Bon voyage, Chuck Todd!
I could almost hear the applause and envision the party streamers that had come out. I could imagine the collective tranquility that came over the persons of political people everywhere. Because on this day, Chuck Todd announced he was leaving Meet The Press.
Todd had been an MSNBC liability for far too long. He had a major weakness that got in the way of his journalism. That weakness is not knowing how to ask follow-up questions.
Meet The Press, which seems to have been on the air since the beginning of time, has had great hosts. It’s had, good hosts and average hosts. It had, however, NEVER had a host quite like Todd before.
Even comedians knew it and joked about it. Todd was mellow to the point of agonizing bewilderment. He’d frequently not follow up on urgent questions, WOULD follow up on not-urgent stories, and would pounce on stories that were so bizarre they didn’t even warrant one minute’s worth of time.
And for years, fans of MSNBC had BEGGED, raged, cajoled. pleaded, demanded, advised, and coaxed to get this man off a show that was losing credibility by the day. And now it’s happened. FINALLY. He’s stepping down after a nine-year run. Kristen Welker of NBC News will take over.
Todd said goodbye (although Sunday was not his last show) and remarked on his great time hosting the show. “I’ve loved so much of this job, helping to explain America to Washington and explain Washington to America.”
Well — thanks, I suppose. I really wish I could say “right back at you,” but the truth is Todd wasn’t the right fit, and though I do wish him luck, I echo millions on this day. It’s about time.
