It’s our power issue. What kind of power can good journalism wield in Washington?
It can influence people and inform a national debate.
You worked as a White House correspondent before helming Meet the Press and tossed out the tough questions at presidential press conferences. Ever miss facing off against the Leader of the Free World?
I do, but there is nothing better than Meet the Press when you want to hold officials accountable.
Among your regular panelists, who has a powerful sense of humor? And whose responses to your queries made you want to laugh out loud?
Jeff Goldberg of The Atlantic is very funny. [And] I once asked [Florida Gov.] Charlie Crist who was head of the GOP. He said “the people,” one of the more memorable and humorous dodges.
Twitter, your blog (The View From Here) or your Facebook page: Which is best to get a powerful message out quickly?
Twitter has a lot of reach right now.
If newspapers die, do TV and the Internet have the power to fill the news void, or is something irretrievably lost?
I would hate for newspapers to be lost, but in this environment, programs like Meet the Press are even more important.
Which packs a better jolt for overnight political coverage—double espresso from ME Swings, or a power bar from the NBC cafeteria?
Power bar.
Do you feel any ratings pressure filling Tim Russert’s big shoes on television’s longest-running show?
The pressure I feel is trying to live up to the standards Tim set and to develop my own voice on the program.
Who’d win a journalistic war of wills: Helen Thomas or John McLaughlin?
I always bet on Helen.
You’ve covered the past three contentious presidential elections and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ever get nervous when facing off against Washington power players?
No. Being prepared always makes me relaxed.
Better coverage: Politico or Washington Post?
I rely on both. How’s that for a Washington answer?