NBC News is doing the respectable thing and not commenting, publicly, about their plans in naming a successor to Tim Russert, whose death on Friday at the network's Washington studios has left them without a Meet The Press anchor, or a D.C. bureau chief. As a show of respect for Russert's family and his colleagues, 30 Rock is holding off on telling anyone what they plan to do come this Sunday.
While NBC News chief Steve Capus and NBC head Jeff Zucker wisely selected Tom Brokaw to moderate yesterday's MTP Russert tribute, with a line-up of the guests the late anchor would've booked himself, there's nothing firmed up for the weeks ahead, claims NBC.
None of that means media's chattering classes aren't placing over-unders on who's going to fill Russert's slot, at MTP or leading the network's Washington unit. There's a list of usual suspects, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. So who's the most likely to take the very big reins?
Let's take a look.
TO HEAD MEET THE PRESS
Katie Couric
Pros: If anything is clear from the countless tributes, it's that Tim Russert was as much an emotional part of his colleagues and viewers' Sunday mornings as he was a skilled interviewer. Couric carries that same level of connectedness with her viewers, and NBC would be smart to select somebody who's a regular with high-level politicos and somebody who can draw viewers out of a Sunday morning slumber just by showing up.
Cons: While her long-running gig at the Today show means she'll always be a member of the NBC family, her defection to CBS News is a strike against her. That, and more realistically, 30 Rock has every right to be nervous about her CBS Evening News ratings, which continue to fall: She may have drawn big ratings for NBC's morning hours, but her saddening performance on the hard news CBS broadcast is a more accurate assessment for how she'll do on MTP. Meanwhile, she's still under contract at CBS News, and Les Moonves would have to be feeling pretty generous to cut her a deal so quickly so she can lead the competition against his Face The Nation. (Unless, of course, he has no faith in her that she'd be a real challenge.)
Keith Olbermann
Pros: By far, he's NBC's most recognizable face these days, and MSNBC has mostly bet the health of its primetime ratings on his shoulders. That's going to mean a lot as Meet The Press, which draws over 4 million viewers every Sunday, tries to maintain its ratings lead.
Cons: Too bad Olbermann has become, especially in the past few weeks' over-analysis, one of the most polarizing figures on cable news, taking the title away from even Bill O'Reilly. Russert was skilled not in taking sides, but in extorting the truth from his guests; that's not how Olbermann operates, not even when he replaces his pundit tie with his newsboy cap on primary night, despite what 30 Rock would argue.
David Gregory
Pros: Without question, Gregory is actively gunning for the job more than anyone. MSNBC head Phil Griffin has placed the future of the cable network on Gregory, and hopes to replace Chris Matthews with him; putting Gregory on NBC every Sunday could increase his draw on MSNBC evenings.
Cons: Around the D.C. newsroom, he isn't the most well-liked person. Even Russert had his problems with him. His one-hour MSNBC show Race to the White House is struggling for viewers. And if he's expected to continue his analysis show on NBC while playing an unbiased anchor on Meet The Press, he could bring unwanted finger pointing for the respected Sunday talker from media critics all too eager to find a new punching bag.
Brian Williams
Pros: Williams would probably say yes, out of deference to the institution Russert created. Also, there's precedent: Bob Schieffer once held down CBS's evening news show and Face The Nation cocurrently.
Cons: There's a reason NBC has somebody else man the Nightly News' weekend broadcast: Doing it five days a week is already a full-time job. Adding a weekend responsibility to Williams' roster could be overload, spreading a single resource very thin over two very important NBC News programs.
Tom Brokaw
Pros: Like Williams, if NBC asked him to do it, he'd probably say yes. But more likely, according to nearly everybody we spoke with, Brokaw would man MTP through the election. This would put a familiar face on NBC's brand name Sunday broadcast while also giving the network ample time to find a permanent successor.
Cons: Brokaw left NBC News on his own terms, setting his own exit date as well as the role he would maintain: special correspondent. He could be itching to return to a regular show, but as more than one source suggested, he's enjoying his "sometimes" status.
Gwen Ifill
Pros: She's a NBC News veteran, having spent five years there as chief congressional and political correspondent, so hiring her wouldn't exactly be "plucking from outside the nest." She's also a regular face on MTP, and very well liked and received by colleagues and viewers.
Cons: Well, she's no longer at NBC; she's at PBS, where she's the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week. That's a very substantial gig to defect from, though she has been there since 1999, and she could be yearning for a new gig.
