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FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:35 PM Nov 2017

Willie Geist - rec if you think he should be the new Today Show host

By now everybody probably knows that Matt Lauer is out after 20+ years as the host of NBC's iconic Today Show.

So who's going to replace Matt Lauer? Maybe Willie Geist, who has been a frequent fill-in host while Matt or somebody else was out on vacation. Also he's been a regular on MSNBC for several years. Maybe Willie deserves the nod to be the permanent replacement on Today?

Rec if you think YES - or post your suggestion below.





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Willie Geist - rec if you think he should be the new Today Show host (Original Post) FakeNoose Nov 2017 OP
Do not like. WinkyDink Nov 2017 #1
Nooooo SummerSnow Nov 2017 #2
turning to the nearest male to solve the problem. NOT. librechik Nov 2017 #3
I want to suggest someone OTHER THAN Megyn Kelly FakeNoose Nov 2017 #14
No way. cwydro Nov 2017 #71
I'm not familiar with their line up, but maybe they should consider a woman. Arkansas Granny Nov 2017 #4
Are you suggesting that Megyn Kelly would be better? FakeNoose Nov 2017 #9
Given her ratings? I'm guessing "no" brooklynite Nov 2017 #11
OK then why did Andy Lack hire her? FakeNoose Nov 2017 #19
sop to his RW rich buddies. I'm sure they were pleased. librechik Nov 2017 #34
I'm just suggesting that women don't seem to be plagued with the inappropriate conduct that Arkansas Granny Nov 2017 #39
He's a douchebag. bathroommonkey76 Nov 2017 #5
I don't really have a horse in this race, but..... LisaM Nov 2017 #51
Geist seems like the type of guy who wallowed in the fraternity lifestyle while bathroommonkey76 Nov 2017 #69
l like a good laugh. LisaM Nov 2017 #70
No. Shifts with the wind. Kingofalldems Nov 2017 #6
Jon Stewart snooper2 Nov 2017 #7
I'd LOVE Jon Stewart FakeNoose Nov 2017 #10
Negative PJMcK Nov 2017 #8
If we don't say anything, it's gonna be Megyn Kelly FakeNoose Nov 2017 #12
Actually, I don't care about The Today Show PJMcK Nov 2017 #18
It won't be Megyn RockaFowler Nov 2017 #50
You need to look up her ratings. cwydro Nov 2017 #72
Why not two women? Justice Nov 2017 #13
That's what it will be FakeNoose Nov 2017 #22
Why not just leave it to Savannah and Hoda? madaboutharry Nov 2017 #15
Hoda already has a show FakeNoose Nov 2017 #21
Shes been a great, dependable and loyal utility player EffieBlack Nov 2017 #25
Hoda has the show with Cathy Lee Gifford FakeNoose Nov 2017 #33
I think shed be willing to give that up to host the Today Show EffieBlack Nov 2017 #35
No mainstreetonce Nov 2017 #16
Neither did Matt Lauer FakeNoose Nov 2017 #26
No. I like Willie but... ButSeeYa Nov 2017 #17
John Fulgesang or no one... (n/t) Moostache Nov 2017 #20
I like your spirit. Spelling however is off. " Fugelsang" librechik Nov 2017 #38
That would be a dream come true. Dave Starsky Nov 2017 #54
Hed be excellent! spooky3 Nov 2017 #80
I liked his Dad on CBS Sunday Morning. maveric Nov 2017 #23
Willie has been doing the Sunday morning show for NBC FakeNoose Nov 2017 #28
He's been a quasi-host on Morning Joe for a decade. And subbed on NBC shows as host. Honeycombe8 Nov 2017 #36
Lester Holt would be my choice TexasBushwhacker Nov 2017 #24
Going from Nightly News Anchor madaboutharry Nov 2017 #27
He's good and well liked. Don't know if his personality is light enough to do the human interest Honeycombe8 Nov 2017 #40
No Me. Nov 2017 #29
He probably will be. A way to become a very very rich guy. Honeycombe8 Nov 2017 #30
Don't care. Haven't watched Today in years. Geist is just a space filler anyway underpants Nov 2017 #31
I vote for Tamron Hall Tanuki Nov 2017 #32
ME TOO if they can get her FakeNoose Nov 2017 #37
Lmao! Megan Kelly??? Tipperary Nov 2017 #76
They need a man. They already have two females for the morning show. Diversity. nt Honeycombe8 Nov 2017 #41
That's why I'm suggesting Willie Geist, who fits right in FakeNoose Nov 2017 #42
No. Geist fits the bill. I was responding to the post suggesting Tamron Hall. Honeycombe8 Nov 2017 #43
On another thread people are saying FakeNoose Nov 2017 #44
I won't watch if it goes to Kelly mainstreetonce Nov 2017 #47
I don't think Kelly will get top spot. She's not doing well. I think they'll go with a man. Honeycombe8 Nov 2017 #61
meh TeamPooka Nov 2017 #45
Hell No lame54 Nov 2017 #46
I hope they'll give it to Craig Melvin or Sheinelle Jones. GoCubsGo Nov 2017 #48
I'm a fan of Willie's and Tamron Hall, but OldHippieChick Nov 2017 #49
No happy feet Nov 2017 #52
Sorry... Mike Nelson Nov 2017 #53
Likely will be... D_Master81 Nov 2017 #55
Too Frat-Boyish for my taste. MineralMan Nov 2017 #56
Maybe so, but his college days are long over FakeNoose Nov 2017 #57
He seems stiff, but I'm not one to judge. nt ecstatic Nov 2017 #58
That could obnoxiousdrunk Nov 2017 #63
Weird Al Yankovich would bring nuance. Sneederbunk Nov 2017 #59
Seriously, hes a very smart guy. spooky3 Nov 2017 #79
Why not Rush Limbaugh? Joe's little sidekick's just a pale shadow, Hortensis Nov 2017 #60
I like Lester Holt. cwydro Nov 2017 #62
Yes I like him too FakeNoose Nov 2017 #64
I have always liked Willie and I also like Craig Melvin. mentalsolstice Nov 2017 #65
Yes - agreed on all counts FakeNoose Nov 2017 #66
Willie was Tucker Carlson's smarmy sidekick on MSNBC RandiFan1290 Nov 2017 #67
Started out as a sportscaster FakeNoose Nov 2017 #68
And he's the smarmy sidekick on MJ now. "Tim, nice but dim" He'd be ideal for Today - plastic. OnDoutside Nov 2017 #74
too creepy yortsed snacilbuper Nov 2017 #73
Not only no Ghost of Tom Joad Nov 2017 #75
Jesus Christ NO! Jules Hey Nov 2017 #77
I nominate Keith Olbermann! spooky3 Nov 2017 #78
Yep I'll agree with that FakeNoose Dec 2017 #81
He's actually the first one I thought of to fill the position. Fla Dem Dec 2017 #82
To me Willie would be a "safe bet" for NBC FakeNoose Dec 2017 #83

