Who Will Fill Russert's Chair?

We're sitting around NewsJunk HQ, talking politics and wondering when the discussion is going to turn to the game of musical chairs that must be playing out at NBC.

Think about it this way -- suppose a presidential candidate died suddenly, can you imagine that the talking heads at CNN, NBC and Fox wouldn't, between heartfelt sympathy for the family, be speculating at who the party would nominate in place of the fallen leader? Would it be Romney or Huckabee, Clinton or Edwards, or maybe someone else entirely?

More than 24 hours after Russert's sudden passing, we haven't yet heard any speculation, so we thought we might as well raise the question and run down some possibilities.

1. Keith Olbermann. Af first we thought he'd be a shoe-in, he's batting cleanup at MSNBC, he's personally responsible for them passing Fox in ratings, but he's not a terrific interviewer, and is seen as highly partisan. It's possible that he could lead NBC at some time, a few years after the election, but not now.

2. Chuck Todd is the rising young star at NBC News, and would be my personal choice. He's a no-nonsense political reporter, respects the Internet and bloggers. When he comes on everyone listens. But he's probably too young and too new to network news to fill Russert's shoes.

3. David Gregory seems most likely to get the job, he's covered the White House for six years, famously stood up to Scott McClellan, but frankly -- he's boring. Gregory would be a good choice if you think the Republican will win in the fall, but if it's Obama, you want someone bright and young and a little wet behind the ears, like Todd.

4. Andrea Mitchell is the most senior of the reporter-analysts at NBC News, and if Gregory doesn't get it, she probably will.

5. Chris Matthews probably thinks he should get it, but he won't. Same with Joe Scarborough.

6. Tom Brokaw will certainly fill in on Sunday, and maybe for a couple of weeks while the dust settles at NBC, but he's the emeritus anchor at NBC, and not likely to want to come back into the fray. They'll save him for big interviews and to deliver the obits on NBC.

We're assuming they would promote from within. If not, consider Wolf Blitzer, David Gergen, George Stephanopoulos, Chris Wallace, Anderson Cooper, Gwen Ifil, Bill Moyers, Charlie Rose and my favorite dark horse, Aaron Brown (whose contract with CNN has just expired)..

Comments

[Spesabsquemetu]

Few could pass the mustard, no less embody the courage necessary to follow Russert's example.

Many offer bias that floods the screen when they open their mouths.

There is a difference between presenting an opinion, and masking bias through something presented as "reporting".
One model demonstrates critical thinking, sound reasoning.
The other offers a failure to demonstrate anything even remotely resembling scrutiny, analysis, balance, integrity to the truth and investigative analysis, or an interest in truth and in-depth coverage.

Olbermann demonstrates excellence in journalism.
It's one thing to present arguments for one's opinion.
It's another to present bias as "reporting".
Olbermann does not present bias, just facts, investigative reporting, truth, and sound reasonable arguments for opinions.

Most of the names you suggest cannot pass the courage test while many have forgotten how to ask critical questions.
Critical thinking and the ability to defend the public's right to truth is what is needed.

Olbermann is a dynamic force worth getting up at 9 AM on a Sunday for.

There must be heavy sweating going on over where all the lies and rumors get created at the thought that Keith Olbermann being considered to step up to the Russert white board.
Williams has been a disappointment during the primaries and hosting the debate.

Even Brokaw has succumbed to bias, which was a huge disappointment.

Olbermann, has the fire ... to follow Russert's mighty white board.
"Ignem mittere in terram" for TIM and for what he stood for, MSNBC!
Ask Luke.

[kellygrrrl]

Andrea Mitchell is married to Alan Greenspan
for that reason alone, she should be kept at an arm's length from any power position

My #1 choice is Bill Moyers.

I like Chuck and Rachel a lot - haven't really seen them "interview" though

[axisofevil08]

i'd like to see mike barnicle, rachel maddow, or chuck todd (listed in no particular order). i think they have what it takes to challenge the interviewee as well as the audience.

[candyc]

Bill Moyers. If they can't get him and want to be innovative with someone from NBC, my vote is for
Rachel Maddow

[kellygrrrl]

my precise thoughts, candy

[esaslaw]

Not Wallace. Already did it. Not so well. Damaged his reputation by joining FOX.

I would expect Brokaw fills out the election year since they will need him to "second seat" Williams on election night andwith Russert gone and that makes sense.

