clinton “operatives” as well.

Nothing like trying to recast the succession for the moderator of Meet the Press as an All About Eve moment.

My local paper had their question of the day to vote on this on Tuesday. I considered it in poor taste and did not participate. Keith came in 3 rd or 4th.

While Russert was not the first nor the only moderator of Meet the Press, he had held the position for so many years that his imprint and style are all over the show.

All of the people who have been suggested have, shall we say, “healthy” egos. None of them is going to want to mimic Tim Russert, nor should he/she.

However, the show calls for a certain balance and lack of personal stuff. Given Russert’s early political background, it might be assumed that he was more Democrat than Republican, but he tried to keep himself and his opinions out of it and to elicit information from the people who were the guests.

Yes, Keith is a wonderful interviewer and always treats his guest with civility, but he is also a powerful voice on issues, and we would all be short changed if he were placed in a format where he was muzzled.

I think that MSNBC would be wise to keep it with Tom Brokaw while this all sorts out.

My own thoughts as to who would be best all happen to be women. But I agree that this is not the time for such speculation.

Off topic and Hysterical, and will probably offend someone or other.

Click here: Gay Scientists Isolate the Christian Gene « Feminist Philosophers

Someone at the Daily Kos did a diary as to whether Keith will do a Special Comment against Obama because he supported the FISA compromise Bill. I am disappointed with Obama, but after Jonathan Turely’s explanation yesterday, it seems more complicated, not so black & white. Perhaps Keith should do SC to clarify. I don’t know, I think Obama, when president, will reverse a lot of Bush’s crap, but he can’t do it as only 1 vote in the Senate. Anyway, here is the link:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/20/163221/777/741/539288

Here is the link to Obama’s statement in the FISA compromise (via, the Daily Kos):

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/20/155839/542/779/539258

Hey, Becky, I want to give a congrats to your Cubbies, they will be sweeping this series with my White Sox (and I mean all 6 games), really. ;)

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