Quoting eric: hmmm... is Drezner drinking scotch (see dingalink for 50 seconds in)? Just like Glenn Loury! I guess Bob pays his talent in booze--the hard stuff.

I realize you're kidding, or at least not being terribly serious, but in both cases (Dan's and Glenn's), how come nobody mentioned the possibility of iced tea? I thought everyone drank iced tea on hot summer afternoons.

Good diavlog, and great to see Henry back. I would have liked to hear more about the Irish referendum on the EU -- when we get someone on who has local insight to a problem in another country, it's a shame to squander the opportunity. For as much as rah-rah pieces about the blogosphere usually bore me, Dan's public intellectual piece was quite good, I thought. I agree with his assessment that past PIs have become magnified, even canonized, in our collective memory. I also think Ezra's point in his response to Dan's piece was correct (and adds to the first point) -- there weren't as many opportunities for PIs to go public, back in the days before the Web and cable TV, so the comparative few who became known in the past got a disproportionate amount of attention. It's probably also worth emphasizing that when PIs opined in the past, there was little opportunity for anyone to challenge their ideas in public; unless someone else on the same show debated a point, pronouncements tended to go unquestioned. One other thought I'd add to explain why today's PIs seem less outstanding than those in the

Reasons for and against replacing Russert: You know... the common Sanduskian needs, you know... common man crumbs
http://bloggingheads.tv/diavlogs/119...2&out=00:23:34 vs.
You know...it's the you know...elites
http://bloggingheads.tv/diavlogs/119...5&out=00:29:03 I think Dan underestimates the number of bhtv viewers.

In Dan's case I think it was hot tea. In a former segment with Megan he was nursing a cold with hot tea in a similar glass mug. In Glenn's case, he was doing the classic whiskey grimace after each sip. Circumstantial yes, able to hold up in court, no.

But yes, RIP Tim Russert. I never permitted myself to feel any positive emotions for Tim Russert when he was alive; you know, constantly on guard against media bias, always ready to call him on the least indication of unfair treatment towards "my side." But as soon as I heard he'd died, I was devastated. I can't quite explain it, but I immediately realized how much I liked him, and how long I had suppressed the feelings. Funniest recent Russert moment was during the Hillary/Obama debate when Russert went into character as an Iraqi Nationalist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_wavfn6_bE Skip ahead to 3:30.

Quoting graz: In Glenn's case, he was doing the classic whiskey grimace after each sip.

Oh, really? Hehehe... I missed that. Good eye! :-D

The President of NBC just called me up and asked me to convene this meeting to select the next host of Meet the Press from among our BHeads community. Here is your chance to shape political history for the next quarter century. Cast your ballot. I will start the ball rolling with my two finalists: David Corn and Glenn Lowry. David would be hilarious as well as incisive, but I award my vote to Glenn on the grounds that he would focus compassionately on the priorities of our politics least talked about on mainstream TV. (Downside: he may be too nice a guy to play hardball with the usual gang of equivocators and liars.)

I cast a vote for Heather Hurlburt. Particularly because of her listening and countering skills.
She as well as many others acknowledge discomfort with wading outside of their area of expertise... so who is the likely polymath... Bob Wright?

Heather Hurlbert is an excellent choice, particularly if the goal is to move MTP to more towards policy discussions. If the aim is to keep the show more along Russert's approach, I propose either Glenn Greenwald or Ezra Klein. I think Mickey Kaus could do a good job -- maybe have him interview the Democrats and GG or EK interview the Republicans. Matthew Yglesias also comes to mind -- it is not for nothing that Andrew Sullivan coined the Yglesias award. Brink Lindsey also comes to mind. In my dreams, though, we'd clone Jon Stewart.

Quoting bjkeefe:
In my dreams, though, we'd clone Jon Stewart.

I think that interrogation is Jon Stewart's true calling. There is no denying his wit, but he shines brightest when questioning "political" and policy guests. His own leanings are transparent, but he is fair and insightful.

Quoting graz: I think that interrogation is Jon Stewart's true calling. There is no denying his wit, but he shines brightest when questioning "political" and policy guests. His own leanings are transparent, but he is fair and insightful.

Mark Kleiman; pleasant, yet unrelenting.

Quoting look: Mark Kleiman; pleasant, yet unrelenting.

Great choice. Along with many of the others named above. I'd pick Corn, Loury, or Kleiman. Of course, none of these or anyone like them will ever have a chance. Instead, we'll likely get Rove's dance partner, or another one of the Villagers.

Quoting TwinSwords: ... Rove's dance partner ...

That link is worse than being Rickrolled.

We here at NBC News are thrilled by the literal deluge of responses we have received from BH viewers in response to our request for a new host for our flagship program "Meet the Press." There is no way mere words can adequately express how moved we are by your heartfelt tribute to the "Fifth Estate" and Tim's memory. The quality of your nominations provided us invaluable counsel in arriving at the decision that will best serve our global audience and our democracy. We share your profound commitment to our core democratic values! After long deliberations and a good deal of honest debate, we have decided to do what Tim would have wanted: Think outside the box! As of July 1, 2008 we will have a new host for Meet The Press who represents both the highest standards of TV journalism and the call for genuine "change" that we are hearing around the nation. Although no one can ever really replace Tim in our hearts and minds, we feel that Larry King will honor his memory by continuing Tim's relentless pursuit of "Truth." Larry is an intellectual

ROFL. Hilarious, and yet it rings so true.

