Great start -- uplifting and informative. Congratulations to all at NBC who bet on Mr. Gregory, but especially to Betsy Fischer and all the rest who put today's panel together. I wish the show could have run another hour. I'm sure Tim would have been very proud that all have carried on so well.

Hi, thanks for the comment. As you can see from the review, I agree. I think they have carry on the proud tradition -- and are shaping a program for the future. Z

A Republican shill!

Are you saying Gregory is a Republican shill? Z

The only problem I had was when Scott said the mart is doing better with their health insurance issues--Mr. Gregory should have asked him what per cent of his employees children are in the s-chip program and what "doing better" really means. American tax payers are having to pick up the health tab for their employees-no wonder the mart is doing well.

Hello, Yes this is a great point, and you are absolutely right. Gregory should have come back at him there. I suspect he was afraid of that volatile issue (Wal-Mart's record on employee healthcare) derailing the discussion. But he should have risked it. I also think the prior talk in the discussion about the inability of the auto companies to compete with car makers in countries that have universal health care had elicited a kind of consensus that America needs to provide such care (not because it is the right thing to do, but because the corporations say they can't compete globally unless they can get the cost of health care out of their bottom lines). But your point is a good one, and I bet in a month or so when he is more comfortable, Gregory takes these CEOs on a bit more. Thanks so much. Z

David Gregory's not a bad choice, but I was really hoping they were grooming Chuck Todd for the job. He's everywhere on MSNBC and has a lot of political insight. Was it just too early in his career?

Hi Shawn, Thanks for the comment. I do not think it was too early with Todd. This will sound shallow, I know, but TV is a visual medium, and Todd is just not that telegenic. I know, Russert wasn't either, but the visual image of some performers can still work well even if it is not conventional. Russert came across as intense, hard-working, blue-collar, lunchbucket reporter onscreen. Todd has none of that hardness or edge to his image. This has nothing to do with his knowledge and intellect -- which I think are absolutely first-rate. But his visual image lacks definition and edge. Look, after 25 years of writing about TV and earning a Ph.D. in media studies, you know what I really believe? That no one understands TV images. For all the high-priced consultants, in the end, it is still alchemy. They point a camera at you, and the image that comes out the other end is something over which you have no control. I think, Todd just could not present a visual image that was commensurate with his vast knowledge and political acumen. Z

I know this is a little off-topic, but I wanted to follow-up a little on your response. You've definitely got a point about Todd being unconventional-looking, but by the same token, he looks a heckuva lot like many of the guys in my age bracket (late 30s-early 40s). In addition to appreciating his grasp of political matters, I find myself rooting for him because he's someone I can relate to. I loved Russert, but there was still an element of him being "my dad's newscaster." Maybe too many of my contemporaries get their news from the internet these days vs. network news for us to make much of a difference. Thanks for the article and the response.

Hi Shawn, Thanks again. Great point about the generational thing. I am 59, so maybe my comfort with Russert was generational. Now I am thinking maybe you are right about age. I will check on Todd's age, though, first. I thought late 40s. But I could be high in that estimate. Thanks. Z

David Gregory is ok, but he's not nearly as good as he thinks he is.

I thought the choice of David Gregory was right on the money. He is mature, he has the intellect, and he has a good mannerism on TV in this type of format. He came right out of the box today ala almost Tim Russert. I'm sure he will make his own mark on the show.I tried to send an E-mail to David congratulating hime but could not find the right site.

Hi Wayne, Posting a comment here is a good way to start. I am sure the folks at Meet the Press will read the review and comments. Monday a.m., I will try and find an email address for you. Thanks. Z

Well done, David Gregory! I enjoyed your exuberance, your command of the subjects discussed, your kind words to the ex-Gov regarding his wife's illness, and your general tone throughout the program. Tim would be proud of you!