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
14. I want to suggest someone OTHER THAN Megyn Kelly
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:51 PM
Nov 2017

It's gonna be her unless we start something right now.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
9. Are you suggesting that Megyn Kelly would be better?
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:46 PM
Nov 2017

For all we know, that could be Andrew Lack's plan. (Maybe this has been in the works for 6 months.)
I'd like to get people interested in somebody other than Megyn Kelly.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
19. OK then why did Andy Lack hire her?
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:54 PM
Nov 2017

I'll bet he's been planning this for a while. She's getting the host spot unless we say something really fast.
Actually I don't know it for sure, but it looks that way.

Arkansas Granny

(31,483 posts)
39. I'm just suggesting that women don't seem to be plagued with the inappropriate conduct that
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:17 PM
Nov 2017

the guys are accused of.

LisaM

(27,760 posts)
51. I don't really have a horse in this race, but.....
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 04:05 PM
Nov 2017

on what grounds do you consider Willie Geist a "douchebag"? (I don't actually care for, or use that term, just FYI). I find him to have a very dry sense of humor, and often very funny. Is there some specific incident you're referring to?

 

bathroommonkey76

(3,827 posts)
69. Geist seems like the type of guy who wallowed in the fraternity lifestyle while
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:53 AM
Nov 2017

at some expensive college under his parent's trust fund. Plus, he looks like a one of those douchebags you'd see walking around Macy's with a sweater tied around his neck during the holidays.

Sorry, I love using the term "douchebag" - especially against entitled overpaid TV personalities.

You actually find him funny? lol Ummm OK. I'd hate to ask you who your fav comedians are.

LisaM

(27,760 posts)
70. l like a good laugh.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:29 AM
Nov 2017

Willie Geist had me in fits of laughter one morning telling about Jon Gosselin's ex had broken into his apartment. "Good morning from New York where a terrible crime has just taken place". Everyone else on the panel was trying not to crack up.

Plus his great-grandfather played for the Detroit Red Wings.

Sandra Bernhard is a comedian I like. And I enjoyed Letterman's stand up.

PJMcK

(21,921 posts)
8. Negative
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:45 PM
Nov 2017

Far too often, he strikes a conservative pose with his questions or statements.

A woman with serious credentials would elevate and save The Today Show.

PJMcK

(21,921 posts)
18. Actually, I don't care about The Today Show
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:54 PM
Nov 2017

Megyn Kelly has failed to transition away from Fox News. I doubt she would be a serious candidate for Lauer's replacement.

