David Gregory Offers Gov. Mark Sanford Schlong Gobbling & Teabag Job on MTP

So I’m watching the CBS Cronkite tribute tonight, and early on there’s a clip from a Sinatra interview, something Don Hewitt set up. Big Get.

And Cronkite proceeds to ask Sinatra about those mobsters we’ve been hearing about.

Sinatra storms off the set, but apparently Hewitt coaxes him back. And the question is rephrased to what Frank’s mom thinks about those mobster allegations.

Same question, different angle, Sinatra answers, and they’re on to the next. Cronkite says later that he got what he wanted.

So yeah, Chainsaw is right: Izzy Stone’s purity aside, nothing wrong with going to those Georgetown dinner parties, so long as you’re ready to throw some documentation in Cheney’s face.

Yes, Gregory was part of the WH press agency “corps” that let Bush II get away with anything. Useless bastard.

I know you have to use some ass-kissing and verbal (or written) reacharounds to get pols on your shows, no matter what. It’s part and parcel of the game — but this is bad by anyone’s standards.

@Signal to Noise: Or just mention you have a panel of shrinks ready to come on the show to bandy around diagnoses – though it would be cheaper and easier for Sanford to come on rather than having to listen to five weirdos speculate on how horrifically bad his sex life must be at home for him to travel 7000 miles for a fuck.

@Signal to Noise: Granted, we shouldn’t be surprised at some politesse behind the scenes, but Meet the Press? A politician requires sweet nothings to show up for a broadcast-network talk show?

Hewitt’s pitch to Sinatra, by the way: We’re offering you the chair Jack sat in, next to Walter. You man enough for it? We’ll understand if you puss out.

@nojo: there’s been a shift, obviously. when Hewitt made that pitch there were only three networks and a lot more politicians desperate for air time. with a 24/7 news cycle, the Sunday press shows are actually behind by the time they air, for the most part — their advantage is the prestige of network TV, but that’s down too. So, it comes down to who can tongue-bath the best — or at least this is my theory.

@FlyingChainSaw: now that’s something I’d like to see, and it would have been PERFECT for July sweeps.

That’s why David got the job. It’s not like NBC was going to put someone who asks impolite questions in that position lest it make the late Timmeh Potatoe (sic) Head look bad.

@Signal to Noise: You have my deference on how the biz works these days, but I thought the network Sunday advantage was not only “prestige,” but eyeballs.

@nojo: network eyeballs are still important, but the people who really, really give a hoot about the Sunday talkies have cable anyway.

Maybe gregory was planning some kinda NBCish ‘To catch a predator’ edition of MTP?

@moeman: It would have worked, too, if only he’d offered Sanford some sweet tea.