A-Hunting We Will Go

Russert, ready to grill

'Meet the Press' on Sunday (2/19) was spirited to say the least. Was almost certain that I was going to witness a cat fight between Mary Matalin, defender-of-all-that-is-conservative, and liberal author Maureen Dowd, whom Mary dubbed "the Diva of the Smart Set". Meow! Maureen smiled at the description but kept hers claws sheathed right then.

Another good moment was when David Gregory, the boyish-looking journalist who represents NBC in the White House press corps, made a very sincere apology for calling Scott McClelland, White House Press Secretary a "jerk" in an off-camera exchange. 'Meet the Press' can sometimes calm choppy political waters, as with Mr. Gregory, but it's so much more fun if it yields a perfect storm as with Mary and Maureen. It's also fun when Tim puts someone in the hot seat. Tim Russert doesn't play political favorites, but if you're his guest you'll be held ruthlessly to account for any public word or deed from the past that makes you look silly or self-contradictory. Statesmen and public figures must "Meet the Press" much as they "Meet their fate" -- usually in a desperate attempt to win a losing election or rehabilitate an already-battered image. They must figure they have nothing to lose by facing the music of Tim Russert.

This past Sunday, there was no one physically in the hot seat, although Dick Cheney's hunting mishap was under discussion. Cheney was the hot seat person, in absentia. Maureen was clearly still mindful of Ms. Matalin's "Diva" snipe. Maureen opined thusly (excuse the paraphrasing):

"Over the years, I've been hunting many times, and many times with Republicans".
"It is always the responsibility of the shooter to be mindful of where his hunting party is, before pulling the trigger".
"It is amazing that Mr. Cheney used up 4 days (from shooting to FOX interview) to try and place blame on the victim".

Meow and swipe! Her delivery was succinct and correct -- the shooter should be mindful of all his hunting group, and should not be under the influence of intoxicating beverages. ("Beverage alcohol" as the late TX Senator John Tower would've called it). Had Cheney made his report immediately, he still would have caught grief along the lines of what Bush caught when he encountered a pretzel. But his delay tactic became a story all unto itself. A word of warning about this to future politicians -- you may face the wrath of the American public, and even worse, the interrogation of Tim Russert. You can't make it to the show? Then Mary and Maureen will have to take it to the mat for you!