Viva Chuck Todd - Powered by Cerebral Itch

Vaya Con Dios Viva Chuck Todd

2009-08-20T16:53:00.001-07:00

Well Chuckolytes, I'm outta here (yes, this time is for real).

Like all good things, and let me tell you, this site has been nothing but a good thing; it must come to an end. The parent company that runs this site (Cerebral Itch) is redistributing creative resources to explore new ventures like iPhone apps which leaves little else to do this site up right. And one or two posts a month is not doing it up right and a disservice to Chuck and you, the readers. With that said, the site will stay up and the e-cards will remain available for the foreseeable future.

As I've written before, the biggest joy gleaned from this project was the people I met. Simply, Chuck is a lucky guy to have a fanbase like all of you.

And lastly, thank you Chuck. Thank you for letting a total stranger entertain a bunch of other total strangers with foolishness and Photoshop. You were a hell of a sport.

All the best,

Paul

The Chuck goes Hardball on Palin - Part Deux

2009-07-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Vanity Fair style with Todd Purdum.

The Chuck is certainly hitting his stride these days.

The Chuck goes Hardball on Palin

2009-07-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Chuck had the con today on Hardball where he and our old friend, Mike Murphy (who looks like Felix Dennis after rehab - which is a compliment actually) slogged through the latest Palin crap all while leaving out the satirical there's-no-way-those-photos-are-real Runner's World photo shoot.

Mike Murphy's rugged yet jaunty new summer look - Love it or Hate it?(surveys)

One Year Later: irreplaceable

2009-06-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

It can never be said enough: He's why this site exists.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Jonathan Capehart spends some quality time with The Chuck

2009-06-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

For those of you that thought you were the biggest Chuck Todd fan of all...think again.

The Chuck makes a great cameo on Inside the Obama White House

2009-06-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The whole thing is fascinating as hell, but The Chuck makes his entrance at 2:15.

CHUCK POLL: Rate The Chuck's first 100 days

2009-04-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Chuck: The New Lizard King

2009-04-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Awwwwwwwwkward

2009-04-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

You know the next time Gibbs sees The Chuck in private, it ain't going to be "flat for friends".

The Mothership is FINALLY giving THE Chuck his own damn show

2009-04-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

We'll let the New York Observer give you the details:

MSNBC Developing a Weekend Politics Show for NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd

The Chuck - International Superstar

2009-04-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tamron Hall declared Chuck Todd an "International Superstar" on MSNBC during her "3 Things You Should Know" segment because of some blog coverage he got during his euro-trip with President Obama.

According to the NY News Blog:
Chuck Todd Conquers the Globe - It's good to see that, despite the attention paid to President Obama on his inaugural European tour, at least someone over there recognized the real international star in attendance. "OVERHEARD, in heavily accented English," reports Jonathan Martin in Mike Allen's Playbook, "yells from the Prague square where President Obama spoke yesterday: "We love you, Chuck Todd!" -by Dan Amira

Also reported on Politico :
OVERHEARD, in heavily accented English, yells from the Prague square where President Obama spoke yesterday: "We love you, Chuck Todd!" (Jonathan Martin)

Hell, we called this back in August:

Big thanks to Joan for the tip

Well sh!#! All we had to do was write a lame song and we would've gotten on TV?!

2009-03-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Shuster gets serenaded (at 2:15) and gives some guy five free minutes of airtime. We run two fansites for a year and get...okay, okay...fine.

Hey Kids! Ever walked in on your parents doing it?

2009-03-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Watch this clip. It's just about the same thing only with more bodies and Ol' Man Barnacle doing sound effects.

The Chuck vs. Obama

2009-03-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Chuck got called on tonight and stuck it to the man:

"Thank you, Mr. President. Some have compared this financial crisis to a war, and in times of war, past presidents have called for some form of sacrifice. Some of your programs, whether for Main Street or Wall Street, have actually cushioned the blow for those that were irresponsible during this -- during this economic period of prosperity or supposed prosperity that you were talking about.

Why, given this new era of responsibility that you're asking for, why haven't you asked for something specific that the public should be sacrificing to participate in this economic recovery?"

{watch the whole presentation here}

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

"Freshman Antics" - Gibbs surprises The Chuck

2009-03-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Gibbs surprises Chuck Todd

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

March 16: White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs sneaks up behind NBC's Chuck Todd before the daily press briefing.

