U.S. News and World Report reports that "The ratings for MSNBC's newest news show host are wildly impressive. Last week, her second on the air, Rachel Maddow pulled ahead of Larry King and even bested Keith Olbermann's Countdown a couple of nights."
I'm delighted, and not at all surprised. Maddow shined when she filled in for Olbermann in the summer. She's less abrasive and pompous than Olbermann (and, for that matter, Chris Matthews) and therefore her presentation and opinion pack more of a wallop. There's nothing like the truth softly spoken - you don't need to scream it.
Maddow's been having some difficulty getting Republicans to talk on her show. Perhaps they think that if they ignore her, she'll quietly go away. It's more likely to be the Republicans who will be going away, as their contempt for the media and need for a vigorous press puts the Republicans further at odds with the American people.
I liked Dan Abrams, was sorry to see him go, and therefore was prepared to be irritated by whoever succeeded him. Just the opposite is the case with Rachel Maddow. Her hour on MSNBC is a breath of fresh, rational air, and her approach to politics and critique of authority is something Thomas Jefferson would have been proud of.
Good for MSNBC for putting Rachel Maddow on the air. And, on the same subject, I'm also glad to see that MSNBC has at last banished its boring doc-block to weekend, where it least it does not take away from essential political coverage, which viewers need to see even in the middle of the night.
6 comments:
Although I do not agree with Maddow she certainly is refreshing. As the article states she does not insult those who diagree, which is a breath of fresh air compared to the commentators one each side that insult and spin such as Keith Olbermann and Sean Hannity.
I agree completely! Welcome to Infinite Regress.
Thank you Paul, my name is Frank, my own blog is Quite Frankly, www.quitefranklyvariety.blogspot.com,wide-ranging topics such as Politics, Sports, and Movies. You may not like some of the Republican articles, lol, but I think you will enjoy it on the whole.
I'll definitely check out your blog, Frank - sounds like just my cup of tea - and you're welcome to post here any time.
thank you sir, looking forward to it
Paul: Rachel is a fresh voice. She actually listens to the arguments from the other side and is not dismissive merely based on the red state-blue state meter. Rachel will slam Dems as well as the Republicans based on the issues ... in that regard she is an equal opportunity skewer -- much like Bill Maher, Jon Stewart on the liberal side, or Andrew Sullivan, Michael Smerconish for the conservatives. I can appreciate that kind of commentary.
Classic Maddow line: Rachel asked if anyone could name a difference between Bush and McCain.
Bush chose a Dick for Vice President,
McCain chose a …!
... and on that note I will leave you. peace out,
/jimy_max
BTW, there was a great writeup on Rachel in today's Philadelphia Inquirer ( "That voice, that brain, that face" ... Rachel Maddow, 'made for TV,' hops from radio to her own MSNBC show with smarts, energy and charm. by John Timpane )
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/entertainment/20080928_That_voice__that_brain__that_face.html
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