2008 Election MVP: Chuck Todd

As we spend this Father's Day mourning the loss of Tim Russert, we should celebrate the gift that Russert gave to this year's election-- NBC Political Director Chuck Todd.

Until recently, I've avoided the loudmouths and pundits of cable news. This primary season, I started off watching CNN's coverage. Slowly, I moved over to MSNBC. And though Matthews and Olbermann are entertaining to watch, it was Chuck Todd that kept me tuned.

I believe Russert hired Todd because he saw a younger version of himself in Todd-- hard-working, humble, smart, and honest. Although Todd is no Russert, by any stretch of the imagination, they have a lot of the same qualities. Good qualities.

Watching Todd work throughout the primary season has been fun and informative. His general election analysis will no doubt be just as insightful. Russert's greatest gift to us this election cycle wasn't his declaration that the race was over for Hillary, it was the hiring last year of Chuck Todd.

Apparently, my respect for Todd is shared by others. Here is a great article written by Howie Kurtz and an actual, honest to goodness, Chuck Todd fan site. Chucky T., you rock!

CKY