Keith Olbermann for host of Meet the Press?

Image from source, Buzz Flash

Yep, it's a bit early to be wondering about the late Tim Russert's replacement, seeing as how there hasn't even been a funeral yet. But in the middle of a heated election, a selection of a new host for Meet the Press is a decision that NBC will have to make quickly. The problem is, a show like MTP needs someone with gravitas.

The host has also got to be at least perceived to be impartial. Tim Russert was loved and loathed by both sides fairly equally. They loved him the interview went well for their side, and loathed him when it went bad. That's a hard trait to replace, at least with a known quantity.

Of course, conservatives will reject anyone from NBC's current talent pool as "liberally biased." So unless they poach someone from FOX "News," they're not going to win that fight. The article excerpted below calls for MSNBC's rising star, Keith Olbermann, which for reasons stated, might be a bad idea. I'm a big fan of Countdown, but I think Olbermann would be mightily constrained by MTP's format. And no matter how much he "dialed it down," there would be a never ending stream of whining from the right. On second thought. . .

[Excerpt]

Make Keith Olbermann the new "Meet the Press" host

Yes, it has been only three days since the death of Tim Russert. And you might think it cold, given that short period of time, to reflect on who should succeed Russert in that chair.

Then again, Jon Friedman of MarketWatch beat me to the punch, within three hours of the announcement of Russert's death, Friedman recommended David Gregory for the pick.

You could definitely make an argument for Gregory. But the image of him dancing with Karl Rove would give me great pause in naming him to the permanent selection, since relationships such as that is what is wrong with Washington journalism. . .

Read more at: Buzz Flash