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Tom Brokaw
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Great idea! Tom will serve as a thoughtful, stabilizing force through the election.
#1 - Sun Jun 22, 2008 11:00 AM EDTI guess the media doesn't have a problem with Americans killing Americans, as all we hear about is the death toll in Iraq!!! And this is only ONE American City!!
CHANGE CHICAGO STYLE...
Body count for the last six months in Chicago : 292 killed (murdered).
Body count for the last six months in Iraq : 221 killed.
CHICAGO Political Leadership:
Senators Barack Obama & Dick Durbin,
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.,
Governor Rod Blogojevich,
House leader Mike Madigan,
Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike),
Mayor Richard M. Daley (son of former Mayor Richard J. Daley)
ALL DEMONCRATS
Chicago is a combat zone. Of course they're all blaming each other.
Can't blame Republicans... there aren't any.
State pension fund $44 Billion in debt, worst in country.
Cook County ( Chicago ) sales tax 10.25% highest in country.
(Look'em up if you want)
Chicago school system one of the worst in country.
This is the political culture that Obama comes from in Chicago Illinois .
And he's gonna 'change' and 'fix' Washington politics...... RIGHT?
Anyone who wants that kind of leadership must have a death wish!!!
- 1 vote
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- 1 vote
After watching the debate, I feel that Tom was not quite thoughtful, and somewhat hateful toward, surprise, Obama. McCain went on and on and on, and Brokaw lashed out at Obama for going over on time. I guess he does not think that we in the listening audience have clocks. Come on Tom. Neutral is key.
Tom is no Tim...Tim had the ability to do his homework. To ask great questions. To get the hard questions answered. And he did it all regaurdless of who or what the party may be. Tom is doing Tim and Meet the Press a huge disservice.
Tom is one of the worst hosts for keeping control of any show. He cannot keep his personal beliefs out of the interview. This is just a bad host, bad interview, bad topics and bad management for proping him up. I cannot watch, I try, but I just cannt get through a complete show since Tom took over.
Tom is part of the problem, not part of the solution. Here's an example, today Tom spend several minutes questioning Sen. McCain about Sarah Palin and her poll numbers. He showed several polls showing that her numbers had decreased since the convention. There are several reasons for that decline, three specific reasons are MSNBC, CNN and NBC. These networks have engaged in a relentless and never ending effort to simply smear Gov. Palin. For example, CNN interviews Gov. Palin and misquotes the National Review. MSNBC has Keith Olbermann and Chris "He Makes My Leg Quiver" Matthews on every night bashing Sarah Palin. Now Tom Brokaw wants to know, "Gee Sen. McCain, why do you think her numbers are down."
Welcome onboard Tom, here's your chance to keep contributing to the bashing.
Tom Brokaw should apologize for his comments during Obama's inauguration. I happen to be a redneck (and proud of it) and I consider his comment to be nothing less than hate speech. I am not a racist and never have been. n listening to his comment, it sounded as though he were categorizing every good ole boy, redneck and hillbilly as being ignorant racists too dumb to tie there own shoes. Imus was fired for a comment that was ment as a joke and I think Brokaw should apologize to us all for his!
While we will always love, admire and miss Tim Russert, I must say that Brian Williams was awesome this morning. While I thank Tom Brokaw for taking on the challenge of keeping America educated and advised during this election season, I believe that we are in excellent "hands" and "minds" with the NBC family. I want to thank NBC for giving us the opportunity to be a part of their family. Finally, long term -- David Gregory would be a terrific choice.
Fran Fine
Henderson, Nevada
#3 - Sun Jun 22, 2008 12:28 PM EDTI was so hoping that either Brian Williams or Tom Brokaw would host Meet the Press. It's such a delicate time for the show, and for the hearts of loyal Tim Russert viewers - having one of them at the helm for a while allows everyone time to heal and gives the show time to transition. Many thanks to Tom Brokaw for taking on this responsibility and to NBC for having the heart (and smarts) to present him with the opportunity.
My television is always set to NBC - it's where I begin and end every day. It's in decisions like these, and so many others they've made as their news shows continue to evolve, that I feel comfortable in knowing they've earned my loyalty.
Debra
Alexandria, VA
#4 - Sun Jun 22, 2008 2:09 PM EDTTom Brokaw is the only choice to take Meet the Press forward through the election. If he would stay for maybe ten years or so, Luke might be ready by then.