But ultimately, it's a shitty show. I never watch it. And whatever happens to it has no relevance to my life. I'd just rather see them hire a woman than another generic, boring man. Women need more opportunities.

By the way, I'm a man.

RockaFowler

(7,429 posts)
50. It won't be Megyn
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 04:00 PM
Nov 2017

She can barely handle the show she's got now. Imagine her with 2 hours

It should be Hoda and then maybe a male from one of the NBC O&O's to read the news.

GMA had Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts for many years and it worked out well for them.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
22. That's what it will be
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:00 PM
Nov 2017

Megyn and Savannah, unless we start something right now.

Like a groundswell of hatred for Megyn Kelly, that would be nice.

madaboutharry

(40,152 posts)
15. Why not just leave it to Savannah and Hoda?
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:52 PM
Nov 2017

They don't need anyone else. These two women are capable of carrying the show by themselves.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
21. Hoda already has a show
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 02:58 PM
Nov 2017

Plus she's all over filling in on talk shows when somebody else is out.
I like Hoda but they're over-using her.

 

EffieBlack

(14,249 posts)
25. Shes been a great, dependable and loyal utility player
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:04 PM
Nov 2017

Time to bring her in as a full-time co-host. They can give Megyn the filll-in jobs ...

Hoda would definitely boost their ratings - the viewership a,on government black women alone would skyrocket - they’d certainly get me back.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
33. Hoda has the show with Cathy Lee Gifford
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:11 PM
Nov 2017

Maybe you don't watch during the daytime, but her show has been on for at least 10 years, maybe longer.
If Gifford is retiring, then maybe Hoda would be looking to do something else.

I agree with you that Hoda is exceptional as a talk show host, but I would consider her a lightweight on hard news. Maybe that's not fair, I've never seen her do hard news. (?)

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
26. Neither did Matt Lauer
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:04 PM
Nov 2017

He never appeared by himself - he always had at least 2 or 3 co-hosts on every show.
That's their regular format, and I'm sure it won't change no matter who replaces him.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
28. Willie has been doing the Sunday morning show for NBC
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:06 PM
Nov 2017

It's the weekend version of the Today show, he's been the host for a couple of years I think.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
36. He's been a quasi-host on Morning Joe for a decade. And subbed on NBC shows as host.
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:14 PM
Nov 2017

He's a savvy political host and guest, and does human interest, get-along-with-people segments, too.

Savannah Guthrie started out as a special political commentator on MSNBC.

I saw them both start out on MSNBC, and get promoted. Willie got promoted (I think he also has his own show?), but cont'd to appear on Morning Joe. He's a stand-in host, or a second banana host. He was in the 2nd banana slot this morning.

madaboutharry

(40,152 posts)
27. Going from Nightly News Anchor
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:05 PM
Nov 2017

to the Today show would be a massive demotion.

Lester Holt has the prize job now.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
40. He's good and well liked. Don't know if his personality is light enough to do the human interest
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:18 PM
Nov 2017

things a host of the Today Show has to do. Holt is pretty much a serious broadcaster, like Dan Rather.

But that would make him a very wealthy man. Even more so than he is now.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
30. He probably will be. A way to become a very very rich guy.
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:09 PM
Nov 2017

He's well liked and can do personal, human interest stories, as well as political heavyweight fare. He gets along with almost everyone.

Whether NBC will want to lose this guy to other shows, I don't know. But he's a shoe-in for this slot, if they decide they can do w/o him on MSNBC.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
37. ME TOO if they can get her
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:14 PM
Nov 2017

But I'm pretty sure Andy Lack has already decided on Megyn Kelly.

Remember when they made the announcement that Kelly got a big contract with NBC? Tamron Hall was quietly gone almost immediately. It broke my heart because I thought she was great.

 

Tipperary

(6,930 posts)
76. Lmao! Megan Kelly???
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 09:00 AM
Nov 2017

There is no way in hell. Her own ratings are abysmal, she has dragged the entire show’s ratings down as well. I would be willing to bet that they will look for a man anyway. But, Megan Kelly? Uh uh, that will not happen.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
42. That's why I'm suggesting Willie Geist, who fits right in
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:22 PM
Nov 2017

Unless maybe you have a better suggestion?

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
43. No. Geist fits the bill. I was responding to the post suggesting Tamron Hall.
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:28 PM
Nov 2017

While Hall was great on the show, they really need at least one man, for the male perspective & diversity. I think Geist would be good at it. Altho I'd hate to lose his political comments on MSNBC.

But I don't watch the Today Show, so .....

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
44. On another thread people are saying
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:35 PM
Nov 2017

...they should get back Ann Curry. Get back Natalie Morales, or Tamron Hall. Believe it or not, some of the old NBC show hosts have fans who remember them from years ago. I even saw Katie Couric's name mentioned.

