Posted on 03/03/2020 9:49:16 AM PST by conservative98
News veterans Shepard Smith, Steve Kornacki and Joy Reid are all on the shortlist to take over Chris Matthews abruptly vacated seat on MSNBCs Hardball, sources told The Post.
The legendary political journalist surprised viewers Monday when he abruptly announced his retirement in the wake of accusations that he acted inappropriately toward a female guest, leaving Kornacki, a national political correspondent, to fill in.
In addition to Kornacki, who is known for giving analysis of polls and election results, network brass are also thinking of giving Hardball to Reid, who hosts, MSNBCs popular weekend show AM Joy.
Reid frequently substitutes for other MSNBC hosts, including Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow.
Meanwhile, Smith, who quit his Fox News show Shepard Smith Reporting in October, is preparing for a return to TV in the summer and is also being considered, sources said.
The Hardball 7 p.m. slot is a tricky slot to fill, according to one senior news TV source.
It comes straight after the evening news, when viewers want anchors to weigh in with their own thoughts and analysis not just read the headlines, so its a tough gig, the source said.
Smith has been off-air since asking Fox to cut him from his contract so he could start a new chapter, saying: After requesting that I stay, they graciously obliged.
His exit came after he had signed a new, multi-year contract extending his role with Fox in 2018, according to reports.
Matthews abruptly retired from his longtime role as host of Hardball on Monday night following an allegation that he inappropriately flirted with a female guest.
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Well, Shemp loves hard balls............
Good choices, all three will surely sink the show even further.
I’m betting on Reid.
Bill Hemmer is so much better than Shemp Smith.
They should get Joy Behar.................
Battle for top victim award to get the gig - black vs. homosexual.
I don’t know this Steve guy at all, but knowing the others I’d say they’d be best off going with him!
Maybe Shemp Smith will change the name to “Tender Balls”...like tenderloin.
None of the smart conservative professionals would take the job. They will have to settle for a fall guy loser.
How can we possibly choose! Cant we have all three?
Well, the other ‘xxx Balls’ were taken, so hire Pinocchio and call the show ‘Wooden Balls’
Reid has the IQ of a grapefruit.
Oh yeah! She would surely “help” the ratings.
On rotation, splendid idea!
Sheppie- the Preppie
Shep has his eyeliner and is ready to roll.
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