Complaints:

Carly Fiorina should be banned from appearing on NBC (my favorite network for news) --- and, for that matter, all TV. She was fired from her CEO position at Hewlett Packard for a reason, people - she did a BAD job. I have no desire to watch her tilted-head, bobbing, phony-voiced visage on any show I watch in order to learn from knowledgeable, informed people (among which she is not!). Please don't have her on MTP again. What the hell qualifies her to be a pundit, anyway!?!

Mary Mitchell needs some remedial work on verb conjugation. Did she really say "shoulda came"?!? She sure did! I feel sad for this country if she exemplifies the current caliber of editorial writers at major U.S. newspapers. Note to the Chicago Sun-Time: I live in northern California and therefore don't read Chicago papers - I hope for the sake of your readership that you at least have good proofreaders on staff!

'... how innovation can get us out of the catastrophe the Bush administration has led us into.'

since you state this as a given, I'd love for you to follow up with some actual facts to back up your conclusion...

and I am sure that you were glad that they got that *cough* (democratic) scandal quickly 'out of the way within the first segment'. looks like there is now pressure on Emanuel to resign; that wouldn't be much of a story, now, would it? glad that MTP was able to drop it as fast as the Sun swept the scandal from its front page.

it's not as if you guys kept the Mark Foley story headlined for six weeks... oh, wait!

when the end comes for the Sun, it will honestly be a sad day. but there were + are plenty of people that have been pointing out what's wrong with your course. sadly, though, the only thing you guys are interested in doing is sticking it to Bush. well, good luck with that.

Congratulations to David Gregory and the staff of MTP for an impressive, impactfull debut! I was initially wary that Mr. Gregory, though a skilled and seasoned journalist, would not deliver the tough questioning characteristic of Mr. Russert's prosecutorial style that made the show unique among all the news magazines. Although Mr. Gregory does not have Tim Russert's booming voice, or Tom Brokaw's deep baritone, I was impressed that he brought back the style of hard questioning that was characteristic of Mr. Russert, and which the audience had missed, despite Mr. Brokaw's stature. The format of today's show was effective, and the pacing was perfect. The panel selected delivered insights and suggestions that viewers do not find in any other television format, and the pacing was excellent. Mr. Gregory maintained a good balance between all guests, and moderated the heated moments well. As a long-time viewer who has spent every Sunday morning in "the church of Tim Russert" (Gwen Ifel's coinage), I reaffirmed my commitment to spending Sunday mornings with Meet the Press and Mr. Gregory. Welcome aboard!

That's how news television is supposed to be: addressing the public. making the viewers feel like they're right there and he's talking to you. giving you that face-to-face experience that unique to watching television. good for you David Gregory

I agree that MTP with Gregory is an excellent start. The panel on economics was excellent and it was good to get Lee Scott's insight on the consumers' perspective . As for asking follow up, I don't think asking Scott about Walmart healthcare was germaine to the conversation at hand. MTP should devote a panel to discussing how businesses handle health care and can tie that to Walmart and the auto industries' benefit problems. Would make a great show.

Z,

Why is it that MSNBC gets "hammered" by media critics like yourself for its partisan turn, but Fox and, until recently, CNN/HN get off scot-free?

Why is it the when MSNBC is attacked, it's for Olbermann and Maddow and never for "Morning Joe", a show featuring a panel of Hannity wannabes with one Alan Colmes wannabe (Mika)?

Hi Howie, Fox News never got a free pass from me. You can go back through the archive here. Search "Hannity" and see for yourself. Thanks. Z

David Gregory is a REPUBLICAN Parrott --I noticed he did not have one Democratic Guest yesterday. I want opposing views. Not the same old tired Republican Talking point Gregory spouted from the White House press room. Poor choice and MTP has gone down hill steadly since Tim's passing. Gregory is an ego maniac and thinks more of himself than most of the viewing public.

I'm in the minority here. I'm no fan of David Gregory and am disappointed that NBC selected him to to succeed Tim Russert.

You are probably right about the new format fitting nicely with the new generation of information consumers and providers. But Gregory is symptomatic of too many contemporary broadcast journalists who believe that the story is as much about them as it about the topic.