Yes, Chuck Todd has the chops and no less broadcast experience (in fact, more) than Tim did when he took over MTP. Mitchell is married to a major newsmaker; bad idea. Gregory does not have the gravitas yet: not a great interviewer. Keith, Tweetie, etc. have too much baggage for now.

I like the idea of Couric. She is a Russert invention; and a good one. I think the Today thing stole a lot of her credentials as Pentagon correspondent and the anchor thing is hugely unsuited for her. CBS will try to extort money for her, though.

Nobody will really come close to bringing us what Tim did. Not by a long shot.

[libcharisma]

I think it's probably true they'll choose Gregory. It's unfortunate. Russert, on any program, was must see TV. Have you seen "Race for the White House". Rachel Maddow and Michael Smerconish are the only reasons I'm not SENTENCED to watch CNN during that slot. Gregory was much better on the WH press corps. He's the one person on any network who can make me bored of politics and that's a tall order.

I would like to see Gwen Ifil or crazy ol' uncle Chris on there. They are now the two best interviewers in politics.

RIP Big Russ 2.0

[kinnycut]

Chris Mathews should get it because he is the only one that interviews even remotely like Russert and he does his homework. Todd and Gregory would be boring and the show would lose viewership.

[candyc]

Chris Matthews loves the sound of his own voice. He interrupts and blathers right over his guests. He would be BAD

[conniedogs]

Agree and Todd

[jtraveler]

Aaron Brown!!! Hands down
Give Chuck T the Washington B and lead on election night and more air time
Rachael: give her her own show!
Bill Press?

Gergen, Woodruff, Moyers, Donahue, Rose, etc are good people, but prefer fresher faces to go the long run

CM a total gasbag
Wolf a total snooze

Keep KO where he is

If it's to be a panel: Aaron, Rachel, Eugene R

Oh, and please give Tucker his show back!

[EddieMcWords]

Wolf Blitzer??? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Please, god no!

[Spesabsquemetu]

I already avoid CNN because of Blitzer who's about as non-biased as Pat Buchannan.

[conniedogs]

For what?

[ckdogs]

I think Aaron Brown is an inspired choice. He is an excellent interviewer, has a sense of humor, and sufficient gravitas. I have missed him. I like Andrea, but she is not that good at interviewing, and seems to reach for words sometimes. People would have confidence in Aaron. He's the man!

[americanwhocares]

Hopefully someone who is not as biased as Mr. Russert was. Doubt it will happen, but we can always pray.

[6thVenom]

How about Rachel Maddow?

[DennyCrane]

Chuck Todd was being groomed by Russert to either take over someday or be a guest moderator. I like Todd as far as his election coverage goes. But how is he at interviewing?

[conniedogs]

I like Chuck too. I think he can handle interviewing. I believe he has(had) such admiration for Mr. Russert he'd want to conduct the interviews in the same manner.

[GOP4MoreTears]

Gwen Ifil or Andrea Mitchell would be my picks But I am sure NBC will pick David Gregory what a mistake that will be.

[taurus96]

I think Gwen Ifil is the best choice.She is wonderful on Washington Week and The News Hour. Shw is calm,intelligent and shows fairness when a guest trys to get away with "Spin" Always polite.but all of the Newshour Staff is that professional. All the others listed for consideration are too Wahington Crowd. and too eager to be in "The Know" What about Al Hunt?

[BlueOnBlue]

Yep. I'm afraid Gregory will get it because he's the second biggest a-hole they have, next to Pat Buchanan. The trend in TV news is ever downward. Gregory would keep that going.

[DavidBeckwith]

The viewer would best be served by a Bill Moyers or a Charlie Rose, who might well raise the show to a new level. Chuck Todd seems a likely successor, in title and temperament. What about David Brancaccio? Chomsky would be my personal choice. Why not have someone who truly understands both politics and language, and at a high level?

[Bluedanube]

David Gregory is not only boring but is wedded to the approach of "access" journalism where the journalist sees himself/herself as a memeber of the "club". This approach has allowed the current administration to get away with, up to this point, the many crimes against the American people, the constitution and the world. The cozy relationship of the 4th Estate with the political class is unhealthy to democracy. In that sense NBC doesn't need Karl Rove's dancing partner to host MTP.

[duze]

david gergen would more than qualify, but who wants to have breakfast with him. Phil donahue isn't a washington insider,but, he's approachable and can get people interested. Anyone who watches from now on has to be engaged into the conversation and phil is proven on this account.