- 1 vote
#5 - Sun Jun 22, 2008 3:01 PM EDTNo one will ever replace Tim Russert, but Tom Browkaw is an excellent interim choice. This choice is so obvious that one wonders why any alternative would have even been considered. By the same token I think that the best permanent replacement is just as obvious. Who has Tim's wit as well as his thorough understanding of politics? Who has Tim's objectivity and apparent lack of partisanship? There is of course only one person, Jeff Greenfield. NBC ought to go out and sign Jeff Greenfield up if they can. Tim can never be replaced, but many of his finest and most important qualities are shared with Jeff Greenfield. It would give all of us long time viewers of Meet the Press something to continue to look forward to on Sundays.
#6 - Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:24 PM EDTI'm so glad to see Tom Browkaw host Meet The Press, even for a short period. If it were Chris Matthews or Andrea Mitchell I would head back to church on Sunday morning. Matthews has done the Sunday morning thing, It didn't work out to well, you could always tell the candidate Matthews liked, and if he didn't like them he was viscous.
#7 - Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:13 PM EDTTim Russert was perfect for MTP!
Gregory is much too partisan/hostile and lots of baggage.
Matthews is too shrill.
Brokaw is an excellent interim.
Ed Bordeaux
- 1 vote
#8 - Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:45 AM EDTA perfect and logical choice for the next few months. Tom loved Tim and he will "Go get 'em" in Tim's memory.
I just LOVED Tim...on all his shows - whenever and wherever he appeared...and we will need some time to heal - along with his wonderful family, devoted friends and TV family and loving viewers.
How about Chuck Todd?????
And, maybe Luke has a future at the network. What an incredible young man! His parents did a great job!
Maddalena
New York, NY
#9 - Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:07 PM EDTBrokaw will be fine through the election, but he lacks Russert's pure enthusiasm for politics that made Meet the Press great. Chuck Todd is the only political expert NBC has the brings the wonderful, geeky, passion to politics that Russert mastered.
#10 - Fri Jun 27, 2008 3:45 PM EDTThis assumes that what you need is a discussion of politics. Watch MSNBC if you want politics. Politics are not the real world. They are a game that is played with the real world as a background. It simplifies the real world and ignores its complexities and "inconvenient truths".
What you need is a discussion of how policies affect the real world and why one set of policies has been chosen over another. You need someone who understands the issues that the policies are designed to address, someone who recognizes the pros and cons and trade-offs underlying the positions that the candidates take, and someone who can then force the politicians to explain how and why they make their trade-offs.
Political reporters ignore all of this. They deal with the strategies of politics not the practicalities and technicalities of the issues. The strategies of politics evolve slowly. So the pundits don't have to learn much new. They can talk about their attack adds and spin methods from previous campaigns. They can look at their ever present polls and spend hours talking about the ups and downs. They can squabble about semantics and whether a comment is or is not an attack, is or is not offensive, and the latest, is or is not a flip flop.
They never have to delve into the masses of often contradictory information surrounding the problems of the day. Except at the obvious level like "I didn't want to drill before but now I do," they never even have to look at the innate contradictions in the candidates' positions. "Yes I favor low gasoline prices and conservation."
Of course what's true about political reporters may also be true of listeners. But listeners have other jobs too. They rely on their news sources to inform them about the issues and events. News programs need to decide what they are and who they are going to serve. Part of this answer, a big part probably, is who runs the show.
- 1 vote
I would love to see Tom Brokaw or Brian Williams host MTB permanently. I miss Tim Russert so much and I think that each of this men has his own unique way of making this show interesting. This is the healing time for all of us, specially for Tim's family and friends. The time of acceptance is still to come.
Thank you so much Mr. Brokaw and Mr. Williams for doing such a wonderful work.
