Posted on 06/19/2008 3:40:59 AM PDT by T.L.Sink
One of the names being mentioned as a replacement for Tim Russert on "Meet the Press" is Chris Matthews. Matthews is one of the biggest horse's patooties on television, if not the biggest, a man so enamored of of his own grating voice that he can barely stop talking long enough to let a guest get a word in. Much like Charley Rose, only worse, Matthews is master of the run-on question. He goes on and on, and just when the guest detects that Matthews is about to take a breath and tries to jump in with an answer, Matthews overides the poor sap and keeps going. One wonders why he even bothers to have guests on the show when he seems quite content to both ask and answer the questions. He will often interrupt a guest part way through an answer that might have imparted an interesting opinion or piece of information to the viewer. But the viewer isn't as important as Matthew's self glorification. "Meet the Press" viewers would likely abandon the show in droves, repulsed by the giant ego of one of the most obnoxious people on television. Matthew's MSNBC colleague Keith Olberman comes close, but I find it hard to criticize Olbermann as he continues to display signs of mental illness. Under Russert, "Meet the Press" was about the guests. Under Matthews, it would be about Matthews.
(Excerpt) Read more at politicalmavens.com ...
The NBC bullpen is empty.
A master of subtle and effective propaganda? Yes. A serious “journalist”? Don't make me laugh.
When was it ever full?
If Chrissy or Olbermann gets the show, look for them to be axed shortly after the election, when NBC won't need such a blatant probama shill anymore. But yeah, I could see them putting up with one of those two idiots on that show for a few months before the election. Anything to get their messiah elected.
That could hire Katie Couric.
LLS
I thought he was a very well informed journalist.
You look... but you don't see.
FPL ping.
I’m betting on Chuck Todd but I wouldn’t be pleased. He’s political director at MSNBC and obviously approves of Olberman’s ascent.
Yes, he’s another liberal windbag who’s about as objective as Olbermann and Matthews but acts hard at promoting the image of a “sophisticate.” A predictable phony!
A picture worth a thousand words!
“Meet The Press” is the crown jewel of NBC news. It is probably the elite of the Sunday morning news shows, a cash cow that brings in $60 million in profits and has a waiting list for advertisers. Why would NBC risk all that and give the premier spot in their news lineup to Chris Matthews when they won’t even give him the premier spot on MSNBC?
Great picture - only thing missing is an Obama sticker!
Who would you classify as "a serious journalist"? Just curious.
Everyone, what about Christopher Hitchens?/Just Asking - seoul62.......
Two words: Brit Hume
Why is nobody saying that. IMHO, he’s the only one who — well, I was going to write “comes close,” but I actually think he’s far better.
A political writer with a weekly column would be a good start. Not having worked under Mario Cuomo would have to be up there as well. Having written books on politics/policy... rather than on the pure love for his father... would also be a major factor.
Simply put... I could name a 7 or 8 people who would classify as serious journalists. Russert doesn't come close. He was a gifted manipulator of facts... an Ilya Ehrenberg for the DNC/DBM.
In that vein... he was a master of his craft.
Go ahead and name them, though I suggest that what you're describing comes more along the lines of 'commentator' rather than 'journalist'. Columnists aren't expected to be impartial. Nobody would accuse Will or Krauthammer or Limbaugh or Koch of being impartial. Russert was expected to treat Democrats the same as he treated Republicans, and for the most part he did that better than any of his peers.
I would be surprised if Matthews or Olbermann gets the, “Meet the Press” show. I wish they would but it would be really dumb.
LOL...
Agree, but I steal, err borrow them, as they are. May have to try to updated it...when I figure out Photoshop.
What you say makes sense to me but maybe the author of the article is privy to some ‘inside’ information (?)
I like Hitchens. I think he’s an independent thinker and tries to be objective. I don’t care for his silly crusade against God but many capable people have done that. He’s had the independence of mind to move from a Trotskyite-Marxist position to a rejection of that whole package. He’s become an American citizen and ardent supporter of the war in Iraq and is totally dedicated to prosecuting the war against Islamofascism. By the way, I recently heard him on C-span tear Obama apart for his foreign policy ignorance. Whatever else, he thinks through his positions and doesn’t feeled compelled to spout anyone’s party line.
I think Brit is good but my choice would be Chris Wallace. He’s like Russert - he’s tough on EVERYBODY!
I'll bet they at least think about it.
I agree with that. One specific example I can cite is when Jeb Bush was running for re-election here in FL. Russert intervied his Democratic opponent and was so relentless in his questioning of where he was going to get the money for all his proposed programs that he made the Dem look ridiculous and foolish. All those who analysed Bush’s victory agreed that Russet’s interview was one important factor. Regardless of his background, Russert was a professional and was tough on everybody - and he did his homework. He thoroughly researched the positions and political background of ALL he interviewed.
I find that hard to believe because I can't accept that NBC would make such a major decision so quickly.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.