What do you want from rachel maddow?

When it was announced that Rachel Maddow (KPTK m-f, 3-6p) was to have her own MSNBC show, she asked the audience to shout out suggestions. We've been so busy, what with the conventions, Vacation Bible School, and the zucchini harvest, we've not been able to think about it much.

Next Monday is the day: so here are some suggestions, and advisements jotted on a scrap of paper we found in a bathrobe pocket:

1. Kent Jones ...now!
It would be so lovely to have his comic writing and off-beat voice on your show again. You did so well together before he was rif-ed by Air America from radio show. He could help make The Rachel Maddow Show de MSNBC sparkly.

2. Real debate with people who disagree with you
You' were good with Mike Murphy, and Pat Buchanan in the last few days, they're formidable, and one of your strongest suits is your ability to make fair, substantive arguments and look like you're having a good time doing it. Russert could be some of the model: Ms Nice Guy, prepared and tough, not mean, and likable enough that Republicans would come on your show. You could do a nice grilling but slavering on the nice-nice sauce that's made you so popular. It'd serve to distinguish you from Keith which, for a number of reasons would be a good thing.

3. More smart women!
You've set an example of a young, attractive woman sharp as cheese. Fox News has set an example of cute & stupid, lip-glossed neoconcubines or hard-edged, right-wing scolds like Coulter, Malkin, and Ingraham. Let's see more like you -- young, funny, smart, progressive and likable. We're thinking Tanya Acker, Allison Stewart, Norah O'Donnell. (Leave pretty-faced stealtheocon Michelle Barnard to send thrills up Matthews' leg). There must be many more -- maybe they could come out (so to speak) on your show.

4. More bloggers, radio talkers, and other new media
Such as Matt Taibbi; Josh Marshall, Sam Seder, Matt Stoller, and Thom Hartmann. One of the things we like about you is you're a West Coaster: there's a difference in the voice of people from out here. We're conversational, and relaxed in a way that's attractive. (Barack Obama has shown that in spades, so to speak). Seattle's Dan Savage is always a funny, off-beat, seldom-heard voice, or Ari Melber, Ron Reagan, Harry Shearer.

Any one else have any suggestions?

 

Comments

[Puget Sound]

Double yes to Dan Savage. That is a very talented man with a unique take on things. Very willing to show some perspective and not be afraid to go against stereotypes. He is also a talented writer.

[sparky]

Add a live audience..not the kind standing behind her this week, but more like Jon Stewart. Yes to Kent Jones and Allison Stewart.
And to be REALLY different..start each show like she does her radio gig...news from Iraq and life in wartime. NOBODY talks about Iraq anymore.

[Duffman]

I would seriously like to see Rachel have a chance at anchoring the Meet-The-Press show on NBC. Tom Brokow is not doing it for me in replacement of Tim Russert; but I think Ms Maddow just might do the trick.

[Shelly]

I agree about adding more voices to the conversational mix. One thing I find incredibly annoying about most cable chat shows is that the same people say the same things every night. Having a few semi regulars is a great idea, but Rachel shouldn't rely on them exclusively. To the west coasters I'd like to add some people from the rest of the country. Interview regional bloggers or other writers, or activists on particular issues. I'd also like to see some of what I call Rachel's alt-sensibilities come to the surface. Give us geeks and nerds something to look forward to every once in awhile.

Oh, no radio talk show hosts, please. Most of them, even on the left, are loud-mouths who use their TV appearances to preen for the radio audience.

[joanie]

Norah O'Donnell?

Ditto above. Esp. Iraq News segment.

Lots and lots of guest not generally heard. No gov types or beltway hacks. Writers who can add something to the conversation: Klein, Mayer, Ritter, Susskind...we need information that isn't reactive and emotional but is still interesting. She's the talent that can get that done.

Can't wait to watch!

[nevets]

Kent Jones. Keep the hack off the air. If he was any good he would be working somewhere else now but all he is doing is sulking that AA kicked his rear end off the air.

What she needs to do is get rid of them moles. Talk sensible and try not to go for the homerun. I would beleive her more on her points she makes if she ddn't throw in a couple of them DEAN talking points to keep the party happy.

Oh, and shorten that neck. Its freakishly to long.

[Sylvia]

what a freak you are, Nevest. Such crap is why rightwingers will never be able to convince us of their suddenly anti-sexist, all-inclusive, everyone is wonderful crap they're trying to sell us with the golden girl from alaska . You are what the left accuses Kos trolls of being. Fact is, Maddow is attractive, successful, smarter than you and doesn't need personal attacks on appearance to make her points. When is the homophobia going to start, you asshole?

[sparky]

wow.

Steven, how do you know Kent Jones is sulking??

[Brian]

I Like Rachel and listen to her often.
However, I really can't stand it when she slips into that smirky voice she uses when divulging something that is causing or will cause harm to this country.
I understand her wanting to show the present administration in the poorest light but finding glee in things that are ultimately bad for our country and citizens is a bit sick in my book.

Oh,that and the moles.
Maybe she could get a connect the dots tattoo.

[Upton]

How about an imitation of Dan Abrams? In fact, why don't they put Abrams back on instead?

Maddow's ok, I agree with her politically, but she comes across a bit on the masculine side and that just sort of creeps me out.

[howie in seattle]

I am only going to forgive you for leaving me off the "Rachel List" because your reference to the zucchini harvest made laugh. Could you please provide some zucchini recipes pronto (maybe Sunday?--your foodie day here).

[chucks]

Eeewww Bart
Maybe chaps with bare butt, spurs, a whip and a cowboy hat.
Or maybe just a little balance to show olbermann what an idiot he is.

[orcas]

My suggestion to Maddow: Wear a dress. You are a woman goddamit. Act like a woman. And grow out that butch haircut. Your name is Rachel Maddow not GI Joe.

[Ben]

Maybe she can borrow one of yours!

[Eatit]

What a LOAD OF GARBAGE.
It's cute that you put in "MORE WOMEN" because if you hadn't, women wouldn't be mentioned as guests. Look at your list of bloggers and take accountability for your own sexism.
Grab a slice of ignorance as well because Kent Jones is not Rachel's creation or something that showed up first on her show. Lizz Winstead -- the one woman you couldn't think to name -- put him and AAR together. She had him do his comedy on Unfiltered. The show she hired Rachel for. In other words, Rachel owes Lizz big time and you can't even think to suggest her as a guest?

[sparky]

In case you dont post a new thread about her show tonight, Bla'M...
Rachel's show is even better than Keith's...the only thing she needs is to have Pat Buchanan swinging in a cage behind her! She keeps referring to him as her fake Uncle...heh

[Coiler]

it was good to see Kent Jones back, too.

[joanie]

Darn, I missed it!

Rachel had Winstead on as a guest on her radio show a very short time ago. Gave her lots of time and credit for everything.