New host of "Meet the Press"

[One Sweet World]

The passing of Tim Russert has touched us all, and probably none more than his family at NBC.

So I know that most at NBC and MSNBC aren't speculating too deeply about who will replace Tim, but I know they have to be wondering. The blogosphere has sure tossed the topic around. Kos had an interesting discussion (in which Olbermann classlessly jumped in) and TV Spy has a spirited discussion now.

I don't know who exactly it should be, but I do know one thing: the new host should NOT come from within NBC/MSNBC. Keith is way too polarizing, Matthews has a nasty streak and is hated by half the people in Washington, Andrea Mitchell isn't exactly a portrait of youth and vigor and David Gregory is an awkward freak.

I think the MSNBC stable is looking a little lame right now. Thoughts?

[Taverner]

1. I think Rachel Maddow would make an excellent hostess

Her interview style is perfect, disarming and pointed.

[kpominville]

6. I'll second that!

I think Rachel Maddow would do a great job!

I also think Chuck Todd would be a good choice.

[AndyA]

9. I agree - Rachel should have her own show.

She's smart, respectful of others when they speak, and when she asks a question, she LISTENS to the answer.

I think Rachel Maddow is one of the best people on television today.

[One Sweet World]

12. The problem with Maddow...

... is that she's to the left of Jane Fonda.

[rateyes]

2. Bill Moyers would be my pick. nt

[Nite Owl]

3. Mine too

would be a delight to watch!

[babylonsister]

4. Charlie Rose would be good as moderator of MTP imo. nt

[tridim]

5. Olbermann is not classless.

Quite the opposite.

[kpominville]

8. Agreed

Olbermann is a class act, but the truth hurts and even some Democrats and Progressives get their feathers ruffled when he speaks openly and honestly.

[old mark]

7. Whoever it is,

...when will it be OK to hate him? (Or her?)

mark

[tridim]

10. Depends if they hire for skill and honesty, or for Neocon membership.

[peacetalksforall]

11. How many buttons did you want to pull with your wording?

touched us all
nbc is not speculating too deeply
Olberman classlessly jumped in
replacement should not come from within nbc
Keith way too polarizing
Matthews nasty and hated
Mitchell too old
Gregory an awkward freak

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

18. Well, the OP...

Lists himself as a "Political Consultant" in DC, so I guess someone has had their ox gored more than they would have liked.

I especially liked the one about Rachel Maddow being to the left of Jane Fonda. That one might have scored extra points. I mean, them smart wimmens are the scourge of mankind, doncha' know.

If the OP is who he says he is, then I am starting to wonder if the DC water supply has been spiked with a particularly nasty hallucinogen. From looking at the average "Villager" and his or her utter cluelessness about what goes on past 495, I would say the chances are pretty good that it has.

[Kerrytravelers]

13. The LA Times reported that Joe Scarabrough (I know, I didn't spell it right.) was in

the running. I hope that isn't true. Joe "Dead Intern in My Office" Scarabrough is not dignified, fair or intelligent enough for MTP.

[madamesilverspurs]

19. Isn't Joe offending enough people already?

Why give him additional space to whine and shoutdown and have temper tantrums. NBC can do soooo much better, let's hope they do.

[safeinOhio]

14. Luke Russert

[PleaseSayItAintSo]

15. Gwen Ifill n/t

[ChazII]

22. Good choice n/t

[KT2000]

16. Tom Brokaw will be filling in

until the election. At least that is what Sally Quinn said on Larry King last night.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

17. You know...

If I squint my eyes and let them go out of focus just a little, I could swear I was reading your post somewhere else. Like LGF or Michelle Malkin.

Sheesh.

[Stinky The Clown]

20. Dan Rather .... and for a very good, but not obvious, reason

Imagine that you're the 3rd baseman who follows Cal Ripkin.

Imagine that you're the guard who follows Michael Jordan.

Rather is already a great and has nothing to prove. His career is obviously in deep autumn. He won't be compared to Russert at every utterance and is strong enough on his own to withstand any comparisons that do happen. He'll hold the show together until a new long term host can be found/groomed/gown/trained/brought by Santa Claus.

Plus ....... I just like the guy, this silliness notwithstanding

[Miss Authoritiva]

21. Just a thought...

I would like to see three or four alternating moderators. Theoretically, at least, this would give the moderators more time to study and keep up with complicated policy issues and developments (as opposed to superficial horserace crap) and thus conduct more informative and revealing interviews than usually are featured on the Sunday morning talkshows.

I can dream, can't I?