What to Do with Meet the Press

In the wake of Tim Russert's tragic, untimely death last Friday there's much speculation as to what NBC executives will do with Meet the Press, the venerable Sunday morning news program he hosted for sixteen years. But, there was truly only one Tim Russert, and selecting a suitable replacement is surely a daunting task for the network.

In my opinion, there are only two names from which to choose: Dan Rather and Tom Brokaw. Let's review the more obvious choice first. Brokaw represents the same type of old school non-partisan journalistic integrity as Russert, as well as a genuine passion, enthusiasm and love of politics. He commands respect from both sides of the aisle, and is a veritable encyclopedia of national news and world affairs. He's a slam dunk for the job, and truly the only person who can occupy that chair and do justice to its former resident.

But then there's also Rather who, up until four years ago, was one of the news biz's most respected journalists. A guy who unfortunately got caught up in a controversial shitstorm in the age of Karl Rove/Tom Delay dirty Republican politics. How sad that over 40 years of dutiful service was tossed in the trash over one story about President Bush's alleged draft evasion during the Vietnam War. Mind you, Rather was and still is right about the story. But the right-wing fanatics conducted a witch hunt and shot the messenger, rather than question the message. Democrats simply went along for the ride. It was shameful and undeserving. NBC would show it has ginormous journalistic integrity, and balls, were it to put Rather behind that famous desk. It would make a huge statement to the partisan hacks who took him down: that there's a new sheriff in town, and a new town as well.

Comments

[sciabattoni]

David Gregory is probably the best choice.
Maddow? Glad she has fans, but that's not the right venue for her.

The other choice would be Cokie Roberts... get her out of semi-retirement.

[appygirl]

I vote for Gwen Ifels. Smartest person on TV. Has the format down pat and can handle anyone.

[hnealehcn]

Dan Rather is the right guy to take over. He is a great and honest jounalist. CBS pro neo-cons damaged him because he said the truth.

[hnealehcn]

Dan Rather is 100% suitable. He is a great and honest journalist. He was damaged by the
pro neo-cons at CBS befcause he spoke the truth.

[America08]

ANDREA MITCHELL. She reminds me of Tim so much. I love Rachael but she is not a good fit for that show. She makes TOO much sense and will have a hard time engaging guest that she disagrees with and keep a straight face. I really like Andrea, she is knowledgable and to me very un-bias.

[captnEarl]

She kept quite about Hillarts Bosnia sniper deal so she has NO honor!!!!She was with hillart??

[dayala]

Richard Engel and Christianne Amanpour..­..
two outstanding journalists with knowledge about world politics not just U.S.

[Chavez08]

Get Maddow!

[Chavez08]

How about putting some credibility back in the show? When Cheney agrees to be interviewed, you know the balls are made of foam.

[drmcnugget]

I will echo the votes for Rachel Maddow. I will echo the one suggestion here of Chuck Todd. While I don't think Chuck Todd has the same energy Tim Russert had, he's a man who can do his homework.

[Chavez08]

Maddow would rock on that show! However, none of the Washington criminals would ever agree to go on.

[darthdarcy]

Do any of you remember the serious much more adult and focused show Meet The Press was before Russert..?

I do..?

I grew up on it..

Meet the Press became Meet the Administra­tion....

[PerryWhite]

Rather would be great. He could post those quotes just like Russert and if he couldn't find just the right quote from the usuual sources, he could put up a quote faxed in by someone from a Kinko's.

[Chavez08]

Or he could wear a headset and get his quotes right from Karl Rove like they do on Faux Noise>

[CarolCostello]

Rachel Maddow, hands down. I'm a geezer, but Rather is way too old and slow, Gregory lost credibility when he wimped out to the White House on the war, the clowny afternoon boys on MSNBC are fun to watch but not up to Meet the Press, and Andrea Mitchell seems good but too nice. Brokaw would be a great transition guy until we get used to Tim not being there.

[CranialRectalLoopback]

How about we cancel the show? Meet the Press was really Meet the Russert. He can never be replaced, and the show can never be the same.

[3rdOption]

Rachel Maddow.

She has the intellect, the wit, the deep love of country.

She has the capacity for even and fair treatment, in spite of her own partisan leanings, as did Russert.

She is razor-sharp in the moment, while her considered analysis has proven to be cogent and sound.

She would be an absolutely fresh choice, just like Russert was when he got that gig.

If you've seen her sub for Olbermann, you know she packs gravitas.

[audiodramatist]

Should be looking for someone who was Russset's age or younger when he was recruited for the program. Then make sure that person does not stay there so long they get kissy huggy with the powers they are supposed to be questioning.

[phyllip]

We need someone young to do the job as Meet The Press. We dont need someone who is old. Start whoever when they are young and let them work up in the job just like Tim did. Rather and Brokaw had there time now it is time for a young person.