My apologies if this has already been diaried. After a quick scan, I didn't see anything on this. I guess the inevitable conversation has to take place about how to keep Meet the Press alive after the sudden death of Tim Russert. I simply can't think of anyone in the current ranks of NBC or MSNBC who can do the job, but apparently, a few names are being floated...
According to the L.A. Times: http://www.kansascity.com/...
The death of Tim Russert, host of the Sunday show "Meet the Press," cast a long shadow in the worlds of broadcast journalism and Washington power politics.
His passing at age 58 leaves NBC minus one of its marquee players during the most closely watched presidential campaigns in years.
Speculation on possible successors centers on three on-air personalities already under contract to NBC: David Gregory, the former White House correspondent who recently got his own MSNBC show, "Race for the White House"; Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s long-running "Hardball"; and Joe Scarborough, the former congressman and host of "Morning Joe" on MSNBC, according to talent representatives who declined to speak on the record for fear of jeopardizing relationships with network management.
It’s considered less likely that NBC would reach outside for a brand-name talent.
The problem with any of these choices is that they simply do not engender the...the...what's the word? The respect that Russert enjoyed from any and everyone who appeared on Meet the Press. We need to feel that the interviewer is looking out for us and that the very toughest questions will get asked. Did I always agree with Russert? No, but I liked that his guests knew to expect a tough time when they sat down with him. I'm sorry if it's too soon to talk about this, but the Times story--and the fact that next Sunday will indeed still come--makes it important to confront.
I have to say in the kindest way I can that if any of the above get the job, I probably will no longer watch Meet the Press. I can't even imagine Morning Joe in that chair, for example. We need a true journalist. Someone we feel we can trust, but who is that now? Is there anyone currently on television that you watch and say to yourself, I know I'm getting the truth out of her or him?
I guess what I'm saying is...Is there really anyone that can fill the shoes of Tim Russert?