#11 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 6:42 PM EDTI like Tom Brokaw but I have been watching him since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I thought it was finally over when he retired. To my utter dismay, I now have to watch him sit in the big chair on Sunday mornings. It doesn't work well at all. My children grew up watching MTP, and Tim Russert has played just as big a part in my son getting A's in his civics class as I. My daughter may very well be the only 10 year old in her 3rd grade class who know as much about the election process as her parents. She was particularly troubled when she learned of Tim Russert's passing. While watching Tom Brokaw and Gov. Swartzenegger this Sunday past on MTP, she commented "Mom, this guy is older than grandpop, I guess he might die real soon too". Why not appoint a moderator who all your viewers can watch mature like we did with Tim. Chuck Todd is very credible, honest, and has a plethora of political information stored in his memory like most of us remember our names. Moreover, we already trust him. While no one can replace TR I think his protege Chuck Todd would go over really well. Thanks
#12 - Tue Jul 1, 2008 6:29 AM EDTI hope,we will question anyone running for president.We never questioned Bush (look at the Mess we have today)So lets remember just because you got shot down in a plane that doesnt mean you know how to be president....dianne
#13 - Wed Jul 2, 2008 4:53 PM EDTTom Brokaw is a true liberal. He continually slants his coverage "left" whenever possible.
I do not see him as an unbiased host of any show.
He will slant any and all input from his guest as far left as he can.
I couldn't believe his take on illegal immigration. The focus was on them being here to better themselves.
Well Tom how about the millions and millions of people all over the world that have a worse lot in life than our neighbors to the south?
Maybe we should do away with immigration services and bring them ALL here to better themselves.
Enough is enough.
If you are here illegally, you need to leave. And if you won't we need to do whatever it takes to make it a reality for you.
- 1 vote
#14 - Sun Jul 6, 2008 4:01 PM EDTRoger I agree and unfortunately I can no longer watch MTP. It's a shame because I religiously watched the show every Sunday. Once NBC replaces Brokaw I will come back and watch the show. For now it is Face The Nation.
The loss of Tim Russert continues to be pounded home. I always watched Tim and Meet the Press because it kept me thinking clearly. Whenever I was pulled one way or the other, I could depend on Tim to lead a discussion that was clearly and honestly unbiased and I found that I was able to listen clearly to views opposing mine which educated me and helped me make better decisions. I loved Tim and I loved his shows.
Today I was terribly disappointed and actually upset when I heard everyone, including Tom Browkaw, interrupting one another. It was appalling and several times I didn't get to hear the whole answer to a question that was of interest to me. Tom interrupted more than the two ladies, who also did their share. It reminded me of watching Bill Mahr, which is a good show, but NOT the show I want to watch on Sunday.
If Tom is going to continue to host, even for awhile, I hope he'll bone up on the actual facts and learn to control himself, and his guests. Today's show was just another blab-fest of spokespeople putting down their opponent--oh so politely--and going on and on making claims without anything new, or any proof. I didn't learn a thing that's new or that I trust.
I'm sorry, Tom, you're a great newsman and person, but this is pretty awful. That aside, the panel went on doing what they do, and doing it well. The interruptions were a better, but they were still there. Thank heavens for the Russert veterns.
I'm hoping that NBC will seriously consider Chuck Todd, Andrea Mitchell and Nora O'Donnell for this spot in the future. I believe all of them are true Tim Russert proteges and would do the best for the show.
- 1 vote
#15 - Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:56 PM EDTI greatly respect Tom Brokaw as a historian and author so its embarrassing to have to say STOP with the discussions of sound bites or waste our time with the partisans. Meet the Press could become a real service and model for what political discussion ought to be. Invite some thoughtful, less partisan observers to discuss at length the issues that matter rather than the gaffes. The "news hounds" that sum up the nonsense too often focus on the who won/who lost side issues. Keeping score is far less useful than getting at the truth. We'll score the candidates when we vote.
We really don't have to many weeks to decide who is more likely to have well thought out plans for Iraq, Afghanistan, Climate Change, the economy, health care, etc. We got little of substance today and Mr Brokaw set the tone--a little more like Fox News. Sadly, his legacy was diminished by this performance.
- 2 votes
#16 - Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:36 AM EDTI think I agree with you whole heartedly about what we need. Pleases let me know if you find it or find a place where they are really trying to build it.
- 1 vote
If you dont change the moderator i will quit watching fox..i mean your show
I agree completely also. What ever happened to unbiased news? Where can we find the TRUTH in this day and time?
Today when Tom Brokaw held up the "The NewYorker" with the fear-mongering picture of Sen. Obama and his wife on the cover in VP Gore's face I almost fell to the floor with shame and nearly turned off the TV, but I was very interested in hearing Gore speak on the issues of the environment. I really don't like Mr. Brokaw on this show, not even for the short time.