Joe Scarborough
Pros: He's proven he can transform his role in public debate. From the low-rated primetime show Scarborough Country, he switched gears to MSNBC's Morning Joe, where ratings are not astronomical, but stable and decent enough. This bodes well for him when the possibility comes up of him changing things up again to Sunday's morning show. Like Russert, Scarborough has a history actually working in politics; also like Russert, he's mostly been able to transcend any obvious bias based on previous platforms.
Cons: 30 Rock would be wise not to rock the boat any more than Russert's death already did. Meaning: They've got a Don Imus morning show replacement that works, so it's not worth messing with when there are plenty of other ample candidates.
Andrea Mitchell
Pros: She's a NBC mainstay. She's married to Alan Greespan. Those two things are not minor issues: When Russert first arrived in D.C., he cleared out many "un-TV-friendly" lady talent, according to a source, and only kept Mitchell because her marriage to Greenspan gave her cachet. As a correspondent, she's well respected and viewed as a top asset to NBC News.
Cons: Her one-hour MSNBC show each weekday is nearly unwatchable. She fumbles through guest interviews. Her pacing is all wrong. And while she's an expert correspondent, she's ill-suited for live interviews with top public officials. Also: She's a woman. Sorry, but everyone we've spoke who's close to the decision making has made clear, without directly saying so, that 30 Rock views a guy as more suited for this gig.
Chuck Todd
Pros: He's well-liked inside NBC. His mind works like Russert's: Always a half dozen steps ahead of everyone else, in conversation and analysis. Todd is a brilliant mind, and is perfect for the role of political director, a position that only recently became an on-camera role.
Cons: That he makes an excellent correspondent, and panel member, doesn't mean he can carry his own show. Nobody we spoke with sees Todd as a serious contender for this position. Nor does it appear that he's actively pursuing it.
Chris Matthews
Pros: He already hosts his own weekend program, The Chris Matthews Show, so this opportunity isn't foreign to him. He's adept at hosting a panel of experts, but …
Cons: … not necessarily hosting a panel of high-level politicos. Meanwhile, Phil Griffin is already setting plans in place to remove Matthews from MSNBC, so it's unlikely he'd be voting to put Matthews into the Sunday slot (though it's not really his call, anyhow). Matthews' ratings on Hardball are not enviable. That he's been labeled a polarizing Obama-lover by most media critics won't help his case, especially given the recent onslaught of bias claims aimed at NBC's news divisions, and Russert's reputation for remaining neutral, which is so important for a show like MTP.
What we see as a likely scenario …
One of two possibilities: Brokaw will run MTP through the election and then hand it off, likely to David Gregory. Or David Gregory will take over immediately.
TO HEAD NBC'S WASHINGTON D.C. BUREAU
Wendy Wilkinson
Almost undoubtedly, according to multiple sources, Wilkinson will be named to the spot. She's already the deputy D.C. bureau chief and handles the day-to-day operations. That Russert manned both positions – an on-air gig and running D.C. – is the exception, not the rule. According to a well-informed insider, 30 Rock is "not likely to want to cede that kind of power again to an on-air person." Giving Wilkinson the job is only logical, and it would provide some stability to a shattered D.C. division. (Also, not naming Wilkinson to the post would almost guarantee she would start sending out resumes elsewhere.)
Editorial Director
Firstly, it seems foolish to ignore the fact that Tim may rise from the dead according to those who worshiped at his pagan corporate altar…
Katie, surprisingly, seems the best pick of your list though her increasingly polarizing remarks, much less the CBS taint, perhaps, have Olbermanized her.
GE would be wise to go out of house to a national unknown with actual brain chops…sort of a Tom Snyderfication without the smoking and the Aykroyd laugh…
I agree that NBC should look out of house. (Undecided if Tim will rise from the dead).
Gwen Ifil would do a phenomenal job.
Olberman, Gregory, even Good Ol' Joe S. couldn't handle it. No, it's more like I can't handle them.
Katie? Please no. Please please no.
On one hand, I think Olbermann would do wonders with a long-form interview. But I couldn't do without him on COUNTDOWN.
I don't think Ms. Couric has the gravitas for such a serious show. I don't think that because she's a woman. I think that because I saw her ask Obama on-air whether Senator Clinton would be considered as a running mate or "would working with her be too bleah?!"
Gwen Ifill is the perfect replacement. She is fair, even-tempered, prepared and smart. She has "star quality" without the glitz.
We love Andrea, as a correspondent. Katie needs to go back to the Today show……David Gregory, no charisma. We need to keep Keith's editorials. Brian is a bit shallow-seeming. No one has mentioned Jim Lehrer. Where's McNeill? And what's up with Chris? Above all, we need Tom Brokaw now to help us to get through this.
