When will Rachel Maddow & MSNBC get hitched?

It's been great fun watching the rising star of Rachel Maddow, Air America host and ubiquitous MSNBC political analyst. Since we last caught up with the openly gay news personality, Maddow's hosted Countdown a number of times, most recently for a week earlier this month when its usual host, Frankenstein's monster -- I mean, Keith Olbermann -- was off on "vacation," which probably means he was standing on a lawn in Chappaqua, yelling "Shame on you" over and over. (We hope he took BFF Dan Patrick with him.)

And now, here comes the inevitable speculative-anchor New York Times profile piece. It doesn't quite say that Maddow's going to get her own show, just that it's very very very likely -- because, seriously, why else would the NYT be doing a profile piece on her? The article even has MSNBC President Phil Griffin saying, "She's on the short list. It's a very short list. She's at the top." The Times isn't known for having such a soft touch, but it's a remarkably puffy piece, stopping just sort of "OMG! Rachel Maddow is soooooo hot!" We would have been fine with that of course, because, OMG! She so is!!

If Maddow were to get her own show, she'd be the most visible openly gay journalist in America, though she basically is already. For a long time, I defended the Coop's argument that his personal life shouldn't be mentioned because he should never be the story, but Maddow's presence proves that it's B.S. More people talk about Anderson's sexuality because he constantly denies or refuses to talk about it or mocks having a gay panic when asked to do squats on Regis & Kathie Lee than Maddow elicits by being a partnered lesbian whose career began in AIDS policy work. Did we mention how much we love her smile?

That isn't to say that Maddow is going to be waving a rainbow flag from the news desk. Fans of her Air America show will recognize that Cable Maddow is a lot more mainstream than Radio Maddow. (For one thing, she doesn't talk about her love of cocktails on Countdown.) NYT Profile Maddow is even safer for Middle America. She's sort of a defense hawk and is writing a book on military policy and politics. She claims she's "not a fan" of either candidate, which is probably true insofar as she isn't a fan of any politician. But, sweetie, we know who you're in the tank for and so does anyone who listens to you talk for five minutes. Did we mention her laugh? It's so sweet and infectious, especially when directed at Pat Buchanan.

Maddow Fans may have to wait until the election is over to see a solo show of hers hit cable. Chris Matthews' contract runs through the year and David Gregory's show is timed to end around the election, at which point you can definitely expect the deck chairs to be rearranged. While Olbermann is widely considered responsible for MSNBC's decision to skew to the left, recent grumbling about how far left the network could go will make Maddow's future career at MSNBC interesting to watch as she develops into a full-fledged independent entity -- one that's welcome on my TV any time.

(Popnog Challenge! Comment with your best suggestion of what they should name Rachel's show!)

-- JAPHY GRANT

Previously > Why we're hot for Rachel Maddow

Comments

[Megan]

After reading this I want some ridiculous and awesome title like, "Surprise? It's The Maddow Hour!"

[artmensor]

I must admit that I'm in love with Rachel also, don't tell all my boyfriends..........seriously, I have really enjoyed watching her grow, each and everytime she is on, as a supurb broadcast journalist.

My other number one female journalist has always been Linda Ellerbee.

Both have been a real credit to the broadcast journalism profession. Boy would they be great together sometime.

MSNBC: Are you listening?

I'll be watching Rachel every time I know she is on, and I watch Countdown every night.

Congratulations MSNBC for recognizing a real talent and NOT letting her get away from you.

Rachel: MOVE ON UP!

[Glen]

Rachel's situation isn't like Cooper's, so they make a poor comparison. Rachel is partisan and public with her views on everything, not an adherent to the neutral non-partisan school of journalism. She's not a combat reporter. Rachel's fanbase isn't straights who find her sexy. She looks too butch and average-to-unattractive looking for straight women or straight men to have any interest in hearing about or imagining her sex life. The gay community isn't preoccupied with her, her sexuality and spreading gossip about her relationships and what she likes in bed. She's partnered, not dating around. She's a lesbian, not a gay man, which the American public finds easier to take. All of that is the opposite of Cooper, and it is not the result of him being semi-closeted.