In a recent development, Keith Olbermann, the former host of MSNBC, launched a scathing attack on Chuck Todd, the outgoing host of "Meet the Press," following Todd's announcement of his departure from the show.
Olbermann's criticism was particularly pointed in response to Todd's assertion that he took pride in his role in educating the American public during his tenure at "Meet the Press." Olbermann retorted, "The amazing thing is, [Todd] really thinks he did that, rather than set back journalism and democracy by 100 years." He further added, "Don't let the door hit you in the a--, Fraud. BOTH SIDES of the door[.]"
Todd, who had taken over the reins of "Meet the Press" from predecessors Tom Brokaw and Tim Russert, had stated that his primary objective was to bridge the understanding gap between ordinary Americans and the political machinery of Washington, D.C.
"For nearly a decade Ive had the honor of explaining Washington to America and America to Washington," Todd said on Sunday. "And its that education piece that Im hanging my hat on for the rest of my professional life."
Sunday marked Todd's final day as the host of "Meet the Press," with Kristen Welker, NBC's White House correspondent, set to succeed him. Todd expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "The last nine years as moderator of the longest running show on television has been the honor of my professional life, and as I prepare to pass the baton to the next custodian, it is a privilege to pass it to someone who needs no introduction."
Welker, in turn, thanked Todd for his mentorship and expressed her readiness to take on the new role. "I am ready, Chuck, and I just want to say I am also so thankful and grateful to you for this moment for entrusting me with this monumental, important role," she said. "I take this responsibility so seriously."
The exchange between Todd and Olbermann is the latest in a series of public disagreements between the two. In 2020, Todd appeared to dismiss Olbermann as a member of the "very far left in the media world."
Olbermann has since used his X account to repeatedly criticize Todd, with comments such as "Chuck Todd is the Kyrsten Sinema of Chuck Todds," and "At this point, some rando grunting uh huh' or nuh while he scarfs a large Cheesesteak would offer more insight as the host of Meet The Press than Chuck Todd."
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