Gwen Ifill's lack of humor leaves her out. It'll come down to Gregory or Mitchell, and Gregory's the most likely answer.
Rotate Brokaw, Schieffer, and Gwin Ifill. All three are top journalists and this way Brokaw if not fully employed and neither is Schieffer, who is getting on in years.
The others are really lightweights when it comes to journalistic integrity.
I HOPE THEY DON'T CHOOSE THAT WINDBAG DAVID GREGORY, DIDN'T I JUST READ LAST MONTH THAT TIM GAVE HIM A DRESSING DOWN FOR BEING RUDE TO A WAITRESS. KEEP GREGORY IN THE BACKGROUND, HE IS A PHONY, NO CLASS.
None of these names excites me. Ifill might be OK. Picking Olbermann would be a total disaster. I can't imagine they'd be that nuts. I see one rising star in the Beltway media universe who could be good: Jake Tapper of ABC. He's shown he can ask tough questions of politicians of both parties, and that's a rarity. He's also good in front of a camera, and he's quick-witted.
I would pick Chuck Todd or Kelly O'Donnell, fresh faces. Tim was a mentor and Kelly was his A+ student.
After watching him on the Today show this morning, the answer is Luke Russert.
I would suggest either Norah O'Donnell or Matt Lauer!
"So who’s the most likely to take the very big reigns?"
You mean "reins," as in what you use to control a horse.
None of the above.
Rachel Maddow.
I would let Brokaw take the reins until a full time replacement could be named, and then either Kelly O'Donnell or Laurence O'Donnell…but please let it be an O'Donnell! I'm sure Tim would love for a fellow Irish Catholic to continue in his footsteps.
Katie Couric is damaged goods to NBC-they will never give her their crown jewel program. Tom will pretend not to want it but will manage behind the scenes to get it and take away all shred of Brian Williams ever getting out from under his shadow
John Harwood
CNBC NYTIMES WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT
Fair, straight shooter, good politcal instincts
WHOMEVER IS NAMED THE REPLACEMENT TO TIM RUSSET, WE WILL NEVER SEE THAT TYPE OF CHARISMA, INFECTIOUS SMILE AMD SUPERIOR INTELLIGENCE AGAIN, TIM WAS A ONE OF A KIND, WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE HAD HIM, I WISH THE NEXT PERSON TO HOST MEET THE PRESS EVERYTHING GOOD IN THIS WORLD, AS WOULD TIM RUSSET.AND MAY GOD HELP BIG RUSS, HIS WIFE, LUKE AND THE REST OF HIS FAMILY COPE WITH THEIR LOSS.
Tom Brokaw would do well in the interim for maybe 6 months or so. This would allow the viewers to get used to Sunday mornings without Tim. It would help us through the grieving process. Ken and Chris are too biased for a show like MTP, Joe needs to stay put in the morning — Morning Joe is a terrific way to start the day. But someone like RACHEL MADDOW would be superb. She is fair, fresh faced and ready to go.
Rachel Maddow is perfect for the position.
What about John Harwood?
If you really want to see NBC take the gloves off and insert a no-bullshit junkyard dog as the new host of MTP, personal politics aside, I think Cristopher Hitchens would be the ideal candidate. The man is more than capable of effectively striking fear into the hearts of politicians, and is absolutely revered by many. The guy can run circles around MSM whores without even breaking a sweat, and if you put him toe-to-toe with any of the before mentioned picks from the so-called short list, they'd be a smoking hole in the pavement before the first commercial break. If he could only restrain himself long enough to remain neutral for the one hour time slot, he would not only ask the truly hard questions, but virtually cremate anyone you put in front of him. He has everything that will be required of Russert's successor and then some. Or we could always exhume Russert, give him the voice of Darth Vader, and carry on as if nothing happened.
CHUCK TODD seems to be the most logical choice… The shoes already fit, let's push him in that direction!
Chuck Todd would be the very best choice, in my opinion. The fact that he is not "pursuing" it only further emphasizes why he is the right mix of integrity and humility. I hope they take personal character into consideration and not hand this to David Gregory. I truly think that Chuck Todd would be who Tim would pick.
How about Mike Barnacle? Always thoughtful and reasonable.
What about John King of CNN.
I have no idea who they will pick (though I think Gwen Ifill is an interesting idea), but you should absolutely be ashamed to have printed that absurd comment regarding Tim Russert keeping Andrea Mitchell because of her marriage. Russert arrived in DC in the 80's, and Mitchell was there then, but she didn't marry Greenspan until around '97 or so. I think by then, we can safely say she wasn't kept around because of her fella.
