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Gregory To Get MTP Gig

Via John Cole, HuffPo reports David "Stretch" Gregory gets the Meet the Press gig. For those keeping score, on June 16, I wrote:

David Gregory is a lock imo.

Just sayin' From Politico - "Gregory also speaks French and is an avid oenophile . . ." A great segue to this:

President Bush made fun of David Gregory, the White House correspondent for NBC, for asking a question in French of President Jacques Chirac of France at a news conference by the two leaders on May 27 in Paris. . . . 'Very good, the guy memorizes four words, and he plays like he's intercontinental,'' Mr. Bush said of Mr. Gregory. ''I'm impressed. Que bueno. Now I'm literate in two languages.'' Mr. Bush was using the Spanish phrase for ''how wonderful,'' as the deluge of articles about the incident pointed out the next day.

Can you believe we survived 8 years of that idiot?

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  • Display: Sort:
    No (5.00 / 5) (#8)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:03:56 AM EST
    is the answer to BTD's last question.

    They say a president ages faster in office - Well, so do the citizens when their president is an idiot.

    And I'll add that several thousand did not (5.00 / 3) (#12)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:12:08 AM EST
    survive who almost surely would have under Al Gore.

    Parent
    I was hoping for Ifel (5.00 / 3) (#15)
    by samtaylor2 on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:20:57 AM EST
    Though I didn'think it would happen.  

    Plenty of people didn't survive. (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by Salo on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:35:29 PM EST
    How could the press have been so deferential to a boor like Bush?

    I think Bush will probably go away (none / 0) (#31)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:44:42 PM EST
    and hide, but I'd almost rather he didn't.
    If he makes public appearances and gives interviews, he will be subject to a LOT more criticism, IMO.
    He can help bury his legacy by remaining visible  and vocal in the next few years.

    Parent
    Bush often flaunted his anti-intellectualism. (5.00 / 3) (#33)
    by lucky leftie on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:51:12 PM EST
    Perhaps the voters who wanted a president they could drink a beer with found his willful ignorance endearing.  

    As for Gregory, I can't think of a single instance in which he distinguished himself over the past 8 years.  However, I don't watch NBC so perhaps I missed something.  In my mind, he's no better and no worse than the rest of the WH stenographers.  And I cringe when I recall him serving as Karl Rove's backup dancer.

    There was that one time (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Lil on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:55:15 PM EST
    that Gregory went toe to toe with Press Secretary that he seemed to distinguish himself. I forget the details, but I remeber Gregory goin' at it.

    Parent
    Light years less than thrilled about Gregory (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by byteb on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:54:14 PM EST
    for MTP.

    Since he's become an on air 'personality' on NBC, he hasn't been especially impressive or insightful. He just regurgitates the thoughts of others. HIs 1600 Pennsylvania Ave show is kinda pathetic. It's a safe choice for NBC. Blandness conquers all.

    You still post at TalkLeft? (none / 0) (#37)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:59:03 PM EST
    Surprising that.

    Parent
    You just noticed? (none / 0) (#38)
    by byteb on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 01:02:09 PM EST
    Yep (none / 0) (#39)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 01:02:56 PM EST
    Then I guess i've been flying below the radar (none / 0) (#40)
    by byteb on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 01:07:43 PM EST
    for the last few months because I've been here.

    However, if you don't want me to post on your threads, let me know...no hard feelings.

    Parent

    Not at all (none / 0) (#46)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 02:13:38 PM EST
    I thought you thought poorly of us, not the other way around.

    I am happy to have you.

    Parent

    Thanks (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by byteb on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 04:28:56 PM EST
    Sometimes in the midst of the political fire fight I might get a bit too impassioned in expressing disagreement, but I respect all of you a great deal.

    Parent
    He slipped into open advocacy... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Salo on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 01:35:16 PM EST
    ...one too many times.  He was an early fan of both Bush around 2000 and in 2006 for Obama. It would look unethical.  Although Gregory dancing with Carl "five bellies" Rove is a close second.

    Finis coronat opus (5.00 / 0) (#49)
    by cal1942 on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 02:57:03 PM EST
    Can you believe we survived 8 years of that idiot?

    It's not over yet.  There are still 49 days left.  Plenty of time for a closing flourish.


    Ugh (none / 0) (#1)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 10:28:26 AM EST
    I was kinda hoping for Ted Koppel. Though who knows how much better he really would have been (I did have high hopes for Brokaw. . .)