If MEET THE PRESS does not find a person with the same wit, grace and dedication of Tim Russert I will stop watching the show!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brian Williams would have been a better choice, I think the powers that be choose Brokaw because he is the elder statesmen.
#17 - Sun Jul 20, 2008 3:49 PM EDTMy friends and I are ardent fans of Meet The Press. We were so upset when Tim Russert died and we think Tom Brokaw is a great temporary replacement but we would all like to see Gwen Ifill be the permanent replacement. We all think she has the knowledge, personality and experience to do an excellent job. As an aside, my father watched Meet The Press from the time it came on the air until the day he died. He would never miss a program and now neither will we. Please think about Gwen Ifill.
#18 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:18 AM EDTBrokaw is a news whore how will sell out anyone or anything for a story. His kid glove treatment of Al Snake Oil Goar shows he is no improvement over Mr potato head.
#19 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 2:37 PM EDTAction and support is good, Be careful about sending money.
When I was young and foolish I worked as a Community Activist (Parasite) just like Obama did in Chicago, in Pittsburgh's inter city. We would go door to door telling the people how they were being cheated by the evil utility companies, or whoever was the bad guy for the day. It amassed me how people who could least afford it would give up their money to us on the spot. They got hope in return. If they were black we would blame evil racist white people to really bring in the cash.
After about a week of this I saw that the money went directly to the local City Democratic machine the Guy who ran the scheme is now a councilman in Pittsburgh, I quit in disgust and joined the Army.
Reform them from within.
Chuck
- 1 vote
#20 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:10 PM EDTI love Meet the Press and all of the NBC news. I watched Tom Brokaw for years and think he is wonderful. I do not feel he is the right fit for MTP. Chris Todd or David Gregory should be the ones taking Meet the Press forward. Tom Brokaw has been a steady and comforting anchor when our country has been in trouble. The first Sunday after Tim Russerts passing Tom did a nice job. Since then his interviews are just missing what Tim brought to the show. I feel that Tim's students rather than one of his mentors would be a better fit. Please alternate Chris Todd and David Gregory. One of them or possibly both will show that MTP can continue as Tim left it.
#21 - Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:42 AM EDTI was very hopeful about Tom Brokaw taking over (I absolutely loved and grieve for the loss of Tim Russart) but I am disappointed. Tom seems to be so adamant on seeming "serious" that he has lost his humanity. Tom needs to be friendlier, which I think he can do, while still being true to himself. I guess Tim Russart spoiled me. He was ever-prepared, always serious, but his friendliness was unmistakable. He never gave the appearance of having one opinion or another, or favoring one party or another, but he managed to get the truth out there for the rest of us. Tom, if you really want to replace Tim for the long haul, just be friendlier, and you will be fine. Example, when your guest makes a joke (even if it's kind of lame) you need to chuckle with him/her to let the world know that you are HUMAN, and that you appreciate that the person is making an attempt to connect with his/her constituency. Good luck Tom, you can do it!
#22 - Sun Jul 27, 2008 11:56 AM EDTMr. Brokow did his best, at times sounding like he works for FOX, but at every turn, twist and confrontation Mr Obama proved once again he should be President of the United States.
Mr. Brokow demonstrated that he should not moderate Meet the Press. In a word - objectivity -gone.
#23 - Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:40 PM EDTPlease see my comment #38 below. Mr. Obama is a master speaker. But it is Tom Brokaw's job to get beyond the verbiage. Trying to get Obama to give a direct answer to a question does not mean that Tom is not objective. I'm sure that Obama could spend the entire hour talking very eloquently. But you can be sure he is not going to address why he can't give Bush and McCain at least minimal credit for perhaps the only effective decision (notice I did not say good) in the war on Iraq. Nor is he going to address why incursions into Pakistan, a country known to have nuclear weapons, would not increase the chance of those nucelar weapons falling into unfriendly hands.
I agree, Brokaw belongs on Fox News, and it goes on. His "interview" with Joe Biden Today was a disgrace! It was one RW/GOP/McCain camp attack/smear/accusation after another. Biden was not given a chance to voice his, and Obama's, positions on anything - except what he was able to blurt out in the final 90 seconds, or so!