New Pop Culture Zenith for The Chuck: Candorville

2009-02-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

The Chuck puts yet another notch in his pop-culture belt. He's been hilariously and quite accurately rendered in the comic strip Candorville by Darrin Bell. Hat's off to you Mr. Bell.

The Chuck's take on the massive stimulus package as well as the "Honeymoon" being over

2009-02-07T22:31:00.000-08:00

This is why The Chuck has the job that he has; becasue he's freakin' good at it.

"Obama never should have allowed his first major piece of legislation to be written largely by a man elected to Congress when the president was only 8 years old. I’m referring to House Appropriations Chair David Obey."

"Chuck Todd starting us off tonight"

2009-01-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

That's our guy on the White House lawn people; how awesome is that?!

White House Press Corps Choir and Band Uniform Decision Nears Agreement

2009-01-26T09:15:00.000-08:00

In a statement issued this morning, headwear for the new White House Press Corps Choir and Band has been decided on (as seen here modeled by NBC Chief White House Correspondent, Chuck Todd). The decision on uniforms is still pending with designs from Ozwald Boateng and Project Runway finalist, Austin Scarlett rumored to be front-runners.

The Best Chuck Interview. Ever.

2009-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Election 2012 - Chuck Todd

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

The Chuck gives Romney even money in 2012 and is taken out of context on racial uprisings against the white man. Genius.

The Chuck On The Tonight Show

2009-01-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

While the reaction shot on Hugh Laurie at 2:03 is priceless, may we remind him that there is no site named "Viva Hugh Laurie"; so go easy on our boy.

TIME Magazine covers The Chuck and mentions a humble little fansite

2009-01-16T06:06:00.000-08:00

Randy James over at TIME did a very nice little piece on The Chuck. In the piece, Chuckolytes and Viva Chuck Todd were recognized; as was the sad fact that Chuck no longer has the time to play the french horn. Well, The Chuck has his priorities straight at least. It's not like he was some Secretary of State who apparently had the time and resources to put on a piano recital for the Queen of England or anything.

If The Chuck were putting on a French Horn recital in your town, how much would pay for a ticket? ( surveys)

Chuck Todd Valentine's Day e-CardsNow Available!

2009-01-15T15:12:00.001-08:00

Okay, so they may be hardly befitting the august post The Chuck now occupies, but damn it if they aren't the funniest and cutest Valentine's Day e-cards a political geek could ever ask for. There's four of them in all and they're free - so start sending and spreading the Chuck love.

The Chuck goes on NPR's Fresh Air

2009-01-14T10:39:00.000-08:00

It's an excellent interview where he talks about his approach to political news, what Obama did right (and Clinton and McCain did wrong) in the campaign, his new role, plus other stuff. It's close to 18 minutes, and Chuck makes a comment at the end that this was the longest that he's gotten to talk in months.

big Viva Chuck Todd Gracias to Heather for the tip

The Chuck Slaughters The Competition

2009-01-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

I mean, it's almost embarrassing but Politico ran a little poll asking folks Who will make the best White House correspondent? Like we needed a poll to tell them...of course it was going to be The Chuck! But ouch; what an ass-kicking the final poll results gave to his WH press pool brethren.

Hey, we ain't Oprah, but...

2009-01-08T08:38:00.001-08:00

buy this book.

The Chuck is no longer a virgin...wha?!

2009-01-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hey, it is Matthews after all. With that said, I think we can all be thankful he didn't use a "cherry" reference.

hat tip to our buds at Pajama Pundit

OH SNAP!

2008-12-30T22:55:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Wait for this baby to load and get yourself over to 6:36 to see why former U.S. National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski made us blow milk though our nose this morning.

Brilliant.

Merry Christmas Mr. NBC Chief White House Correspondent

2008-12-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

Nice going Chuck.

"I'm not Tim"

2008-12-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

VCT EXCLUSIVE:Source of Gregory Leak Revealed

2008-12-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

According to an article in The Huffington Post, hackles are up on several executives over at NBC due to the leak surrounding David Gregory's ascension to the Meet The Press throne. What was most disturbing about this article was the scurrilous accusation that Chuck Todd was in some way responsible for the leak.

