The Rachel Maddow Show Set To Premiere As Host "On The Cusp Of Full-Blown Stardom"

Boston Globe:

ST. PAUL - When Rachel Maddow arrived at a local café one morning last week on behalf of the Air America affiliate that broadcasts her three-hour drive-time show in the Twin Cities, she was dressed for radio, with a loose-fitting V-neck T-shirt and thick-rimmed black glasses.

One of the hundreds of listeners who patiently waited in line to meet Maddow came with an offering: a "Give Peace a Chance" lapel pin that she hoped Maddow would sport on her MSNBC television show. "I won't wear jewelry" on the air, Maddow said, apologetically affixing the pin to a corner of her shirt, near her waist. "I don't want to start a cascade of things I can't control."

It may be too late to stop the gush. Maddow was part of the original lineup on Air America, founded in 2004 to counter conservative dominance of talk radio under the market-friendly promise that liberals, too, could be entertaining. More than anyone else, Maddow fulfilled that pledge, with an affable and erudite approach to the day's news and the rhetorical combat that inevitably surrounds it.

Tonight, "The Rachel Maddow Show" debuts on MSNBC, leaving her on the cusp of full-blown stardom in the mainstream media that her most devoted fans see as an enemy.

Read the whole story: Boston Globe

Comments

[newdreams]

Why is Pat Buchanan STILL on the payroll at MSNBC??? He is THE MOST ANNOYING TV personality I've ever seen. I literally turn the channel whenever he turns up on air.

[UnbiasView]

Agreed but if you got rid of him there would not be a single point of view from the other side . . . 50 to 1 in liberals and you are going for the last one?

[CindyM2008]

Yeah, wouldn't want it to be like Colmes on Fox.

[neetsie37]

I beg to disagree.. I'd rather listen to Pat Buchanan rant and rave than to Rachel's nasal twang and her know-it-all attitude. MSNBC is losing a lot of viewers, now it's Chris and Keith and Dan Abrams, everyone that was worth watching. Well, this is the last straw for me. I'll see you at CNN

[Shasta]

Know it all attitude? What you perceive as "know it all", I perceive as "intelligent". Rachel is incredibly intelligent. I love KO, but I really think Rachel will be much less polarizing.

[CindyM2008]

Chris and Keith still have their shows on MSNBC

[CindyM2008]

And if anyone has a know-it-all attitude, it's Pat Buchanan!

[Cat82]

I am so excited! I absolutely love Rachel!

[Growmiller]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet! This lady is the real deal.. She KNOWS her stuff. She will go "toe to toe" with any pundit out there. FINALLY.. A Lady with her own mind and not handed scripted talking points like the rest of the ladies on on cable news tv. I challange Sarah Palin to be interviewed by Rachel. Now THAT would be "Must See TV"

[dustino]

I am eagerly anticipating Maddow's show. In my last post, I criticized Olbermann for his ego and crassness, even as I often agree with him. I'm hoping that Maddow brings a more level-headed, intellectual approach to her show, even as she presents the news with a point of view.

I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't realize until reading the Boston Globe article linked below that Maddow was "Dr. Maddow" and a Rhodes Scholar to boot. We desperately more credentials like that in broadcast media, as opposed to former politicians and party hacks (see Pat Buchanan Paul Begala, etc.)

Olbermann, for all of his faults, has proven that a leftward point of view can succeed in the commercial marketplace. I'm hoping that Maddow can prove that reasoned, intelligent analysis and debate from the left can also compete. Frankly, it's an open question. I just pray that she doesn't succumb to "Oddball" type fluff and self-serving, over the top "Special Comments" to generate ratings. If what she has to offer (intelligence and thoughtfulness) doesn't generate the numbers that MSNBC needs, maybe she can shift to PBS or, better yet, help generate a new home altogether for intelligent analysis from ALL points of view.

[mollysgran]

This is such good news for EVERYONE! She is smart, funny, even-handed and compassionate. I am such a fan of hers.

[kayatarms]

I would celebrate as I was one to write in OFTEN so that you get your own show. However, I am angry about Olberman and Matthews, the announcement that seats are switched especially with Gregory, (what are they thinking) it only reinforces that the powers that be cares more about what the perception is rather than substance. I guess Rachael's show will be watered down eventually to have it not appear (wink wink) that she is liberal. Right, as to not offend, strangely enough FAUX should be celebrating their arses off, that MSNBC (can't be perceived they like Obama, y'know like FAUX loves McPOW and PTAlin) caved. I hope she does well, and she will!

[CarmanK]

I'll be watching, even though it will be up against "The Closer".

[fnygy]

That's why God gave us Tivo.

[OhioJan]

Tivo & REPEATS! I love "The Closer" too, but I heart Rachel as well! Thank God for two-hour-later repeats

[oddsnends]

Frankly I'm tired of labels. I agree with Rachel & Keith on most but not all issues. I appreciate someone giving me a different perspective. The difference between Rahel & Keith is they respect an open mind. Most of the others do not.

[SeanHannity4Obama]

NO PAT BUCHANAN ON YOUR SHOW

[geobushono]

Agreed....­..let the nazis go to faux.
GO GET 'EM, RACHEL.

[oddsnends]

Another one thats been around since Nixon/Reagan. They get face lifts & never go away.

[haveyougonemad]

Finally...­A woman with a mind sharp as a whip, and a torch carrier for the truth! Rachel, you'll do fabulous..­.now go get 'em!!!

grrrrrrrrr­rrrrrrrrrr­rr........­...

[Adrienne Williams - Huffpost Blogger]

I love her, I love her, I love her!!! She's a strong commentator that knows her facts. Thanks MSNBC!

[Actionmac]

Check this ad regarding community organizers­...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IMTDLS0k8k&eurl=

[Tommygun264]

I had the great good fortune of meeting Dr. Maddow and her partner on the Air America Radio cruise this past February and received a wonderful handwritten letter from her a few weeks after that. She not only has brains and talent, but Rachel Maddow is every bit as funny, and kindhearted as she comes across on the air. This is one of those rare times when good things really do happen to good people. You're the best, Rachel! Now show 'em what an out & proud woman can do!

[obama4eva]

go rachel! cant wait to see ur show!! its about time tv had a smart, female counterpart to keith olbermann! my two fav shows now!!!

[yhgtup]

You Go, Rachel!! I am such a fan, I am going to watch K.O, then Rachel, instead of MNF. Now, Rachel will have NO qualms about discussing "trashy Sara Palin". I stopped watching entire shows of Morning Joe. Just switch on periodically to see if they are talking to anyone I want to hear. But, by just tuning in/out, I noticed Mika aggresssively defending Palin. Had to send an email this morning. I would love for Rachel to "take on" Mika. One female journalist to another. Rachel would "mop the floor" with Mika.