On the other hand, I saw him covering the GOP convention, on MSNBC. He served up softball after softball to every Republican he interviewed.
With Gibson, Stephanopolis, and Mark Halperin - scripted by Sean Hannity - at ABC, and their "When did you stop beating your wife?" interview of Obama Today, and Sheiffer's right-wing biased soft ball questions to McCain Today, do we really need more RW bias on Sunday mornings?
.
- 1 vote
So all it takes is an eloquent speaker to be President? Where is his record????
I was originally encouraged when Mr. Brokow agreed to host Meet the Press. My news "awakening" came about in part listing to him and Peter Jennings at 6:30 each night.
And now, I can't being to express how disappointed I was in the last two weeks. I watched in shock as he waived the New Yorker cover in front of Al Gore, without any context to his guest. It was an embarrassing, rookie move.
But this week, to hear him read comments from a FOX News stooge as if it were a credible opinion... I could only close my eyes in disbelief. Thank God Senator Obama knew how to deftly dismiss that brand of journalism. For every right-wing hatchet job out there on Senator Obama's trip to Europe, there are dozens of positive reviews. To hold up a FOX News comment as "proof" there is a 50:50 analysis on his historic trip is just so wrong, on many levels.
Tom is tanking his personal legacy, and I do not write that opinion with any satisfaction. Another public figure of historic distinction, looking like a fool in their twilight years.
#24 - Mon Jul 28, 2008 12:23 PM EDTI agree completely! I found Mr. Brokaw's interview with Senator Obama to be openly hostile and offensive. It was so transparent that he did not like Seantor Obama, that it made me really uncomfortable. It lacked the professionalism we have come to expect on Meet The Press. We won't be watching the program again any time soon. I had expected more of Tom Brokaw. Senator Obama handled himself well but it was clearly a biased attack on him and not well done at that!
- 1 vote
If by Fox Stooge you mean David Brooks, he is also a NY Times columnist and a regular on the PBS New Hour. He has also praised Barack Obama on many occassions.
I'm not sure why Brooks chose Obama's speech in Germany as a focus for his recent article. I'm surely projecting, but maybe it's because he's been waiting so long for the follow-on to all the rhetoric, waiting to get some of the specifics. I think he (and therefore Brokaw) picked the wrong spot and Obama's explanation was certainly valid.
Tim Russet would study his guest's history. He would pop up old quotes and new quotes that were contradictory and ask his guest to explain the differences. But it was always the guest who controlled the discourse. So if they had anticipated the question and their consultants had come up with the nice answer, they were fine.
Tom doesn't do that and in my view he shouldn't. As I've described in other comments in this discussion, I believe a moderator's job is to cut through the verbiage. If that means being abrupt with a guest, so be it. But that does not mean he is biased. Time on Sunday morning news shows is too precious to waste. It is not a pulpit. It is an investigation. Tom Brokaw has known and written about the great people of our time. Maybe if he feels that Obama needs more careful scrutiny, we should listen. At least we can give him the benefit of the doubt without implying he is suffering from Alzheimers.
- 1 vote
Old Ed: This blog (and those of yours above) shows a measured and very thoughtful commentary. It is a shame that the Dem./Liberals in their blogs endlessly display their shrill bias, always with an absolute certainty of correctness (and an utter inability to consider any viewpoint that is even minimally divergent from their own.) Civil discourse is becoming an anachronism. Sadly, we, as a nation, are becoming more and more emotionally and politically divided. This does not augur well for our collective future.
Unfortunately Tom Brokaw has disqualified himself to host Meet the Press. He is now openly partisan, working for the McCain campaign as press liaison. It is obvious that his questions are barely disguised in their hostility to Obama or those who support him. It was clearly evident during this morning's program. For those who follow these things Brokaw was instrumental in getting Keith Obermann and Chris Matthews removed from covering the debates and the election results because "they were openly partisan" -- so why is he still hosting the show? Is NBC's corporate ownership reflected in NBC's slanted news coverage?
He seeks the truth and that is what we need-someone has to dig into it! Why can't people pay attention to the facts instead of calling "bias" on everything.
Has anyone consider Ken Bode as the permanent replacement? I used to really like him on PBS. I guess he's now teach at DePauw in Indiana.
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