Rachel always seems a little intimidated

[madaboutharry]

by Steve Schmit. I don't get it.

[still_one]

1. I disagree. I think because he is usually outnumbered, she tries to give him a break

[ejbr]

5. + 1 n/t

[uponit7771]

16. +1!

[LancetChick]

2. I was just watching and didn't get that impression at all.

My impression was that Steve Schmidt knows damn well that Rachel's suspicions are true, but can't say so before the election.

[Spazito]

6. I had the same impression as you...

he was going through the motions but you could see he didn't believe what he was saying. Rachel knew it too and gently made it clear she wasn't buying it.

Welcome to DU, LancetChick!

[LancetChick]

13. Thank you!

I'm so grateful to have found this place. All these normal people... very refreshing!

[Evergreen Emerald]

3. that conversation scared me.

I have not ever thought that Romney could be President.

The polls in Ohio and Florida make me scared.

[CthulhusEvilCousin]

11. I don't see why

The polls in Ohio tell me it's an easy win for Obama.

[madashelltoo]

4. Don't know why, but I do know

know he was bullshitting. It's too close my ass. Mittens doesn't click with anyone . . . Including Tin Man Ryan.

[BlueStreak]

7. I don't think so. She needs him for credibility.

Republicans won't come on her show because she asks hard questions and can get just a little to dogmatic with them. When MSNBC hired Schmidt and Steele, I think they made it clear to Rachael that her success depended on giving those guys a fair opportunity to make their points.

Ultimately she's trying to make it clear that other Republicans should venture out of the bubble at Faux and have a real conversation with her.

[left on green only]

15. To my eyes and ears, Rachel Maddow has made it clear all along that.....

....her idea of the ultimate interview would be Chick Daney. I dread that ever happening because in my mind that interview would have only one of two possible scenarios: Either she would crucify him upside down, or else she would act in a demure manner with him. I just cannot imagine any middle ground. Clearly, his intellect would be no match for hers, unless she held back from using it.

I wonder if her demeanour with Schmidt could be her effort to lay a trap to snag the likes of Chick Daney. I agree, it's a long shot, but where else can she start?

[BlueStreak]

20. Republicans hang out in the Faux cocoon because they can get away with it

Look at Romney. He hasn't done a real interview for months. Ryen did a few interviews with local media until one of the reports in Michigan actually asked a difficult question. That was the last interview he ever did.

And if Romney weren't a complete asshole he would win the election tomorrow. Honestly, I don't think I have seen him smile in weeks. Despite the fact that he is thoroughly unlikable, refuses to talk about any issues, and lies continuously, it appears he could come within about one percent of winning this thing.

The only think that will ever draw Republicans out into the open is for other networks to get a larger -- more significant audience than Faux. That is starting to happen. CNN is a complete mess, but MSNBC is gaining on them. And Faux doesn't get any Latino audience, which they will need.

[Tutonic]

8. Steve Schmidt. The man that gave us Sarah Palin.

And ran one of the dirtiest campaigns in recent history. Her deference to him is baffling.

[cynatnite]

12. That ultimately falls on McCain...

Sure, he played a role in that, but the buck stops at McCain. Schmidt doesn't bother me in the least and from time to time, he will a decent point. Not always, though.

[BlueStreak]

21. I didn't think McCain's part of it was particularly dirty

The real ugliness came from Palin. You can say that the buck stops with McCain, but there is plenty of evidence that Palin was a free agent, out of control.

[K-Matt]

9. Maddow? Intimidated?

Bullshit!

[Logical]

19. Well, then maybe they tell her not to be tough on him. Because she seems timid.

[flamingdem]

10. Why does Rachel not believe in the polls and listens to right wingers like Schmit?

Why waste our time with that?

We know what he thinks or has to think or has to say.

The only concern for Democrats is: will this election be stolen.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

14. Rachel Maddow is overrated but you can never say anything critical about her on DU.

I think she is often weak when going face to face with Republicans. On her own, she's confident, prepared and smart. But she goes out of her way to be chummy, cordial and chatty with Republicans. That's fine, but don't let them get away with their lies.

[liberal_at_heart]

17. My husband loves Rachel and he's an independent

He downloads her pod casts onto his phone. he leans democratic and he loves her sharp wit and intelligent dialogue. He also likes to get other points of view so he doesn't mind when they have republican guests.

[Logical]

18. I agree. She never asks him tough follow up questions. Maybe her boss will not let her.