Newsvine Q & A: Chuck Todd on U.S. Politics

Chuck:

I am SOOOOOOOOOOO tired of the mainstream media's obsession with and, in fact, invention of the "Clinton Soap Opera."

There's a soap opera only because you people think there is. Has it occurred to you, for example, that Obama offered Hillary the Secretary of State position and she accepted it because, you know, it'd be best for the country? Because, maybe, they share a lot more in common on views of foreign policy that the mainstream media has reported?

I love the Godfather movies as much as anybody, but I'm sick of the Michael Corleone quote. Has it occurred to you that maybe Obama and Hillary AREN'T ENEMIES?

I just saw a the headline on CNN today Obama may reverse Bush policies on stem cells, drilling, abortion and I wonder if You think he will reverse any or all of these policies .

Hey Chuck, I respect your segments and enjoy your contributions to MSNBC. However, here on the Vine, these Q & As are of much use, if you only answer 4 Qs like last time. Please take the time to answer some more of the Qs on this one.

We really DO look forward to your answers.

Thank you:-)

In his first term, President Bush stopped the annual Veteran's Day address to Congress.

Have you heard, or would you please ask anyone, from the Obama team when will the Veterans be allowed this public forum on national TV To testify, vent, plea or express to the entire nation about what THEY know of reality of this war. 

Thank you.

Chuck, why do you think Hagel didn't get an appointment by Obama or do you think he still might?

Also, I was wondering about the long lists of people on the change.gov site - the agency review teams, the team leads & members, the policy working groups - are these people who are just working on the transition and keeping their day jobs, or will most of them be working in the new administration?

Thanks.

1. Of these four heavy hitters, who do you think will have Obama's ear most closely?

General Jones, Secretary Gates, VP Biden, or Hillary

2. Are the unions that supported Obama getting nervous or restless because he hasn't picked a Labor Secretary yet?

Have a great week!

What positions ARE left for Obama to appoint or nominate that will be influencial and/or visible in the Obama Administration?

When will Congressional hearings begin for approval (denial) of those picks who qualify? How long after Jan. 20 does, for instance, Hilary Clinton have to wait to do anything? Is Gates the only one that can hit the ground running?

Under the Bush Administration in Iraq, there have been 'forays' into neighboring countries in the name of protecting our troops. Does approval of the recent agreement for the U.S. to be gone from Iraq in 3 years specifically prohibit strategic attacks from Iraq into Iran or Afghanistan? What happens if Obama feels he has creditable intelligence about the location of Bin Laden? Will he or can he launch an attack from Iraq? And what if India does the same in Pakistan? (It's a fine mess you've gotten us into, Mr. Bush.)

I remember watching a story on NBC Nightly News last week about Bush's final days and final directives. One of them was about converting some wildlife refuges to commercial use. The end of the segment said that these changes could take months or even years for Obama to reverse. If Bush can change these policies in one signature, why couldn't Obama do the same when he takes office to reverse what Bush has done?

Many thanks,
Corbb

Dear Chuck,

Are you guys gearing up for all the news events that will occurr in 2009?  It'd be nice to hear some substantive facts, given all the speculation-style reporting you've had to adjust to under such a closed and secretive administration...Millions of us want to know the facts regarding the last administration...serve us well, and you'll have our loyalty...Just the truth, and where it came from...fundamentals of journalism aspired to will be greatly appreciated... BTW, thanks, for Rachael

chuck

The Eric Holder AG confirmation hearings will give the Republicans an early chance to hold a Democrat's feet to the fire (regarding the Marc Rich pardon) and perhaps mark their territory a little.

How do you see the Republicans playing this one? 

David Gregory for MTP? are you kidding me? All of the comments on huffingtonpost and on the net are in the same direction. This man is a republican hack.

This is really a bad choice. I guess NBC want lower ratings.

Welcome back, Chuck!

I'm interested in your take on the Supreme Court.  Who do you think might retire in the next four years, and who might be leading contenders for selection?  For example, is it possible we might see an Hispanic Supreme Court Justice?

And as a sidebar, how do you think the Supremes (insert appropriate musical phrase here) will act on the case involving Obama's birth certificate?  Do you think that if they reject the case, they will make any comment?