We here at Viva Chuck Todd found this libelous salvo beyond the pale of belief and responded accordingly by mobilizing our entire editorial staff late last night to get to the bottom of who exactly is responsible for the leak and hopefully inoculate The Chuck from any further blame. Our findings as of this morning were both shocking and disturbing.

According to our reporting, it appears that not one, but several people were responsible for the Gregory leak. One of the most surprising aspects of this story is that the leak came not from the news division, but from the entertainment division. Their apparent motive was a complete takeover of the news division paving the way for a revamp where a variety/game-show format would be pursued. According to multiple anonymous sources, the leader of this group was germ-phobe and host of NBC's Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel. Sources tell us that Mandel has always had an eye on the Sunday morning news show as an excellent vehicle to parlay the success of Deal or No Deal.

The Viva Chuck Todd editorial offices have also come into possession of Mandel's notes where he sketched out changing the Meet The Press set to resemble the Deal or No Deal set where political newsmakers would sit before the 26 terraced briefcase-schlepping models and be directed to get their questions by calling on a girl one at a time who would then open the case and read the guest a probing well-researched news question or in some cases a light-hearted general interest question submitted by a viewer. The Mandel notes also revealed that back-channel arrangements had already been made to have former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton be the first guest of the new show along with a whole new round table discussion group consisting of Ben Affleck, Star Jones, Ann Coulter and The Obama Girl. There was also to be a closing musical number planned for each show performed by cross-dressing manazon RuPaul. A musician who had been hired for show's band revealed that the first number was to be a take-off on the RuPaul hit Supermodel where the main chorus lyric "you better work!" was to be aimed towards the incoming Obama administration.

Where David Gregory fits into all of this is still unclear, but the same musician who revealed the first closing number told Viva Chuck Todd that Gregory would of most likely been retained after the "coup" for his dancing and comedic talents. Over the years, Gregory has displayed an uncanny flair for R&B interpretive dance and impersonations.

While Mandel was the front man for this cadre, the true puppet master was acclaimed West Wing creator, Aaron Sorkin. Sorkin apparently was still harboring ill will towards NBC for the cancellation of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and felt that this remaking of Meet The Press would be the right formula of news and entertainment he failed to capture with Studio 60. As of this morning, representatives for Mr. Sorkin were refusing comment and directed our inquiries to their legal counsel.

Shortly before press time, NBC released a statement saying that this Sunday's installation of Gregory as the new host of Meet The Press will go ahead as planned. No decisions have been made as to whether charges will be filed against Sorkin and Mandel.

really?

2008-12-02T07:32:00.001-08:00

Well, according to Politico.com and The Huffington Post, David Gregory is getting the MTP gig.

I'll leave the comments to all of you.

The Last Post for Viva Chuck Todd

2008-11-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

Bittersweet is about the only word that comes close to the feeling of today. This is the last post for Viva Chuck Todd.

I say it all in the below video, but it needs to be put in "print" just how thankful I am to all of you who made this site a joy to do everyday for the past six months. It has been a fantastic experience just in "meeting" those of you who frequented this site and made your presence known. I know personally that Chuck is forever grateful to all of you for your words of support and encouragement through this historic election season.

For the record, over 120,000 people visited Viva Chuck Todd, Chuckolyte.com and Chucktodd08.com combined in the last six months, tens of thousands of Viva Chuck Todd and Viva Rachel Maddow e-cards have been sent, there are over 350 (and counting) Chuckolyte card-holders and approximately $600 has been raised for the Tim Russert charities.

As the dust settles in our electoral process, this seemed like the logical time to sign-off and go back to what I get paid to do. With that said, there might be some posts in the future as events dictate; so be sure to sign up for updates via email using the Feedburner box to the left- but for the most part, I'm done.

This site and all related Chuck Todd sites (Chuckolyte.com and Chuck08.com) will remain live as will our spin-off site, Viva Rachel Maddow.

Before I go, special thanks need to go out to Chuck's G, Kim, Kristian, Willie Geist, Joe Scarborough, Jonathan Capehart, each and every proud Chuckolyte card holder, Ol' Man Barnacle, of course The Chuck and most importantly, Tim Russert for hiring that numbers guy from The Hotline.

Thank you all again for one hell of a fun experience.