I'll watch CBS and ABC on Sunday mornings.

Thanks.

There's only one problem with your GLORIOUS BEGINNING...

David Gregory is awful as a moderator and suspect as a journalist. While the handful of liberals in this country are patting you on the back, you're going to lose audience by the droves...

AND YOU FOOLS WILL THINK IT'S THE AUDIENCE'S FAULT!

Hello Tony, thanks for the comment. Please see the other comments that say Gregory is a tool of the conservatives. If both the right and the left are critical of him, maybe he really is playing it down the middle. That's what happens here -- folks from the right and the left are sometimes critical that we are not partisan enough for their tastes. I think that is a good thing. Thanks. Z

I've always liked David Gregory and was thrilled when he was chosen to host MTP. Like you point out, David Z, he will update the show into the 21st century and - with Betsy's guidance - will make the show relevant to the concerns of Americans. David G is likable, personable, and has a great sense of humour. Did anyone watch him on Jay Leno?

Right after Tim Russert died, I read where he said that he wanted his eventual replacement to be Chuck Todd. Great choice. However, I think that Tim also felt that he would be around for a lot longer and by then Todd would be groomed for that seat. David Gregory is a little more mainstream but a good choice for now. Just a bit too early for Chuck Todd. But NBC, listen up.....don't lose Chuck Todd to ANYONE. He's great!

Z-- It is very disturbing to see Carly Fiorina expound her views on MTP or any roundtable or political show. She is an illustration of a MAJOR problem in American business: awarding big money farewells (aka "golden parachutes") to outgoing CEOs, including those who are sacked for failed leadership (eg. Fiorina). So, unless being questioned about the greed v. need nature of such salary/bonus plans, and the necessity of scrapping boards of directors who approve such plans, can Fiorina really offer an admirable perspective re: bailouts, etc.??

Hi Lisa, In truth, I cannot disagree with one thing you say about Fiorina. There were ethical issues involved as well when she led Hewlett-Packard. I thank you for raising these valid and important points. And I am sure many readers agree with you. Z

I am amazed at how partisan this audience of reviewers is. While it is true that the majority of guests could be defined as on the right, or Republicans, the bulk of their responses were decidedly leaning to the so-called left. I have learned to dislike what Walmart stands for, but was impressed by what the outgoing CEO had to say, especially in terms of the value of Federal programs to give a helping hand. Of all the participants, Eric seemed to have his head screwed on best.

Gregory was commendable in a very tough position, when comparing a
master (Russert) to a relative novice. He is early in developing his routine, but I thought I heard a lot of Tim in him. And who could ever think that he was a shill for the R group - no way!

I also must compliment Governer Granholm who, while championing her home states's major industry, seemed down to earth, confident, sincere and brilliant.

We need more of this, but it needs to be elevated from just Sunday A.M. viewing to something more broad in it's appeal.

Wow, I can't believe a rather innocuous review of Meet The Press and David Gregory couls create such a little fire-storm. You still have the touch to stir it up without meaning to (well in this case). Gregory is going to do fine. I do agree with Shawn that Chuck Todd could have done it, as a matter of fact there is something in his intensity and love of the political game that Russert had. For the yahoo who said that the reason the Sun would be going out of business was so far off base...l.

JB

Hi JB, You are back. I can't tell you how happy I am to see a comment from you. Thanks for bringing your wisdom back to Z on TV. I hope you won't hold it againt me that a bit of editing was done on the comment. I am guessing you will understand. But if you have a problem with it, please email, and we can discuss. But please, stay with Z on TV. You bring real energy and insight to this conversation. Z

GOOD JOB DAVID I"M SURE TIM IS PROUD.I'M HAPPY FOR YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS

I USE TO ENJOY MEET THE PRESS BUT NOW IT IS A REPUBLICAN OUTLET
I AM AN INDEPENDENT VOTER
AND WANT WHAT IS GOOD FOR THR USA I SEE NO MORE AMERICAN PATRIOTISM