MSNBC Anchors Jockey For Tim Russert's "Meet the Press"
Tim Russert's body hasn't even been in the ground for a week, and already MSNBC correspondents are fighting over who should take his place on "Meet the Press." According to Page Six, anchors Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann have already begun jockeying for his job.
An insider told Page Six that Olbermann is "threatening to quit if he isn't installed as Russert's replacement." Yet another insider said, "I know, it sounds ludicrous, but, then, Keith Olbermann is ludicrous."
At Wednesday's memorial reception at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Chris Matthews was overheard discussing what sounded like his strategy for snagging Russert's job.
A Page Six spy said:
"Chris, with his loud voice, was going over a pitch for Tim's job. He was saying, 'You know, Tim's thing was this, and my thing is that.' It was unbelievably tacky."
Matthews denies that he was plotting a takeover, indicating that he was really talking with a real estate devloper about a speech he will soon be giving to mayors in Pennsylvania. Matthews also denies that he wants to become the new host of "Meet the Press", stating, "I love what I do. My Sunday show is a perfect fit for me. I hope they find a perfect fit for 'Meet the Press.'"
According to another source, Russert wanted Chuck Todd to succeed him. The source also indicated that MSNBC hosts don't have a chance of snagging "Meet the Press".
A rep for MSNBC denies that either man is pushing for Russert's job.
Comments
My pick is Luke Russert. Think about it. Without meaning to he's been interning all his life...and has an easy manner about him the public now appreciates.
Also, I think he could handle it. Look how great he's handled the worst time of his life. Plus and by far Luke's the emotional favorite.
Additionally consider all the heavyweights who already love him guiding him till he got settled.
After all folks, it's the American people who watch; and I think as part of that group, who so obviously loved Luke's father, we would accept whatever growing he needs to do.
While NBC isn't opposed to making money; I do believe they'll honor the civility that Tim stood for...wouldn't allow others to shred it. Also, Tim made the Washington bureau his own. Meaning they all feel like family and will of course have some input as to his replacement.
For the record, I didn't believe Matthews version for even half of a second. However, I do believe a half-second is just about the length of time NBC brass probably considered him.
Should NBC's parent company take a minute and considers the viewers, Luke will have a shot.
I have watched Meet the Press for many years and Sunday's will not be the same without Tim. Please give Luke a chance to sit in his father's chair and moderate. He is so much like his father and have that same pleasant manner.
Luke would be excellent.Great idea. Keith Obermann...yuck
To suggest that Luke take over his father's job is not ridiculous if Luke were older and experienced. Otherwise, let him decide that when he's older.
A lovely sentiment but...
His remarkable poise and strength of character is plain to see and I'm sure that ANY job interview he enters will easily go his way.
I believe Luke has his own ideas, goals, and dreams about his future.
I loved Tim Russert, but so did my Republican brother and sister. Tim was always fair to both parties and that is one of the reasons why he was so loved and respected by everyone.
If Keith Olberman and Chris Matthews, whom both are so mean spirited, vicious and crazy, would replace Tim, Meet the Press ratings would plunge. These two guys do not have the personality, nor the intellegence to hold a captive audience, and both lack class (yes I said, Class!).
Some of my friends and I have stopped watching MSNBC in the afternoon and evenings, because of Matthews and Olberman.
Tim with his off the rack suits, and stained t-shirts we heard so much about, had more class than those two. He was a savvy "people's man", who knew his politics, and didn't try to grandstand like Olberman and Matthews.
I hope NBC gives Tim replacement serious thought, so we all can still watch our favorite Sunday News Show, Meet the Press. I love the show, and hopefully can continue to watch it with the right moderator.
Please no self serving Matthews or over opinionated sportscaster Olbermann for Meet The Press. Tim set a standard that is well above either of these two clowns. Tim was a constant every Sunday.While the NBC news groups have widely been reffered to as the Obama Network you could still get honesty and balance from Tim. In Williams and Brokaw NBC showed respect, but if either Matthews or Olbermann get the job NBC will have lost the little respect it has for balanced political reporting.
Olberman doesn't understand that he is a moron.
You don't understand that calling someone a moron takes lack of understanding and a lot of stupidity. It must hurt you to hear the truth. You can't handle it. Maybe you're a republican with no political or historical perspective.
The word "moron" is to be used to refer to people who are "morons". Olbermann fulfills that requirement; therefore he can rightfully be called a "moron"
MSNBC would be wise to try to get Limbaugh to host the show. There is no one out there with as much political savvy as Rush, and he matches Russert's politeness......but then what conservative would MSNBC ever allow to host one of their shows?
Rush are you kidding? He is even louder and has no political savvy. He is no Tim Russert
Funny....considering Rush does not do any research, seems unable to form cohesive thoughts, and is unable to keep his personal views to himself. Rush is a blowhard who loves the sound of his own voice and would never get out of the way so that we could hear the views of the guests. He has about as much depth as my toddler's wading pool and would be over his head even in there.