Vaya con dios Viva Chuck Todd,

Paul Chamberlain

The Chuck to do the forensics of the Obama campaign in a new book

2008-11-11T08:06:00.001-08:00

For months we've been saying that one of the best business management/political stories would be a book about the sparkling clean and efficient political machine that was the Obama campaign. Well, our wishes have been granted in a big tear-inducing way. Not only are we going to see that book, but The Chuck is a co-author.

'sniff...it's a beautiful world. More here.

Did you really think we wouldn't post this chestnut?

2008-11-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

This classic is not only a bold endorsement of why there should be more live television, but it is also the greatest collection of verbally stunned individuals in one place. It was like you dropped hot jumper cables in a fish pond. And as usual, Ol' Man Barnacle provides the best laughs in demonstrating why he is the most underrated comic actor in history. Check out :27 in to see why.

So let's see...that's one "bullshit" for Peggy Noonan and a "f%ck you" for Scarborough. Man, when did HBO buy MSNBC?

Election Night Insanity Contest Winner:Jessica from Redondo Beach, CA

2008-11-07T10:22:00.001-08:00

Our Chuckolyte winner is Jessica from Redondo Beach, CA who nailed the senate races and came freakishly close on the presidential numbers. This is how she did - behold the new Nostradamus:

359 Electoral Votes for Obama (final number 364)
179 Electoral Votes for McCain (final number 173)

55% of the Popular Vote for Obama (final number 52% - 64.4M)
45% of the Popular Vote for McCain (final number 44% - 56.7M)

She aced the senate races, except in the case of Alaska. She gave it to Begich, which could be argued an technical win based on the Pyrrhic and fleeting victory of the crook that is Stevens.

Excellent job Jessica. Your bag of Chuck Todd/Cerebral Itch schwag is on it's way.

Thanks to all of you who participated.

Some magical MSNBC moments on election night

2008-11-06T13:33:00.001-08:00

As the states began to break for Obama, the anticipation on-air was palpable. Say what you will about Uncle Chris Matthews, but he gave the most endearing and genuine little speech as to what it was going to mean to have the Obamas as our First Family. Then, the always wonderful Eugene Robinson brought the Viva Chuck Todd offices to tears speaking about telling his son that you can grow up to be president. Bishop T.D. Jakes and Congressman John Lewis added sobering and historical perspectives as history was virtually unfolding by the minute.

Also, enjoy our favorite little "pitchfork and torches" moment outside the White House.

The Chuck "signals to the pitcher" -if you know what we're sayin'

2008-11-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

We at the Viva Chuck Todd offices agonized about posting this one. Then we came to our senses and realized it's freakin' hilarious.

T-minus: The Future

2008-11-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

Ouch

2008-11-04T18:47:00.001-08:00

"To call it a 'narrow path' would be generous at this point."

The Chuck at 9:40EST remarking on McCain's chances after the Ohio loss.

Never forget, this site exists because of him

2008-11-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

One more Viva Chuck Todd contest

2008-11-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

You call it on this one. Fill out the zippy form above and cross your fingers. For those of you who feel lucky, you can fax your completed form to (619) 342-7432 or email your answers to vivachucktodd@gmail.com for your chance to win a bag of Chuckolyte and Cerebral Itch schwag and be made famous on vivachucktodd.com.

Oh, and entries must be received by 5PM EST - November 4th, 2008

Captain Jean Luc Chucktodd fires up the snazzy new NBC Holodeck

2008-11-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

I believe the operative word is SUH-WEET! Although we're knocking points off for the Obama Invesco Field set design knock-off.

John King can suck it with his Best Buy wall of flat screen TVs.

If Levar Burton ever made a cameo appearance with Norah O'Donnell on The Chuck's Holodeck, somebody would have to call an ambulance for half of the Viva Chuck Todd staff.

The Chuck's ULTIMATE state-by-state rundown

2008-11-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

This really is an amazing article. It truly illustrates the genius that is the The Chuck. Rumor has it, he wrote the whole thing on his Blackberry while standing in line at Starbucks.

Mark Lukasiewicz shows off the latest from politics.msnbc.com

2008-11-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

The mind boggles as to why you have all these digital references to The Chuck and the plethora of mediums in which he can be found and yet, no mention of Viva Chuck Todd. You think they would've at least included the Chuck Todd e-cards on the Decision '08 Dashboard. We have it on an extremely reliable source that Mark Lukasiewicz is a fan of Viva Chuck Todd too; so where's the love?

