For some reason, I keep getting feeds on Facebook from conservative sources that Chuck Todd is in jeopardy. A new one pops up every week or two. They cite that Todd's weekday show on MSNBC was moved to NBC News Now, the streaming NBC News site, clearly a sign his star is falling. But several NBC people have been moved to that site to give it a boost, such as Joshua Johnson. I don't think it's a come down to go on NBC News Now. NBC knows people who are cutting their cable TV ties will find their way to NBC News Now for their news fix.
So I'm not taking these rumors of Todd's imminent ouster seriously. I think he does a good job. Does he go easy on conservative politicians? Certainly. But he'd probably have a hard time booking Republicans if he didn't do that. They know they can get positive press on conservative TV networks. So why go someplace where they'll face tough questions?
But Meet The Press, Face The Nation and This Week all need Republicans to come on their shows. Hence the need to avoid challenging anyone's dubious answers. Larry King and Barbara Walters made an art form of this. Ask a tough question when you get a hot guest. Then when they tell you the moon is made of Swiss cheese and the earth is flat, you let it pass.