
December 10, 2008
Rachel Maddow
She has got an affability that disarms barbed right-wing guests,
and a charm that can defang Pat Buchanan.
Yet, Rachel Maddow never compromises her principles or holds back
on her candor. She's redefined the framework of progressive conversation
on television in a way that is unthreatening, but not diluted.
That's quite an accomplishment for someone who just a few years
back was a DJ on a small radio station in the Berkshires who connived
her way onto Air America. Maddow is terrific on the radio, but there
are certain people that the medium of television loves – and
Rachel is one of them. She just makes viewers feel downright comfortable
and relaxed, even when she is spending so much time "edifying
them."
A former Rhodes Scholar, Maddow told us in an interview awhile back
that she prepares hours a day for her radio program. Lord knows where
she finds the extra time to plan for her television show.
If Obama is the first post-racial president, then Maddow is the
first post-gender television news commentary host. Her self-confidence
and quick ripostes are energizing.
Maddow merits this week's Wings of Justice Award because she has
shown that perseverance, talent, knowledge, and a natural television
presence can redefine the liberal message in a way that is both inclusive
and cogent. Her MSNBC
program has only been around a short time,
but we already know that we would feel an aching void without it.
* * *
Nominated by the BuzzFlash staff.

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