The problem with this show as opposed to Tony's show is Tony really understands the inner working of Washington politics and was able to see through the b$. He wasn't fooled by the spin the way so many other talks show hosts are. He also almost never went on a rant about an issue. He thought things through and explained them beautifully.
One of the reasons I liked Mary Matalin's radio show was the same reason. She was connected and understood the politics.
Neither Tony nor Mary had an arrogant attitude with their callers, unlike so many other hosts. I think Rush is the only other talk show host that comes close to Mary and Tony's understanding of the Washington scene. He, like them, handles most issues with humor and understanding never really going off the deep end. Unlike the O'Reilly's of the world who want to be liked by everyone and are all over the place (not to mention the huge ego trip.)
Kedd, I think you hit the nail on the head. The reason I love Tony and Rush is that these are things they KNOW like the back of their hands. Brian knows his set of stuff and the Judge knows the laws, but not always the facts...that's the problem. It will either take time for them to build up a knowledge base and I'm not sure they can yet because they are NOT reporters or don't study it every day like Rush. Laura worked in the WH so she knows some of it; Sean, Rush and Medved do nothing else. Good point!