The Chuck on his last pre-election Meet The Press

2008-11-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Is it just us or are they trying awfully hard to make it look like this election is even going to be close? The Chuck puts up the unicorn and dice landing-on-their-corners scenarios for McCain.

Affleck as Olbermann: Was this even funny?

2008-11-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween from Viva Chuck Todd

2008-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Click on the above image(s), print it out, cut it out and amaze your friends with how much of a political geek you are. Hell, anybody can dress up like Sarah Palin.

The Chuck goes all psyops on McCain and Palin

2008-10-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

So The Chuck steps away from the hard numbers and does a little psychoanalysis of the GOP ticket. Compelling stuff. It almost looks as if Brian Williams is the tense one with the buckets of behind-the-scenes scoop The Chuck's imparting. Then again, it doesn't take Freud to say McCain looks like he's going to pull a "Bulworth".

CHUCK COUTURE:The Chuck's personal clothier

2008-10-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Many of us have often wondered who did away with the blasé earth tones of The Chuck's earlier online broadcasting days; well, today the lovers of Chuck Couture got their answer.

The morning mannequin of couture, Dame Mika Brzezinski quizzed The Chuck on where he sources his snappy ensembles segueing from the Palin $150K shopping spree kerfuffle. The Chuck gladly offered up that his ensembles originate from Mario's of Seattle.

Just knowing where Chuck got his lucky aubergine silk tie makes this blog worth it - Mario's of Seattle, the official clothier of both Chuck Todd and Viva Chuck Todd

Hello my name is Dr. Chuck Todd and I've seen your test results and the news is not good

2008-10-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Is it fair to assume that The Chuck's now frequent pronouncements that the McCain campaign is on life-support is affecting some swing voters who respect The Chuck?

Oh look, a lanslide's a'comin'

2008-10-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Scarborough, spring for some decent shoes will ya'

2008-10-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

On a special Sunday edition of Hardball with Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough felt wearing the appropriate footwear was not necessary while commenting on General Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama.

We got your number Scarborough.

The Chuck on the Meet The Press

2008-10-19T12:02:00.001-07:00

So in case you missed it: The Chuck tickled the Surface, McCain's screwed electorally and Scarborough was part of the round table. Yeah, Scarborough. I know, as if five days a week weren't enough.

We're not even going to bother with a poll - but we've got new presidential debate e-cards!

2008-10-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, those wacky kids over at Cerebral Itch threw together some more e-cards based on the more memorable lines of tonight's debate. Enjoy (they're free).

The Chuck serving up the bad news for McCain

2008-10-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Oh, can he work that Microsoft Surface or what?

What the hell was that all about?The Chuck takes on James Cromwell

2008-10-14T20:41:00.001-07:00

The Chuck vs. James Cromwell - You call it! The Chuck was... ( surveys)

Hey look! It's Pat Riley - Oh wait, it's The Chuck

2008-10-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

Many of you commented on The Chuck's appearance this morning on Morning Joe. Most notably, the saucy wet look he was sportin'. Well, the senior editorial staff of Viva Chuck Todd was briefed late this afternoon on the cause of the moistened follicles.

It appears while en route to work (the NBC Washington D.C. Bureau) early this morning from his bucolic Virginia home, The Chuck caught sight of a building ablaze. He quickly responded to the sight by skillfully wrenching his black 1964 Corvette Stingray across three lanes and a grassy burm to the nearest highway exit to investigate. By the time The Chuck roared to the scene, the building was a hellish inferno. It turns out that the burning building was the Susan Lucci Home for Wayward Youths. A halfway house for teenage actors who didn't quite make it in the Baltimore theater scene and ended up on the street. The home was essentially an angel with shuttered wings helping unfortunate young soap star wannabes find a future.