I would have enjoyed that clip soooo much more if the Republicans kept their majorities in 2006. Then, whenever a liberal poster was whining about how evil Republicans were, I'd just link to MC Rove as a reply. It's all quite sad, really.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Bob Wright? Heck of an interviewer, that guy. And he's pretty great at pointing out the illogic (Mickey). Plus he can do policy but also the horse-race stuff with the best of them. Corn would be great because he seems relentless (and very funny). Matt Y and Ross would be a great cohost team for balance. Glenn Louwry is almost too good for MTP, In my opinion. I can't wait to hear he and John McWhorter discuss Obama's father's day speech.

Quoting TwinSwords: ROFL.

Hilarious, and yet it rings so true.

dittos! Good scoop Wonderperson!
But I thought Imus was the logical, fair, and balanced choice. They could shoot in his personal old-western town and have a for-real "showdown" every week. Crap, I think I just gave Rupert an idea.

Quoting uncle ebeneezer: I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Bob Wright? Heck of an interviewer, that guy. And he's pretty great at pointing out the illogic (Mickey). Plus he can do policy but also the horse-race stuff with the best of them.

And give up BHTV? I never thought I'd resort to this, but where is the moderator on this forum? Security!

Anyone who, like Drezner, pronounces it "Sandoosky," is clearly out of touch with real Americans.

Handle, I said nothing about Bob quitting BHTV. I mean, he probably only puts what, 2-3 hours into it each week ;-) He could surely do MTP and still have time to run the BH Empire.

Quoting uncle ebeneezer: Handle, I said nothing about Bob quitting BHTV. I mean, he probably only puts what, 2-3 hours into it each week ;-) He could surely do MTP and still have time to run the BH Empire.

Oh, in that case, never mind...
I hope you weren't physically harmed in any way.
Wait, Bob could have Mickey on MTP! That would be truly awesome. I stand enlightened.

But I thought Imus was the logical, fair, and balanced choice.

Thanks for your input. We did consider him, despite the risk that he'd call fellow-Wyomingista Dick Cheney a nappy-headed ho. Imus was recommended by our Diversity Committee, so that was a big plus. On the downside, Don is a lot older than Larry and lacks his innate eroticism, which we feel will ratchet up our numerics among the 18-30 youth demographic (first time voters included!) and help us compete favorably among tweens.

Quoting graz: In Dan's case I think it was hot tea. In a former segment with Megan he was nursing a cold with hot tea in a similar glass mug.

In Glenn's case, he was doing the classic whiskey grimace after each sip.

Circumstantial yes, able to hold up in court, no.

Speaking as someone who has sipped a few single malts, no self-respecting drinker of scotch would have nearly as much whisky in his glass as Dan does in Eric's dingalink. It's tea. Q.E.D.

Quoting AemJeff: Speaking as someone who has sipped a few single malts, no self-respecting drinker of scotch would have that much whisky in his glass as Dan does in Eric's dingalink. It's tea.

Q.E.D.

I'm not swearing in court... but as silly as this speculation is - perhaps it was cut with club soda or water? Personally, I usually imbibe bourbon and always sans ice.

Quoting Wonderment: Thanks for your input.

We did consider him, despite the risk that he'd call fellow-Wyomingista Dick Cheney a nappy-headed ho.

Imus was recommended by our Diversity Committee, so that was a big plus.

On the downside, Don is a lot older than Larry and lacks his innate eroticism, which we feel will ratchet up our numerics among the 18-30 youth demographic (first time voters included!) and help us compete favorably among tweens.

I should have known better than to second guess the experts. Larry's sex appeal is after all, undeniable.

Quoting graz: perhaps it was cut with club soda or water?

I just can't imagine Dan Drezner as an abuser of fine spirits. I never could get the hang of bourbon, personally. Almost all of my stories relating to it end with some kind of trouble.

Quoting AemJeff: I just can't imagine Dan Drezner as an abuser of fine spirits.

I never could get the hang of bourbon, personally. Almost all of my stories relating to it end with some kind of trouble.

I was referring to Glenn (from a previous dv), not Dan. Dan was not hittin' it, even though he did fantasize about Hitchens drinkin' and smokin' as MTP host.

I know it's as likely a Bush 3rd term, but Amy Goodman has to be one of the best (and most underappreciated) journalists in the nation. Though I hope she'd be able to keep up with the double duty of her commitment to Democracynow. It's the best TV news show out there. If she already has her plate full, Juan Gonzales would be an equally good choice.

You will enjoy this Russert retrospective, with atribute from his friend, Al Hunt. http://www.charlierose.com/shows/200...of-tim-russert

Charlie Rose, dark room, theme song, and table included, or no deal.