I agree with gw. John King is intelligent,
engaging, and genuine. He would be the perfect
replacement.
Would management consider investing time to "groom" Luke for the position? Speaking as the widow (of a prominnent, well-loved Irish Catholic businessman, taken at 55 with the same condition) - I understand there can be pressure on the children left behind. Luke is very talented and intelligent, and their father and son mannerisms are identical! I'm not sure what he studied in college, but if he chose this avenue as one way to continue his Dad's legacy - I can't think of anyone who had more years of the best posssible job shadow, and on-the-job training!
It would be the highest compliment to Tim, Luke, MTP, and the loyal viewers! Perfect! Wild!!
She's young but extremely talented …..Norah O'Donnell
Here's one from out of left field….he's bored with sports and could interview anyone in the world quite well….Bob Costas
Bill Moyer
The whole list is wrong. GW and KB are right: John King is as close as they can get. NBC news may take a big hit because of Russert's loss. While I really like Olbermann's show, they can't hire a cheerleader to do MTP. There is already a perception that they lean too much to the left. Russert gave the network credibility for being more fair than anyone in news (cable or network). His political beliefs just never came through on the air. Katie Couric (when she was on the Today show) did a nice job preparing for political interviews, but I don't believe she has the same passion for it that Russert did. John King probably comes the closest. Good luck NBC.
As a 70 year old woman who dearly loves her country, watches all the MSNBC policital shows, loved and trusted Tim Russert for truth, facts, and believability, depended on MTP for the questions and answers from which to make good informative decisions during election seasons, I grieve for myself as I grieve for Tim's family. Now who do I trust? Who can I believe? For some time now Chuck Todd has impressed me as head and shoulders above other political analysts. He seems to have Tim's steel trap mind, engaging smile, and ability to remember everything that's important. He's always prepared, never seems to have an axe to grind, seems to really love what he does and is smart as a whip, (does that sound familiar?). He's very likeable and I've even noticed a hint of playfulness in him at times. If he'd be willing to give it a try, I believe Chuck Todd should have a chance at it. (I can just hear Tim saying to NBC 'Go get him'!) HVW
It can't be anyone boring who will put us to sleep! Tim's replacement needs to be enthusiastic, knowledgable, and have a sense of humor like he did! My first choice, I'd love NBC to give it to his son, Luke. But, if not, I think Anderson Cooper would be great!
I can't believe that Couric is even up for consideration. She's best suited for covering Disneyesc stories. Chuck Todd probably has the greatest breadth of political knowledge of the group, with the exception of Chris Matthews, but, I don't know if Todd has it in him to be tough. Brokaw's age is beginning to show through and he now has hesitation in his voice. Matthews age is alwo dogging him, though I love him on Hardball. I rarely miss an episode. Oberman is smart enough, tough enough, physically large enough to hold court, but he needs to be toned down and Oberman has enough integrity and believes deeply enough in the truth that he will do what is needed to fill the spot appropriately. Ifil could do and perhaps rotate you out with Oberman and somebody fresh, a sleeper, and pull in Todd when needed. Todd could be taught the rythyms with which Russert worked and gave him his edge. Timing and research was Russert strongest points. Todd has the research and could learn the timing. That said none of the above has the towering presence Russert had which is part of the reason many on his panel feared him. Tim had no hesitation, didn't skip a beat and this is key. Those who are being interviewed can't be allowed too many seconds to think about a response. Please, please, please get it right, take your time and get it right.
The successor to Mr. Russert must have the ability over time to develop a trust with their audience and guests as to fairness, preparedness and a certain amount of civility. Tough questions can be sidestepped after two tries because Mr. Russert respected his audience enough to know that they also knew the topics and were informed enough to understand that the question has been sidestepped. That was his gift he didn't grind his guests to dust, he allowed their own words or lack of them to trap themselves.
Gwen Ifill as a moderator has few peers, great intellect that radiates, and a genuine warmness she that draws people in. Can she get tough on an issue without coming across as anything other than the publics voice, I am not sure?
Two longshots, Richard Engel, has spent five years in Iraq giving us a steady consistent view of the events and feelings on the ground in one the most dangerous places on the earth. In doing so he has earned the right to question our leaders on important issues of the day. He has earned the right to question if they have considered all the consequences of their actions.
Thirdly but not lastly, Jon Stewart. Mr Stewart is unafraid to question those in authority. He has the ability to hear an answer and redirect it to more clearly define the answer. He does have the everyman feel and a sense of decency that is real and viewer friendly. He is bright and with some seasoning could be a great national asset, much like Tim Russert.