    Brokaw? (none / 0) (#23)
    by Blowback on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:20:59 PM EST
    yech! Charlie Gibson with gray hair. pompous

    Parent
    With Brokaw (none / 0) (#25)
    by imhotep on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:28:28 PM EST
    it's Meet the Republicans.

    Parent
    Is Gregory the best they could get? (none / 0) (#2)
    by hairspray on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 10:32:13 AM EST


    No, but (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by NYShooter on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:10:49 PM EST
    when was that ever a deterrent?

    Kind of like Anderson Cooper replacing Aaron Brown; pizzazz trumps meaningful analysis every time.


    Parent

    That's Entertainment! (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by cal1942 on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 03:04:30 PM EST
    I had forgotten Aaron Brown. (none / 0) (#56)
    by hairspray on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 04:57:29 PM EST
    I was really disgusted when they dumped him.  I always watched him.  He was thoughtful and measured.

    Parent
    well, better than (none / 0) (#3)
    by Stellaaa on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 10:38:29 AM EST
    the other crowd, in a vapid kind of way.  Brokow was awful.  I still prefer the little Greek boy, Georgie.  Better set design.  Do you think they will finally upgrade the digs.  

    Parent
    LOL - I love the little Greek boy's new set too (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:01:28 AM EST
    I can look past George Will and out the window.

    I was hoping for Koppel on MTP, but I hope Gregory is better than Russert. Maybe he will actually ask questions rather then read quotes at people.

    Parent

    Ruffian, (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Stellaaa on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 01:43:45 PM EST
    that is exactly why I like it.  It reminds you that the pundits are not that important.  

    Parent
    I always like a good view of national monuments (none / 0) (#45)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 02:11:18 PM EST
    and I don't mean Sam Donaldson!

    I really do love that view. Good for them for getting such a prime location, and using it so well.

    Parent

    Or do (none / 0) (#50)
    by cal1942 on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 03:03:41 PM EST
    gotchas.

    Parent
    I thought that he'd get it too. But, I'm not (none / 0) (#4)
    by DeborahNC on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 10:53:00 AM EST
    necessarily feeling too positive about it. He looked a little too chummy with Rove when they were "trying" to dance at that correspondent's(?) dinner.

    Of course, he'd have to be an insider to get the job.

    I've been criticized for focusing on the trivial (none / 0) (#42)
    by Joelarama on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 01:24:29 PM EST
    because I cannot let go of Gregory's participation in that Karl Rove rap skit.  I don't care.  It was serious bad judgment.  It was a tell.  

    Parent
    Absolutely a tell, the worst judgment, (none / 0) (#57)
    by sallywally on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 05:00:19 PM EST
    imaginable, total lack of integrity, snd profound disrespect for the principles of journalism.

    Unspeakably bad, plus he's dumb looking and has no pizzazz whatever.

    Parent

    sorry, jeralyn,,,, (none / 0) (#58)
    by sallywally on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 05:11:19 PM EST
    ungracious of me.

    Parent
    Koppel was my choice too (none / 0) (#5)
    by Lil on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 10:55:44 AM EST
    Last couple of days I heard Rachel Maddow's name mentioned. That actually would shock me. Much as I like her, that would be an unprecedented meteoric rise (from Air America to MTP). I don't think the good old boys would be ready for that much change in one year. Again, as a fan of hers, I don't think she's done her time yet. Happy with her ratings but she would need to show she can sustain it for more than a few months, I would think. I don't think Gregory is a terrible choice, just boring.

    David Gergen (none / 0) (#6)
    by Jlvngstn on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 10:56:35 AM EST
    too bad he was not considered, he is the best commentator on the airwaves.  Also bright enough to ask the right follow up questions and is more prepared than any talking head on the telly these days,...

    there's a vast difference (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:09:03 AM EST
    between being a pundit and an anchor, a guest and a moderator. Very different skill sets. Gergen may have the former in your opinion, but like most pundits, he does not have the latter.

    Parent
    Gergen (none / 0) (#52)
    by cal1942 on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 03:06:18 PM EST
    is also a Republican.

    Parent
    David Gregory (none / 0) (#9)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:07:24 AM EST
    is a long-time acquaintance of mine since he covered the McVeigh OKC bombing trial in 1996 in Denver. (He later married the prosecutor and got benched from covering the Nichols trial since they had begun dating by then.) After that, we appeared together often on Rivera Live and other MSNBC shows when I was an MSNBC analyst.

