Entirely too often I watch one of the MSNBC politi-chat shows–typically, “Hardball with Chris Matthews.” Like a lot of you, I have my political-junkie side. MSNBC is really the Fox News counterpart, only with lower ratings. But it can also be ideologically obnoxious, even though on the proper side of most, but not all, issues I care about.
A couple of observations.
Ever notice that when a guest is, in effect, trying out for a host role, they are so much more palatable? They don’t need a shtick and haven’t yet been asked to do marketing promos. They’re contributing, not starring. And, yes, Rachel Maddow would be Exhibit A.
Second, how does Chris Matthews keep his job after Michael Smerconish guest hosts for him? Smerconish is a superior interviewer and, unlike the regular host, never hucksters for his own side projects. He’s also not obsequious with guests, as Matthews is with his civil-rights heroes. Smerconish is a well-prepared professional who listens and doesn’t interrupt. As a result, I don’t find myself yelling at the TV because the host won’t let somebody finish a point.
I know these prime-time political programs thrive on conflict and reasoned civility only gets you time on the PBS NewsHour. But surely there are plenty of political junkies who don’t need a conflict fix every weeknight. Surely.