Russert's Legacy: A Woman Meeting the Press?

As the second Sunday rolls around without Tim Russert, and while Brian Williams will be standing in this weekend, I am remembering the influence Meet the Press has had on the leadership of this country, due in part to the seriousness and poise with which Russert treated both his guests and those of us who occasionally were his critics. I was one of those critics, when the White House Project conducted a series of studies entitled "Who's Talking" which showed how few women experts ever appeared on Meet the Press (and four other Sunday morning talk shows).

Granted, when it came to political guests, Russert and the rest had to take whoever the political sphere sent, but open slots still remained, and women were outnumbered in all the shows by nine-to-one in guest appearances. Instead of trying to cover up the findings, Russert and his executive producer did a "re-count" of our analysis; and when they found "Who's Talking" to be true, they responded with the journalistic integrity and professionalism that so many have accorded to Russert and the program.

They even had us come over to the show to discuss our findings. They acknowledged that we had, indeed, counted correctly. But when we mentioned how they could have increased their numbers just by having women make the same number of repeat appearances that men did, they balked. "Look at all the repeat appearances the then fresh-faced Senator John Edwards made on your show," we said.

"Oh, but he was a vice-presidential nominee," they countered, "That's why we had him on so often."

We took them back to when Edwards made all those appearances, and showed them how actually took place before any mention of Edwards as Vice President. "Perhaps you helped make him a nominee."

It was a friendly, respectful meeting. And I watched every Sunday because even when I saw the march of men, I had hope for a show where a powerful man had treated us seriously and respectfully.

I cheered when in this election season, I saw Russert take the opportunity the candidates' diversity presented to offer up female pundits week after week: Mary Matalin, Michelle Norris, Gwen Infill, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Peggy Noonan, Maureen Dowd - a veritable platter of diversity, and much of it fresh and welcome.

It's made me hope that one of these women might eventually take Russert's mantle; after all, visibility is viability, and wouldn't it be great to have the most prestigious and hard hitting show on the Sunday circuit feature a woman host?

In honor of Tim Russert, I invite all who read this to submit your favorite host and we will forward your suggestions to NBC.

It would be a great tribute to Russert, who opened so many doors in his life, to open this one in his death.

Comments

[Dandrea]

Gwen Ifill- too boring
Nora O'Donnell and Rachel Maddow- too novice
Andrea Mitchell- too subversively partisan
Mary Matlin- too neocon
Monica Crowley- too Fox News
Women worth considering?
Judy Woodruff and maybe Lara Logan

[zenobiadarcy]

Andrea Mitchell-knowledge from being on the inside for many years, tough, respected and liked, professional and inclusive in her commentary to provide information that results in fair debate, and will not be accept an ambiguous answer without attempting to elicit a more direct response. I cannot think of anyone who would be more qualified for this type of format since she has proven her accuracy, fairness and the apparent ability to recall or quickly access detailed facts.

[Ides]

Anybody but Mary Matalin and Andrea Mitchell. Preferably Doris Kearns Goodwin.

[jimmy2001]

Gwen Ifill

[jaypem]

Katie Couric, Gwen Ifill

[AndrewShuttleworth]

It could be great to have a woman moderator - I'd be very happy with Andrea Mitchell or Gwen Ifill - but please don't act like it's breaking some barrier. The show was created by a woman, Martha Rountree, who hosted the first six years of Meet the Press.

[truthskr]

Well, so much for this discussion, because it's settled for now. I just heard on "Reliable Sources" that it will be Tom Brokaw for at least the remainder of the campaign season.

[HRG]

Rachel Maddow would be great!
Donna Brazile might work.
Peggy Noonan, although I was introduced to her in the WSJ, seems to be as "non-partisan" as Tim was. I don't know about her skills as an interviewer but I certainly admire her as a journalist.

[OverIt]

Wow! Rachel would bring in a whole new audience to Meet the Press! Love that idea.

[lily31]

Agree on Rachel and Donna Brazile

[1099]

By suggesting these two women is your goal to try to drive down the ratings of one of NBC's most profitable shows?

[YogiBarrister]

Mary Matlin? That would be the worst choice imaginable, why not Ann Coulter if you're going to go that way. My top three choices; Rachel Maddow, Gwen Ifill, or Lara Logan.

[emanon]

Gwen Ifill was my choice until i read "irkthesmirk" and irk is right.

[lily31]

This is a job for a highly energetic, bright, articulate, well informed, hard working go-getter ~ someone who is not into gotcha' ~ has a reputation for fairness and toughness.

While I think it would be great to have a woman fill that job, I am more concerned that the quality of the program continue. As Russert always said he was simply the placeholder and the next placeholder needs to come with the best potential to do the job in the difficult years ahead.

Rachel Maddow would certainly be on my short list for all the reasons stated earlier.

Another woman who believe should be on a short list is the Aftrican American who managed Gore's campaign for Pres in 2002. Her name escapes me at the moment but I think she has all the qualities that would put her on a short list. While she is certainly linked with the Democratic party, so was Russert. That didn't prevent him from being effective on MTP. I like that fact that she thinks fast on her feet, has a fine sense of humor, doesn't talk to hear herself talk, and can be very direct without confrontation. She is currently a CNN political analyst. She knows who she is and is comfortable in her own skin.

I'll think about a couple men to balance the ticket :+)

[lily31]

Donna Brazil is the one whose name I couldn't remember!

[pgilki]

Gwen Ifill, hands down.She's smart, incisive and is highly respected for her journalistic integrity. Plus, like Russert, no one's really sure just what her politics are, which can only help in a format like MTP.

[4wehttam]

Sorry to point this out, but why is it Ms. Wilson can't write anything without it reflecting on the hardships, the struggles and setbacks for women. WE ARE IN 2008. Women are excelling everywhere. We're doing bigger and better things. I understand that your past guides your thoughts, but for the love of all that is good, please stop making us woman constantly the victims and cast us as powerless and how the big boys just won't let us play.

Again sorry to rain on anyone's parade, just my two cents.

[Jjc2006]

For the love of anything decent, please get your head out of the sand.
Statistics; learn them, use them.
White men, then minority men....lead in pay. Which part of 75 cents to every dollar earned by men don't you get?
Look at the media......which part of the numbers game do you need explained.
Victimization........exists.....
Over 50% of the electorate are women...less than 20% in elected office nationally....
According to Fortune there are just 12 Women CEOs in Fortune 500 Companies which is just 2.4%!! ....

Could go on and on but when women like you insist there is no discrimination, it is clear how much more education is needed to make people face reality.

[cunninghamr]

Gwen Ifill is the best and brightest!! Excellent choice.

[BMS]

Gwen Ifill. Gwen Ifill. Gwen Ifill.
If not Gwen Ifill, then Judy Woodruff.
Rest in Peace, Tim. Condolences to your family. Sundays will never the the same.

[nanapat]

Gwen Ifill has my vote too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SBrooksB]

And mine. Love her.