    Commenters here may criticize his selection for MTP, but please refrain from personal attacks and insults about him.

    I hope that you will tell him (none / 0) (#16)
    by Radiowalla on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:23:18 AM EST
    that many people who saw that press conference were impressed with his excellent French and commend him for showing Chirac the courtesy of addressing him in his native tongue.

    I took Bush's insulting comment to Gregory quite personally myself.

    Parent

    You mean in the comments no? (none / 0) (#17)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:23:32 AM EST
    I do not think referring to him as Stretch is an insult.

    Parent
    yes, I specifically said (none / 0) (#20)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:10:49 PM EST
    commenters. Stretch is not a personal insult or attack. However, while we are on the topic, no more calling Brian Williams "blow dried." All anchors are blow dried -- or an airhead those are personal attack. Thanks.

    Parent
    I walked into that one (none / 0) (#24)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:21:25 PM EST
    I was shocked Gregory lasted after (none / 0) (#11)
    by DeborahNC on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:10:27 AM EST
    he was reprimanded by Dubya for DARING to speak French. After that, it's amazing Bush didn't give him a nickname other than "Stretch."

    Something more effete, maybe?

    I liked Gregory more back in those days.

    Great phrase: (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:14:51 AM EST
    "elliptical information."

    As in:

    The executives provided elliptical information that did not either raise or preclude the possibility that a supporting cast could be named along with Gregory.
     [Politico.]

    When Bush mocked Gregory for speaking (none / 0) (#14)
    by Radiowalla on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:19:13 AM EST
    French, he showed what a classless boor we have as President.  I remember that press conference quite well and I thank you for resurrecting the quote.

    At the time I thought how wonderful it would have been if Bush had said to Gregory, "It's always a pleasure to see Americans who learn a second language.  You're a great role model, David."

    Thank God, January 20 is on the horizon.  

    If W had responded as you would have hoped, (5.00 / 2) (#18)
    by DeborahNC on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:26:11 AM EST
    then we'd have a different world today, because the W we're eager to dump on January 20, wouldn't be the same W that would have responded to David in such an enlightened manner.

    Parent
    Great comment (none / 0) (#19)
    by Democratic Cat on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:02:51 PM EST
    In one sentence, you crystalized the difference between being a jerk and being gracious. Would that Bush had been the latter.

    Parent
    Oenophile, eh? (none / 0) (#22)
    by wystler on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:17:33 PM EST
    I guess there's something I'd be able to discuss with him in a civil tone, should the occassion ever present itself. (Or will somebody discover that his cellar is overstocked with white zin?)

    or (none / 0) (#27)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:30:10 PM EST

    Or Pagan Pink.  :)

    Parent
    whether or not we survived (none / 0) (#26)
    by Turkana on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:29:28 PM EST
    is yet to be determined.

    Only a couple of million didn't, give or take. (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:34:11 PM EST
    Mainly Iraqis. (none / 0) (#30)
    by Salo on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:43:24 PM EST
    And Afghans.  

    Although you could argue that the foreign policy shift of the last 8 years is a sign of terminal decline. Given that China and India are going to become the workshops of the works--we in the west are side tracked into the task of whacking phantom terrorists in rocky outcrops in the Hindu Kush.

    In response to this futile reality the bright idea of the foreign policy establishment is to re-brand the US with a billion dollar election. One that gives America a new user friendly spokesman to sell the same foreign policy as the last president.  The futility of this gesture piled on the futility of the national situation makes me chuckle.

    Parent

    Actually LOTS of Americans died, due (none / 0) (#32)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:46:37 PM EST
    to the side effects of financial distress.


    Parent
    That could be rolled into... (none / 0) (#34)
    by Salo on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:52:20 PM EST
    ...adjustment America is making to the growing economic status of India and China.  They make everything, and America is just another sales territory.

    Parent
    Katrina (n/t) (none / 0) (#54)
    by Spamlet on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 04:07:50 PM EST
    David Gregory with Jay Leno (none / 0) (#47)
    by wurman on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 02:24:51 PM EST
    in reference to Bu$h xliii & the ability to parlez vous francais
    You Tube
    There're 4 levels of the joke here over a time of 2 years.

    Stretch pretty funny there (none / 0) (#48)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 02:39:26 PM EST