Gregory To Get MTP Gig

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Media
Posted on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 10:24:52 AM EST
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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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Gregory To Get MTP Gig | 56 comments (56 topical)

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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.

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.

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.

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.


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.


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.


: 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.

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

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


: With Brokaw (none / 0) (#25)
by imhotep on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:28:28 PM EST

it's Meet the Republicans.

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.


: 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.

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.


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.


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.


: 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.

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

gotchas.


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.


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.


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

ungracious of me.

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.


: Gergen (none / 0) (#52)
by cal1942 on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 03:06:18 PM EST

is also a Republican.

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.


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.


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.


: 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.

: 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.

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. :)

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.


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.


: 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.

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