The person making the decision is Andrew Lack, and he has to justify the huge salary he's paying Megyn Kelly. Guess what? He's been planning this for a while I think, and most of us would be very unhappy if the job goes to Kelly. I know I'll stop watching Today Show if she gets it.

mainstreetonce

(4,178 posts)
47. I won't watch if it goes to Kelly
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:46 PM
Nov 2017

I don't think it will.

I would like to see Curry or Morales back but not as main anchor. I do think they need a man.

I could go for a Couric comeback ,but they won't do that.

How about Joy Reid?

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
61. I don't think Kelly will get top spot. She's not doing well. I think they'll go with a man.
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 05:29 PM
Nov 2017

Otherwise, it'll look too much like a woman's show, a la The View. They need a man for perspective, different angles, different kind of humor, and diversity.

Curry has her own PBS show starting in 2018, I read. I don't see Tamron Hall as a #1 lead on a morning show. Not experienced enough.

But I watch Morning Joe in the mornings, now, so I rarely see The Today Show, altho I catch parts of it occasionally. The part with Hoda and Kathie Lee.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
48. I hope they'll give it to Craig Melvin or Sheinelle Jones.
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:46 PM
Nov 2017

They host the weekend show, and both are very good. I have a hunch they'll give Carson Daley the job, however.

OldHippieChick

(2,434 posts)
49. I'm a fan of Willie's and Tamron Hall, but
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 03:49 PM
Nov 2017

do hope they'll think about going outside the network - would love Chris Cuomo.

Mike Nelson

(9,903 posts)
53. Sorry...
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 04:39 PM
Nov 2017

...there are many, many others I like better. I don't watch the show, but it must be a huge paycheck.

D_Master81

(1,822 posts)
55. Likely will be...
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 04:44 PM
Nov 2017

Geist or Carson Daily. I cant think of anyone else that has appeared on the Today Show more than those 2. And stop w/ all the names that arent men. The format of the Today Show has always been 1 man and 1 woman hosts.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
57. Maybe so, but his college days are long over
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 05:10 PM
Nov 2017

I think Willie Geist seems like a nice guy - probably nicer than Matt Lauer ever was. He does well in the talk show format, and he also handles the hard news well, when he's asked to step in.

Don't forget that when Matt Lauer came to the Today show, he was Katie Couric's co-host, because she was making way more money. He started out as a news reader and talk show co-host on early morning shows. I think he did some radio news too. My point is that Lauer's and Geist's background experiences are very similar. Willie seems to have a good rapport with his female co-hosts, something that Lauer was never very good at.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
60. Why not Rush Limbaugh? Joe's little sidekick's just a pale shadow,
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 05:20 PM
Nov 2017

and I imagine Rush would love to get back on the boob tube.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
64. Yes I like him too
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 05:58 PM
Nov 2017

He's already got a better job on the NBC Nightly News. I'm not sure if he'd want to give that up for a job where he has to get to the office at 4 in the morning.

The Today Show is less "hard news" now and more of a morning talk show.
Maybe it's not the right fit for him, but I wouldn't know.



mentalsolstice

(4,454 posts)
65. I have always liked Willie and I also like Craig Melvin.
Wed Nov 29, 2017, 07:21 PM
Nov 2017

I think the both have the gravitas to do serious news and interviews (as does Savannah), and they both have a sense of humor to do the lighter segments. All I can say is no to Hoda and definitely no to Megyn Kelly. Hoda is too OTT, and Megyn has the personality of plain brown cardboard.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
81. Yep I'll agree with that
Fri Dec 1, 2017, 11:25 AM
Dec 2017

KO would be great for those of us who like him and the liberal viewpoint. But I'm afraid he'd turn off a lot of people too. The thing about KO is that he's never "middle of the road." But I do find him interesting and enjoyable.

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
83. To me Willie would be a "safe bet" for NBC
Fri Dec 1, 2017, 12:05 PM
Dec 2017

They can't take a chance on the wrong person for the Today show. If NBC were to goof on this they could lose their market dominance which translates into big bucks. After the Anne Curry fiasco a few years ago, the Today show lost its 1st place standing that it had for probably 50 years. It was hard work getting back on top, and I'm sure they want to be careful to stay there.

Somebody up the thread mentioned Jon Stewart, who would be great IMO but maybe only for us liberals. I think people could be turned off by him once they find out how liberal (anti right-wing) he really is. That's fine for all of us because we are too. But middle America isn't and they'd change channels immediately, I'm afraid. Whoever takes over for Matt Lauer has to be seen as a talk-show host with no political agenda, so the conservative fans don't feel threatened.

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