But great idea! Try getting out a little and actually listening to people who use their intellect for discovery not recovery!
olberman is a left wing loon and no one will watch him. Matthews used to be reasonable but is now verbose and extremely liberal and will not add balance. The best guy with balance but MSNBC wont take him is Brit Hume. not only will NBC jump in ratings but MSNBC has a chance to regain viewers if Brit Hume would join them. I dont think he would leave Fox
Neither Olberman nor Matthews have wanted to replace Tim Russert. To suggest Brit Hume is a "slap" in the face of the dearly departed. Ratings and viewership would drop.
Matthews and Olbermann had respect and love for Tim. As for the ratings, well their one hour show has jumped to nearly 2 and a half million viewers.
MSNBC has made the right choice to let Brokaw moderate until November. By then, a good moderator would have emerged.
Olberman was a lousy sportscaster and managed to convince someone he would be a great political hachet man. If MSNBC puts him in as anchor, they are effectively signing the death certificate for Meet the Press. He could upgrade MSNBC's lineup by simply leaving.
Nora O'Donnel would be my 1st choice - she is fair, quick and straight forward - easy on the eyes - Keith & Chris would destroy that show Meet The Press- I am one of the people who use to watch Hardball & Countdown not anymore/Chris became Obama's butt boy, he is always kissing up/Keith is always pissed of about something(how could anyone stay living with these two I don't know- all they became was the Anti-Factor Bill O'Reilly's nemisis - Bring on Nora she has served NBC well
I enjoyed Tim Russert so much. I believe that Chuck Todd has the knowledge and background to do the job. Brokaw is a good replacement for now. Obermann and Matthews are too shrill and really not journalists. Civil, thoughtful, knowledgeable those are characteristics that Todd would bring to Meet the Press.
Keith Olberman would be an incredible mistake as a replacement for moderator Tim Russert --a joke on a serious show. His wildly left slant would contrast and conflict with what "Meet The Press" has always been --and even improved upon by Mr. Russert-- fair, non-partisan, and graceful. The show would most certainly lose its status and (NBC are you listening?) ratings with Mr. Olberman as...moderator –even that title would have to be changed!
Olberman made his bed 3, 4 yrs ago taking the direction of a partisan and having done so must pay the price for it. (doesn't he realize that he is JUST as bad and one-sided and varicose as his nemesis, Mr. O'Reily over on Fox?). I was astonished when he began making those daily Fox tirades and tuned him out back then. A question: does Mr. O'Reily do the same things? I don't know; I don't watch his show either.)
The equally outrageous rumor, of course, is the Rush Limbaugh choice!
On the other hand, Chris Matthews, while less irritating and biased as Mr. Olberman, interjects himself and his own beliefs too naturally and too often to keep the show's objectivity and integrity. Personally, I do watch his 2 shows, but for entirely different reasons; reasons that are closer to entertainment then hard, objective political debate. Love ya' Chris, but sorry you are just…too Chris!
I am enormously satisfied that NBC asked Tom Brokaw to sit in through the November Elections. The perfect interim choice that gives NBC the opportunity to carefully consider --and cultivate-- the permanent replacement. I just wish Mr. Brokaw was 20 yrs younger and could carry the show for the next 10+ yrs.
Chuck Todd and David Gregory. Mr. Todd was hired and mentored by Mr. Russert, and we have all seen his growth as a television political director during this election cycle. Further we saw his mature reaction to his personal and professional loss –very courageous. Mr. Gregory has more seasoning perhaps but seems to be too good natured to handle the tough guests and their spin.
If, according to an NBC source, Mr. Russert wanted Chuck Todd to succeed him, he should receive very, very serious consideration. Mr. Russert might agree; that Mr. Todd might need some cultivation, but with Mr. Brokaw in place for the next 5 months, he will have the chance to prepare for the role. Johnny Carson was a TV game show host at the start of his career !
My own choice is Norah O’Donnell; intelligent, politically versed, a quick intellect, quick to laugh, and –beautiful. (only her smile rivals Tim Russert’s !). She is politically savvy, asks the hard questions to take the spin out of political dodges, and seems to thoroughly enjoy political tennis as much as Mr. Russert did. If she can hide her own personal political beliefs a bit better --like Mr. Russert did so well— she would be marvelous.
And if hiring a woman to this post is important to NBC, she is a natural.
thanks so much !
Norah O’Donnell is a great choice! Keith O is a jackass and so is Chris Matthews.
I think that for the transition period Mr. Brokaw is the best choice. Also, he was Tim's friend and can help us through the mourning period and take us through the elections so that we can make the best choices. I think that Tim gave most Americans who have been watching him regularly a good background. I do agree with the other posters that Mr. Olbermann and Mr. Matthews are not appropriate. I agree that Chuck Todd would be the best choice. He seems very knowledgeable and does not let his beliefs interfere. I know who Nora O'Donnell is, but I am not sure she is ready for "Meet the Press." How about her own political show on MSNBC as a starting point.