Who Should Host New MSNBC Show?

Photo of Sam Seder from Radio.About.com

There is buzz that MSNBC is looking to capitalize on the success of Countdown with Keith Olbermann and The Rachel Maddow Show by introducing a third hour, in place of one of their usual reruns. Most suspect that they'll pick another liberal host, though I'd bet they'd be wary of doing that. It might be better to get a more neutral host, or possibly even a conservative (though I doubt that last one--isn't three hours of Joe Scarborough enough?). Still, I'm hoping for another liberal/progressive.

After so many years of conservative dominance in cable news (liberal media bias, my ass), the prospect of one of my favorite pundits/personalities getting their own show is kinda fun. There aren't many famous names to the general public to pick from (again, bias my patootie), but there are some great names out there who could become famous. And there are others that probably wouldn't work so well. Here is my take on a few of the names that pop into my head:

- Bill Maher - Would be a perfect fit, and a ratings hit too, I bet. But why would he? He has a regular gig on HBO that allows for his stand up career. It'll never happen, but it would be great.

- Randi Rhodes - Her appearances on cable news have mostly been a disaster, because she's in a four-square shout-off, usually with at least two conservatives. Randi's voice is already abrasive, and her temper legendary. So that format just comes off badly. But as a host who is in control? It. Just. Might. Work.

- Stephanie Miller - Love, love, love her, and her mooks. But she's had a rocky history on TV, including at MSNBC. I don't think her show would translate well to cable news, unfortunately.

- Arianna Huffington - I love Arianna too, as a guest. But when she subbed for Rachel, she was just dreadful. She was also great with Al Franken on Bill Maher's old show, when she was a conservative. Franken is also ineligible, since he'll likely be busy in the Senate. So, no to both.

- Ed Schultz - Don't like him much. . .too much like a liberal Rush Limbaugh.

- Sam Seder - My pick. He's funny, kind of nerdy-cute, self-deprecating, smart, and a little twisted. He's been knocked around by Air America Radio, as has his co-host, Marc Maron. Maybe they could do a two-man show. Nobody sets up and takes apart conservatives like Seder. And Maron might be able to squash Seder's occasional tantrums.

And now, a little of Sam & Marc from YouTube, with Sam expressing his sorrow over the departure of George W. Bush: