Replacing Russert: Williams To Host MTP This Sunday; Russert's Saturday Show Replaced By Doc Programming

No permanent decisions have been made about replacing Tim Russert as moderator of "Meet The Press," or replacing Tim Russert as NBC Washington bureau chief, or replacing him on his Saturday MSNBC show, or in any other of the many roles he held within NBC News — but still, Sunday is happening in two days, and there's an empty chair that needs filling. So, for this week, at least, Russert will be replaced on "Meet The Press" by NBC News anchor and managing editor Brian Williams.

No permanent decisions have been made, and the only other announcement that has been made about the show is two guests: Senators Lindsey Graham and Joe Biden, both of whom were supposed to appear on the MTP of June 15, 2008. The senators were slated for the first half hour, with a roundtable comprised of Dan Balz and John Harwood; no word yet on whether there will be a roundtable for this show or who will participate in it. Williams will be replaced on "Nightly News" tonight and tomorrow night by Ann Curry.

But what of Russert's Saturday show? He had taped his final show — also with Harwood — prior to his death last Friday, but MSNBC did not air it last week and will not air it this week. According to MSNBC spokesperson Jeremy Gaines, the timeslots will be temporarily filled as follows: Saturday at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2a.m. ET - documentary programming; Sunday at 11 a.m. - live news.

Details to come when they are available.

Comments

[dayala]

ugh!

I saw on CNN that Gregory, Mitchell or drooling flapper-mouth Matthews are top contenders!
you have GOT TO BE KIDDING!

[kroses98]

What does CNN know about NBC? You've got to be kidding!!!

[suppressed08news]

If Luke Russert was so young and totally poilitically inexperienced I'd love to see him follow in his fathers footsteps. But he has the right to follow his on course. His is a great young man, raise by a really great guy and mom

[Lucille]

1. Bill Moyers from PBS

2. Bill Clinton

3. Andrea Mitchell

4. Keith Olbermann

5.. Chris Matthews

5. David Gregory

[jozielee]

Anderson Cooper to fill Tim Russert on Meet the Press. He's charismatic, focused, professional and young enough to take on such a huge challenge.

[Lucille]

I forgot about Anderson Cooper, that's a good choice too.

[conniedogs]

LOLLOLLOLO­L.........­..I couldn't stop laughing..­...Anderso­n Cooper....­..LOLOLOL

[ObserverinVancouver]

Right on.

[4wehttam]

Andie is too wet behind the ears.

[alwayslearning]

I think David Gregory would be a fine choice for MTP. He listens to his guests. He responds with class. He knows the Washington scene. He can and does ask the hard questions. I would like to see him take the place of Tim on MTP. I enjoy his current show on MSNBC. Actually, it is the only evening show I watch on MSNBC for a lot of reasons. I do enjoy Morning Joe because Joe makes me smile.

[PAposter]

I said it before, and I'll keep saying it. David Gergen should be the permanent replacement. This will probably upset a lot of people at NBC, but he has a very similar professional background to Tim Russert, and the same easy going personality.

[madeinoregon]

Excellent idea. But, I think a whole new show is in order. Retire MTP with Tim.

[mergina]

If they even think of giving mtp to chris matthews, i will never watch it again.

[dknsn]

I just hope it's not Williams forever. I will never watch it, then.

[scorpioleidy]

This is appropriate, and I hope he gets the nod to host the show permanently. Brian is a top-notch journalist and deserves this more than anyone else in contention for this coveted position.

Go, Brian! Make Tim Russert proud!!!

[ObserverinVancouver]

I don't know how they calculate status in the media world, but my guess is that going from nightly news anchor to modertor of MTP is not a promotion, even if you throw Washington bureau chief in, too. Tim Russert gave MTP status, not the other way around.

[1PALady]

I doubt he can make him proud, he's already given Mc Cain a pass. He's too right wing.

[conniedogs]

Please don't tell me the slot will be filled by yet another prison show. Please....­NO

[SoFlaJet]

I vote for Tim's old buddy Al Hunt

[elderly]

Only 2 choices would improve the program-

#1 Bill Moyers for his intelligence, experience and willingness to ask the difficult questions and follow up if he knows that answers are not truthful or misleading.

#2 Phil Donahue for his intelligence and willingness to ask difficult questions.

I give the edge to Moyers because of his experience in dealing with the movers and shakers and his awareness of how they operate.

[PKSSK]

Agree, Al Hunt is brilliant, poltitically astute, street smart and holds the same honest family values as Tim. There is no one that can replace Tim, but Al could sure follow his footsteps because they were such close friends.

[PKSSK]

Al would also be a great addition to the election coverage Team of Chuck Todd, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow and Eugene Robinson.

[Witchitalineman]

I would like to see rotating tryout hosts for a while to include Keith Olbermann. I would prefer Keith stay on Countdown so he can keep his honest outspokenness. I don't like any of the short list like Mitchell, Gregory, Williams, Brokaw...m­ore of the same old same old.

[wearyvoter]

Forget 42.... plug in Ted Koppel.

[kroses98]

Another SHILL!!!!!!

[duckfan00]

Not Andrea Mitchell she is the Cindy Adams of Politics..­.her one hour show is unbearable to watch...sh­e is only comfortable when trashing someone...

[ebanks84]

Plus she's highly biased for anything Clinton.

[army193]

There going to have to put somebody that is about 42 years old.

[1PALady]

Gwen Ifle would be my choice, and if not her, then Phil Donahue, Dan Abrams, or the one that does Nightline.

So, Mc.C a i n's campaign is in trouble again! Umm, starting to be a daily thing. But, Joe S c a r boro ugh this morning was going on and on about O flip flopping. Funny, I haven't heard him railing about Mc.Same's flips flops ever. Seems to me he has about one every 2 days. That's why I cannot stand Joe!

Don't know if anyone else noticed this, but Joe had Rudy G. on the other morning and grilled him regarding something or other that O had said. I found that very interesting. Joe never grills any Rethug on anything unless it's for his benefit. Joe was auditioning for Tim's job! I hope they do not give it to this partisan!

[scorpioleidy]

Dan Abrams is an @$$!

[EnragedLiberal]

Dan Abrams is a spoiled brat who talks over his guests, but he means well. At least he's not a neocon crook like his old man.