I dig Rachel. She's very good. I could see also Bill Moyers who is one of the fairest interviewers around. But I think a different kind of program should be envisioned for MTP. I think the panel format asking questions would be best. After all it's called "Meet the Press" and that's not exactly singular. Part of the program could be where the panelists have a conversation about the issues raised. Also have a segment where viewers responses and questions from the previous week are dealt with. The journalists can be from all segments of the media.

But Rachel doesn't fantasize about putting falafel on genitalia or has an addiction to painkillers that makes her a slurring, bumbling idiot, cpost916.

I think Rachel would be a good choice. For the poster that suggested that they might as well give it to Billo because he is as right as she is left, you forgetting a key point. O'Reilly is basically an entertainer/reporter. He has no political background having worked at Inside Edition and at television stations.

Meanwhile Rachel has a Doctorate in Political Science and was a Rhodes Scholar. Yes, she leans (ok, tilts) very left, but whose to say she could not be bipartisan on the MTP? Intelligence wise, Rachel would definitely be the top choice.

Out of all the talking heads, how many have even an undergrad degree in Poly Sci? Most probably have just journalism degrees. For example, Billo was a history major and then got a masters in broadcast journalism.

My guts tell me Rachel would get the highest ratings for MTP - she certainly has star quality - hot looks, intelligence, charm - I have never been into politics much but I've watched her show every day lately and I love it !!

Personally I think Maddow has the skills, knowledge and charisma to do a fine job but I just don't see her as a likely pick. After the NBC/MSNBC feud this year over MSNBC's election coverage, I don't think the NBC news division would find her a palatable choice since they view MSNBC as a non-objective entity that is diluting the NBC News name.

Further, the RNC could view her as a really biased choice and urge GOP members not to book MTP as they conflate Maddow with her positions on issues on her Air America and MSNBC shows.

I just don't think NBC News wants MTP to become controversial and seen as non-objective.

Rachel as a moderator? She never has more than one guest at a time on her show, which I find less stressful. I can absorb more info when only one person is talking at a time.

She is only critical of the left when they don't go left enough. I agree with Craig. Got to be someone that at least appears impartial. Sounds like this is just a liberal bloggers fantasy.

As much as I agree with her viewpoint, you have to have someone who gives the appearance at least of being impartial. Horrible idea.

Are you kidding me? That would be a horrible decision and would discredit this show's incredible non-partisan history. Let her have her show on MS-DNC and keep MTP the way it is. You might as well have O'Reilly take over the job, that would be the equivalent of suggesting Rachel take the reins. Give the job to Chuck Todd and call it a day, all the other NBC/MS-DNC clowns would be a disaster especially David Gregory or Andrea Mitchell.

My "sleeper" candidate was Bryant Gumbel until I heard about this, Maddow would be great in this role. But it would piss off just about every NBC newsman who's been there over one year. It would be fun.