In Depth

Chuck Todd, NBC News Political Director

By Michele Greppi

Background: Mr. Todd knows politics from the inside out, having worked on state initiatives in his home state of Florida and national campaigns based in Washington, D.C., before joining the National Journal’s “Hotline” in 1992.

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During the next 15 years, he helped “Hotline” grow from a single daily political briefing to a major player on the political scene, eventually becoming its editor-in-chief. He moderated a presidential candidate debate in Iowa in 2004. By the time he was named NBC News’ political director in 2007, he had become a familiar face on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” and on MSNBC, and a familiar byline to readers of Atlantic Monthly, the New York Times and the Washington Post. He had been on the Washingtonian’s list of “50 Best Journalists” and was one of George magazine’s 50 most influential people in politics. He also teaches a graduate-level course in political communications at Johns Hopkins University. Not that he’s got tons of spare time. As political director, he is responsible for every aspect of NBC’s political coverage, including editing “First Read,” NBC’s political briefing, in addition to writing a weekly column for MSNBC.com.

Buzz: Hired by the late Tim Russert, who may have recognized something of himself in Mr. Todd, the political director is another everyman who crossed over into the spotlight and developed a rather amazing grace—no matter how many hours he puts in on- and off-camera, how many sources he works and how many admiring TV beat reporters he takes calls from. He has inspired adoring Web sites, something no other candidates for the Russert chair on “Meet the Press” has done. No matter which way NBC News goes with its biggest decision since tapping Meredith Vieira as Matt Lauer’s co-anchor on “Today,” someone will likely be going elsewhere. It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t think Mr. Todd would leave the biggest hole in the news division’s future since Mr. Russert’s untimely death.

Comments 28

ciniowa

I have been a "fan" of Chuck Todd for many years. I watched him on c-span and I loved the fact that I had no idea what his political "leanings" were. He is that much of a professional. It doesn't hurt that he is "handsome as heck", as well.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 1, 2008 3:00 AM

CarolinaGirl

Chuck has done a great job as political director, but he's not the one to replace Russert. Then again, who can? I only know it's time to give Brokaw his well-earned retirement. Let's move Andrea Mitchell into Meet the Press and give some of the youngsters some time to grow into the job.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 2, 2008 11:42 AM

JDofDE

I respectfully disagree with CarolinaGirl and think Chuck Todd IS the man to fill Russert's very large shoes. Most people never saw or have forgotten how TR had to grow as an interviewer in his early years on MTP. So will Todd. The trait they share is their understanding of people/politics and their knack of seeing the coming trends. NBC can survive the departure of David Gregory easier than the loss of Chuck Todd. Andrea deserves the more independent role of her own show that replaces Chris Mathews when he leaves to run for US Senate in next year. Chuck Todd's mind is as close as one come to Russert's.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 3, 2008 9:52 AM

Angel Ocasio

You most be kidding, Chuck Todd's polling numbers were wrong as were most of his projections during the past two election cycles. I agree that he is of the same mind set as Tim Russert, as educated men they have no particular outstanding qualities.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 3, 2008 11:29 AM

Todd Chuckles

Chuck Todd is an idiot who belongs behind a computer writing for newspaper. Everytime he comes on tv, I flip the channel. The man has no gravitas.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 4, 2008 10:56 AM

Frank Darabont

You said it Chuckles. Chuck Todd stinks.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 4, 2008 10:57 AM

Sierra Carpenter

Everything Chuck Todd appears on tv, my cable goes out. Is there any connection?

Reply to this comment
Posted December 4, 2008 10:59 AM

Amy Fields

Chuck Todd has a face only a mother could love.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 4, 2008 11:02 AM

Zach Connelly

More like UP CHUCK Toad

Reply to this comment
Posted December 4, 2008 11:20 AM

Stellar

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Reply to this comment
Posted December 4, 2008 11:30 AM

Samuel C.

I like Chucky T. I admit he's got no gravitas, but his political projections weren't that far off base. AND BY THE WAY, Angel Ocasio, Tim Russert was an amazing individual whose education and intelligence only begin to tell the story. I just don't see how you could say Tim had no outstanding qualities. You should youtube an interview of his and see the way he made hardened political personas cringe.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 4, 2008 11:49 AM

Fred Patech

No one can replace Russert... but if there were a line, Todd wouldn't even be in the top 10.

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Posted December 4, 2008 11:57 AM

Larry Babbit

Isn't Chuck Todd that guy who runs the Senate Banking Committee?

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Posted December 4, 2008 2:41 PM

Trulee

Chuck Todd was Nate Silver before Nate Silver was cool.

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Posted December 4, 2008 2:52 PM

Patty P

Wish we could have more Chuck Todd on TV. When he comes on, he is always a bright light. Very knowledgeable and likeable. Give him his own show.

Reply to this comment
Posted December 9, 2008 9:35 PM

Nancy E

Chuck Todd is an intellecutal lightweight whose commentary ranges from the inane to the obvious. His question at President Obama's news conference was embarassing. Whenever he appears, I change the channel. His presence is a bad omen for the future of NBC News. Please take him off the White House beat.

Reply to this comment
Posted February 13, 2009 8:06 AM

vince hults

Todd is an embrassment, he;s not a reporter. He ask the most stupid questions at the daily press brieing.
Maybe he could use better staff help, promoted to soon. His opinion means nothing, that why he shouldn't offer it.
His book is not good toilet paper. He should be sitting in the very last seat, very last role and never be called on.

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