I agree I would have liked to hear so much more about Ireland's referendum. I was struck by how the Irish referendum and food and fuel riots in Spain or South Korea have that same element of popular protests against official policies, mostly "globalization". In the case of Seoul, citizens also had legitimate concerns about US beef and how the South Korean president tried to ram the deal though without preparing the people. But, there was, as Farrell called, a lot craziness, as progressives flooded the local media with bizarre theories about BSE and Creuzfeldt-Jacob Disease. The same official distaste for public debate Drezner bemoans is occurring in Seoul, on both sides. Just an impasse.

I am touched by the tributes offered on the MTP episode last Sunday hosted by Tom Brokaw, and the Charlie Rose tribute by Al Hunt (posted somewhere else on this thread). I also thought the network was cringing because of the ratings it was losing, and looking for a tear-jerker. However, I thought it was telling, when Farrell requested a primer because he doesn't watch TV that much. Russert is a TV and Washington (maybe Buffalo) celeb. His value as a person trumped his TV role I accept, although anything presented on TV is hard to take straight. But I don't think Russert transcended TV, only fulfilled its promise as a public medium to a certain extent. I think the issue of TV's value is very much live, epecially when Russert's dedication to TV journalism is a good part of the reason he collapsed. I still think TV is pernicious, because of the physical effect of sitting in front of a rectangle and having to believe what's inside the box, the content of which is created by so many professionals by rules laypeople don't comprehend. It might take a Stephanopoulos or Russert, with training outside TV, to make TV a little less of a navel-gazing

thanks for explaining the Ireland/EU deal. it helped a lot!

Quoting Baltimoron: You will enjoy this Russert retrospective, with atribute from his friend, Al Hunt.

http://www.charlierose.com/shows/200...of-tim-russert

Hey, thank you, Baltimoron. I will check it out.

I agree, Gregory would be their likely choice. Please, anyone but Olbermann. I know that Maddow is unlikely, but she reminds me of Hurlburt, in that she can be pleasant and non-threatening, but still hold feet to the fire. Now, I've heard that Olbermann likes her, so maybeeee in order to shake off the stink of Matthews/Olbermann 'sexism toward Hillary,' they'd choose her?

Quoting Thus Spoke Elvis: I would have enjoyed that clip soooo much more if the Republicans kept their majorities in 2006. Then, whenever a liberal poster was whining about how evil Republicans were, I'd just link to MC Rove as a reply.

It's all quite sad, really.

Funny thing, I can't help but like the architect of death since he's started appearing on Fox. Modest, unassuming, intelligent...what's not to like?

Daniel, Be patriotic, drink American-made Bourbon whiskey

Suggesting that Greenwald, Klein, Goodman or Maddow could in any way represent the standard set by Russert is not only laughable but is to completely misunderstand what TR was about. Whether you are a deranged, dishonest sockpuppet like Greenwald or and even-tempered propagandist like Goodman, the technique of getting politicians to say what they mean and explain what they've said is a job for a person who can make both sides of the political spectrum feel they are getting a fair shake. Even though he's a liberal, the closest I can imagine offhand would be Stephanopolis, although he stacks his panels so far to the left (yes, he's made a bit of progress) it would probably offset his more balanced interview style. It will be very hard for NBC to fill Russert's chair with anyone even approaching his ethic, standards and decency; time will tell.
Two of the best tributes to Russert: Russert sought advice from "Meet the Press" founder Spivak, who had been responsible for the program's previous pre-eminence. Spivak told him to question all guests as his adversaries, no matter what their political and ideological orientation. Russert could not abandon his

Quoting harkin: Stephanopolis ... stacks his panels so far to the left

Evidence?

I thought this tribute was notable. I've never known Hitchens to say anything nice about anybody: http://www.vanityfair.com/ontheweb/b...opher-hit.html

with regard to the EU Treaty, I think that Dan has a good point viz. nationality. The Irish are second lowest in their self-ascription as European with 59% describing themselves as irish only. The UK is the only one ahead of us. however paradoxically, debating Europe will probably foster more, not less, attachement as people feel more in control of the direction of Europe. some great points though. ---------
Cian
irishelection.com

Chris Hedges on Tim Russert and Barack Obama:

Washington has become Versailles. We are ruled, entertained and informed by courtiers. The popular media are courtiers. The Democrats, like the Republicans, are courtiers. Our pundits and experts are courtiers. We are captivated by the hollow stagecraft of political theater as we are ruthlessly stripped of power. It is smoke and mirrors, tricks and con games. We are being had.

The past week was a good one if you were a courtier. We were instructed by the high priests on television over the past few days to mourn a Sunday morning talk show host, who made $5 million a year and who gave a platform to the powerful and the famous so they could spin, equivocate and lie to the nation. We were repeatedly told by these television courtiers, people like Tom Brokaw and Wolf Blitzer, that this talk show host was one of our nation’s greatest journalists, as if sitting in a studio, putting on makeup and chatting with Dick Cheney or George W. Bush have much to do with journalism.

No journalist makes $5 million a year. No journalist has a comfortable, cozy relationship with the powerful. No

Now that's a little more like it:
http://www.slate.com/id/2193819/

Nice catch, Wonderment! I wonder where Bob Woodward fits in this scheme?