Smart Move

Tom Brokaw is coming out of retirement, so to speak to take over 'Meet The Press' for Tim Russert. Russert, who's death last week left NBC in something of a delicate position, was a highly respected journalist (probably the highly respected journalist of Washington, if not the whole business) and finding someone to replace him would be a difficult task- but I think this is the smartest move they can make. The only one out there who has the gravitas (whatever that means, it's a bit ambiguous to me) and the chops to fill the seat until they can transition to someone else is Brokaw.

There were rumors of Chris Matthews or Keith Olbermann wanting the job, but they were shot down quickly. MSNBC and NBC do not mix journalists- I think it's safe to say that in the modern age, cable news anchors are all about the shocking, cheap shots, controversies, stupid grudges and stunts you can do to get the ratings. Matthews is much better where he is and NBC would have been tarred and feathered (yes, the whole building) if they would have given Olbermann the reins of the most respected political round-table they had.

But good move, NBC. Brokaw can handle it- until you can figure out who you want in there for reals.