Maddow and...

Just thinking about the need for a second no-nonsense, progressive-minded program on the cable political affairs channels (--notice that I didn't call them news channels). It's been talked about recently that MSNBC management wants to do more with Rachel Maddow. I was just wondering who might be a good co-host for her. Last night, on KO, it occurred to me that Chris Kofinus (sp?), formerly of the John Edwards campaign, might be a good prospect. Also, I would love to see how Rachel and Cenk Uygur would work.

On a possible time-slot, I would go with maybe the 4 pm - 5 pm Eastern slot. This might give MSNBC a boost going into Hardball, Countdown, etc. (By the way, if you've never looked at the overnight ratings, go over to tvnewser.com and you can find them. Several things generally jump out at you there--Keith's pretty well carrying MSNBC in the evenings, and Verdict is not. Also, Glenn Beck isn't getting it done either, over at CNN/HLN.

Anyway, what about this "Rachel Maddow cohost" thing? I think he/she would need to be very smart, very articulate and very well informed. Would Abrams be a possibility as a cohost? Just thinkin... We sure need more voices of reason out there.

Has a nice ring, no?

It should be on after people get home from work. I'm kind of thinking that once "Race to the White House" dies after the election, she could get the 6 p.m. slot. Either that or get rid of the second Hardball at 7. She'd be a great lead-in to Keith.

I actually think Chris Kofinis would make a great press secretary for Obama. He's really good.

I don't necessarily think Rachel needs a regular cohost. She can carry a show by herself like Keith does. She's proven that when she's subbed for him.

political affairs and tragedies channels and I am on your side. The joke is that if they didn't have the horse race of politics and tragic events occurring anywhere in the world they would have no content whatsoever.:P :P

after Countdown. I like your idea and really like Kifinus. They compliment each other well...

Why wouldn't you have Rachel Maddow organize her show as she sees fit? She's a great writer and did excellent shows of her own on Air America.

It has been frustrating seeing Rachel pushed into other shows. She's done brilliantly at packing a lot of content into the 5-second openings she's been given on panels of 4. But she would really shine as the person who directs and leads those discussions.

Rachel is just getting started in building her career/legacy in television. In radio, she had cohosts at first, and then demonstrated her ability to work alone. But I don't think it's about whether she could handle it alone...it's about MSNBC and ratings. They would have to find a chemistry that would be special enough to attract new viewers. Maybe it would involve Rachel working alone, maybe not. (Even Keith had to share time in the early days...still does in his sports reporting.) It just doesn't seem so outrageous to me to think that she might have an even better with a good co-host.

That's all. I admire her and want to see what she'd produce if she were in charge.

I always like seeing her on MSNBC.

--IMM

He'd be great as part of the production team.