Thanks

Here's an interesting question.  This morning your team linked to an article at the Politico that reported that Sink wouldn't run against Martinez for US Senate in FL, and instead would run for re-election as FL CFO.  Now that CNN is reporting that Martinez won't seek re-election, do you think Sink has lost her chance, or does she still have time to reconsider (and will she?)

Since the election I've been in kind of a fog totally trusting in Obama to do right by the country. I feel a weight off my shoulders, it's been eight years of worry because I knew enough about Bush that I knew it wouldn't be good. This bad, okay, who could even imagine so many disasters?

So no question, not now, I just think we can all breathe again. It may take a while and we may not agree with everything and sure I'd love a liberal swing but that's unrealistic to make progress. I sort of feel I can get on with my life now since for two years I've hung on your poll numbers - oh, you can make them sing and it mattered so much.

For the first time in decades I believe grownups are finally running our government.

Florida Senate race: Who do you like? I have my doubts that FL has actually "progressed" very far even though Obama's victory was impressive. Will Jeb Bush run? Ever heard of Dan Gelber-D?

Chuck,

Have you heard anyone talk about the possibility or at least the advisability of putting together a high-powered think tank to re-imagine the domestic auto industry.  What about calling on some of the best minds in business--Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg, Meg Whitman... Futurists, imagineers, people who have nothing whatsoever to do with the past of the auto industry, who will have no sacrificial cows who will just compeltely reorganize the industry for the future and perhaps provide some oversight to use of the bailout money.  Do you think big names would step up to the plate to "save" the economy by "saving" or preserving this industry for hte future? Do you think anyone has the authority to force them to listen to their advice?

Chuck,

I humbly request that you keep the great 2008 Election music for all future elections covered on the networks of NBC Universal.  The sound of that music always brings a smile to my face, and I'm sure it brings back fond memories for you.

Todd,

Can you please do a quick column on the State of Georgia.  I just can't get my head around it.  What is going on there?  I was appalled that they voted for that scum Saxby Chambliss after he savaged Max Cleland.  He used the same hate tactics this year and unlike in more intelligent, thoughtful States it worked again.  I can understand the State not going to Obama.  After all it is, the old, old, old South ... except for Hotlanta.  But, this scum Chambliss ....  I just don't get it.  There must be something else going on.  Does Martin have baggage we don't know about?  What is Chambliss' real power base?  I hope it is not just that he looks like a traveling tent preacher on his way to a river baptism.

If you watch "Mad Money" with Jim Cramer you get the impression he considers the current head of the SEC , Christopher Cox,  to be a major cause of the current dive in the stock market because he undid a lot of the protection put in place after the crash of  29. Who does the guy actually report to? I haven't heard anyone talk about a new head for the SEC. Any names out there being floated around?

Chuck,

That sucks that you didn't get the MTP job.  You would have rocked that chair and brought honor to men who wear a goatee.

Chuck.

Basic Question: Why can't the Big 3 Automakers go to the Big Oil companies like Exxon and borrow money from them instead of the American people????? I think the oil companies owe it to the big 3 for continuing to produce gas guzzler cars, and they made huge profits last year, so it seems fair to me......A common sense question from one american person. My best, Jan

Please see this!

There is an Amazing Real Life Love Story Happening On YouTube unlike anything I have ever seen. Here is the link:

The name of the video on YouTube is:

ONE MAN. ONE DREAM. ONE CHANCE.

It's inspiring couples all around the world to get back together and especially some of our men and women in the service!  It's changing lives!

You can be the first to break this!

All this hate speech of the right-wingers, the 'Rove' factor in politics has truly derailed a lot of truthful, substantive debate from occurring amongst us.  It has proven itself a disservice to the 'informed electorate' concept.  Where and when will you draw the line in your reporting of this perversion of the American mindset, and can we trust you to give informative rebuttals for the sake of the truth winning out?  It seems you have a duty first and foremost to the truth....op-ed analysis should be done with courtesy given to sorting out facts that contribute to a truly authoratative conclusion, founded in documented facts.  Your guests should be limited in their comments as to allow a learned rebuttal or agreement to occurr... I'm not asking for much...just the truth winning out....Your guests will have to learn how to spin propaganda, knowing that their views must be defended with fact...if they can't produce, they should be banished for confusing the 4th estate and clouding the judgment of the public....This is a dangerous time for any casual standard to basic moral principles that effect us all...