CAMPAIGN RELATED: Who Should Replace Tim Russert on 'Meet The Press'

From Watching The Media For You: It’s the question causing a lot of chatter since Tim Russert’s sudden death Friday at NBC’s Washington, DC bureau. Who will replace Russert on the ‘Meet the Press’ anchor desk?

Here’s my two cents: TOM BROKAW needs to do ‘Meet the Press’ at least through the November election. He should be named interim host to lead the show through one of the most historic elections in modern history. The show needs it. NBC needs it. The election process needs it. As Russert often said, ‘Meet the Press’ was the star of the show… not him. Brokaw may not want to ink the deal for the long haul but he certainly could help stabilize things through November. NBC does not need a distraction of bringing in a new face and a new approach during this election process. Please, please, please NBC. Use Tom Brokaw now. And, use this time to search for an appropriate anchor for this show. Don’t make a rushed or rash decision that could harm the show so many of us political junkies love!
Having said that, who else may be a good fit for the long haul if Brokaw doesn’t want it? I’ll begin with some names that few people are talking about… but could really be good for the show.
Ted Koppel – This was an interesting suggestion I heard from a friend who works in TV news in Indianapolis. Koppel is a respected, known quantity in TV news.
Unfortunately he is battling a sickness... but Tony Snow would have the political chops to handle the chair.
Aaron Brown – Many seem to have forgotten that Brown was a strong force for CNN during 9/11. He’s a respected journalist.
Harry Smith – This may be highly unlikely… but Smith is the strongest interviewer on the “Early Show’, I also enjoy watching him on Sunday morning’s when he subs on ‘CBS Sunday Morning’.
Chris Wallace – It would be a return for Wallace. If given a chance to anchor ‘Meet the Press’, Wallace should jump at it. Like Snow, he would have the political insight to keep the show at an elevated level.
Dan Rather – How about that? LOL. It would create a lot of chatter but even I can’t make that case.
Now the rest of the list…
David Gregory – He’s on everyone’s list. I like him but I believe ‘Meet the Press’ really needs a veteran news person at the helm.
Katie Couric – Some are making the case that it’s a good fit. I don’t think so. I like Katie too… but ‘Meet the Press’ is not for Katie.
Brian Williams – He too is on many lists. But he needs to stay focused on keeping the ‘Nightly News’ ship full steam ahead.
Andrea Mitchell – I like her too… but even she admits she’s not an anchor.

OTHER LISTS/SUGGESTIONS: New York Times, Associated Press, Gawker, Newsday

Be sure to vote in the poll on Watching The Media For You. Spread the link around… let’s see if any of the names I’ve mentioned above actually click in the poll.