I don’t think so. Chuckie has a rep for being an Obama stooge, and he’s going to have to shed that image if he wants to bring MTP’s ratings back to anywhere near Russert’s.
So he’ll ask hardballs. But ones that have been worked up with Obama’s communications team to both make Chuckie look tough (thereby increase his cred) AND make Obama look intelligent and engaged.
And the kabuki theater will be praised in the MSM as tough questions by the newbie answered competently by the experienced and engaged President.
Chuckie will be dreaming of hardballs all right.
I bet all questions and answers are pre-approved ahead of time