Should Rachel Maddow take callers on her new TV show?

[Cleita]

I don't know what MSNBC's policy is on this. I do notice that neither Tweety nor Olbermann does it. Keith said yesterday when announcing Rachel's new show that the reason Phil Donahue was cancelled was because he had a live audience and they are too expensive for a shows like theirs. I got the impression she had wanted an audience. But wouldn't taking callers for a brief segment be second best? I think she should because she handles callers very well, fast on her feet is what I mean. I think it would also increase her audience, people who want to mentally spar with her. What do you all think DUers?

[ccharles000]

1. Yes yes God yes.

[MiniMe]

2. I thought that was a joke. I would rather she stuck to a planned show with possibly

doing internet polls to get opinions. Taking phone calls on tape would be good.

[LSparkle]

3. She doesn't really like callers ... plus, it's a TV show so I'd say "no"

I frankly think she ought to do something similar to "Countdown"
(maybe without the numbered stories), or even like the old "*ucker"
show (which was the first MSNBC show she appeared on), which
focused on guests discussing topics. She doesn't have to break
the mold here -- she just has to do what all the others do,
only better!

[Tangerine LaBamba]

6. Absolutely agree

I don't watch news shows to listen to any dickwad with a phone blather on. I'm interested in the guests and with someone as smart as Rachel Maddow interviewing them, or discussing current events, that's the top of the top. If I want to listen to know-nothings, I can go to freerepublic.com and get my fill.

[Klukie]

4. Yes

great idea.

[ColbertWatcher]

5. No, not the way cable TV operates.

It would waste too much time.

[NorthCarolina]

7. Agree n/t

[NYCGirl]

8. No. It's a TV show, not radio. NT

[XOKCowboy]

12. Seconded

What other political TV show takes calls from viewers?

Besides I don't consider myself worthy to suggest anything to Dr. Maddow. I trust her to do what she thinks is right.

[CTD]

9. NO!!!

The market for call-in shows is VERY small. Many people (myself included) really don't care to hear average people's half-baked and poorly presented ideas. There is a reason only some people get their own TV show - it's that THEY are better at communicating over TV or radio. It's rare that a caller's question/observation isn't just a poor regurgitation of something most of us have already heard or read.

I'd be content with her ripping Keith off and giving us another hour of current events peppered with expert guests.

[Overseas]

10. NO NO NO. She does such a good job writing a whole show.

Rachel is a great writer and would hire more to support her in producing a fabulous show all their own. SHe did such a great job writing the radio show and having the wonderful Kent Jones do some comedy bits, I was glad she didn't have callers.

I'd like to see her have guests on occasionally though. And let's hope she starts a trend and has 4 liberals with varying opinions on, without needing to bow to the idiotic right and have their tokens on with the RNC talking points. There's a broad range of opinions under the liberal banner, so you can have a wonderful discussion without needing right wing dittoheads on.

[stillcool]

11. No thanks...

I would rather they actually report something.

[bdamomma]

13. e-mails may be good enough

we need truthful information and news, not infotainment. None of that stupid celebrity news, Rachel knows what to do.