Upon arriving at the scene, The Chuck was immediately recognized by law enforcement and firemen. He asked if there was anything he could do. The on-scene Fire captain, William O'Shaughnessy deferred to The Chuck. As six engines turned the full wet fury of their hoses on the building, The Chuck doffed his suit jacket, loosened his tie and bolted for the front door of the building. Minutes later, he emerged with a teen on each shoulder. He carefully handed them over to the EMT's standing by and raced back in knowing that there were more to be saved. Eight people later, The Chuck sat on the curb, soaking wet and wrapped in a blanket sipping bottled water asking Chief O'Shaughnessy if everyone was accounted for. The Chief's answer was "yes". The Chuck grabbed his jacket off of the hood of his car and was about to leave when a young girl ran up to him pleading that he rescue her puppy "Luntz". According to eyewitnesses, this young girl sank into Chuck's heaving pecs and begged that he rescue the poor dog. She admitted that the dog was significantly overweight and not that smart, but she loved him just the same. Not wasting a moment, The Chuck gently placed the girl in the arms of a county child protective services worker and sprinted for the building. As beams and embers fell like confetti, The Chuck darted from room to room calling for Luntz, the fat stupid dog. Luntz was in the bathtub of the very last room The Chuck was able to check. Scorched and soaked, The Chuck scooped up Luntz and began to head back from whence he came. It was then when the ceiling collapsed and all sources of egress were eliminated. The only way out was out a small bathroom window 25 feet above the street. The Chuck threw Luntz out the window to the fireman below where he was successfully caught. People on the street could see The Chuck begin to scramble through the small window when at the same moment a gas main blew. In a half-second the building was a cloud of splinters and orange heat. Many on the scene believed that there was no way The Chuck could've survived the blast. But to the shock of all who witnessed the pre-dawn conflagration; unexpectedly, a black Stingray squealed from the scene as quickly as it arrived.

Six minutes later, The Chuck was on-air sitting next to the lovely Andrea Mitchell speaking of the anemic McCain numbers and October surprises.

Little did any of us know that The Chuck's hair was still wet from the fire hoses and his heart was still full from saving lives, especially Luntz, the beloved stupid fat dog.

Viva Chuck Poll:Who won the 2nd Presidential Debate?

2008-10-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

For the sheer academic exercise, we're putting up this poll; despite knowing how most of you are going to vote on this one. Oh, with that said, those kids over at Cerebral Itch created a brand new e-card in honor of tonight's shining moment - check it out

The Chuck:keeper of the scorecard

2008-10-06T01:07:00.000-07:00

Hey, when Brokaw labels you twice in one day with colloquial titles - you take'em and like it.

With that said, The Chuck brought his A-game to Meet The Press this morning. Like we're shocked.

SNL Mentions the Viva Chuck Todd/Viva Rachel Maddow V.P. Debate Drinking Game,...we think

2008-10-05T21:50:00.001-07:00

Watch this clip and you tell us whether or not Tina Fey and the Saturday Night Live writers sent a little Gladys Wood third-grade class shout out to the Viva Chuck Todd family. We like to think so; then again, we like to think a lot of things.

The Vice Presidential Debate:What say you Chuckolytes?

2008-10-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

The results are in and apparently the highly astute Chuckolyte saw through the pageant queen razzle-dazzle of Governor Palin and gave the night to Senator Biden.

VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE Drinking Gamebrought to you by Viva Chuck Todd and Viva Rachel Maddow

2008-10-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

You know John McCain is going to be tipping back more than a few tomorrow night, so why not join him in spirit while enjoying the most-watched Vice Presidential Debate in history. As only the Viva Chuck Todd and Viva Rachel Maddow people could do, we've put together a drinking game complete with recipes of the official drinks for each of the candidates plus the official Rachel Maddow libation and the much-anticipated, Chuck Todd-y - the official drink of Viva Chuck Todd.

Prior to beginning the game, the group must pick an official arbiter who will make all official decisions. Their word is law.

Sarah Palin

Anytime Governor Palin says:

"Gosh"
"9-11"
"Y'know"
"Well Gwen"
"Islamic Fundamentalists"
"Russia" and/or "Pootin"
"Maverick"
"hockey mom"
"Joe six-pack"

everyone drinks.

If Trig is being hoisted around in the audience, take a drink.

If Trig gets a another spit-makeover by his sister or father, take 2 drinks and do the same thing to yourself.

Every time you see the "First Dude", take a drink and do a jumping chest bump with someone.

Anytime the television audience nervously giggles at a Governor Palin non-sequitur, everyone yells "Katie, I'd like to use my lifeline!" and drinks. Arbiter will have final say as to what qualifies, though not a hard call to make.

If Governor Palin should break down in tears and leave the stage prematurely - chug every last drop of booze in the room, doff your clothing and run naked through the neighborhood hooting in a schadenfreude-induced celebration.

Joe Biden

Anytime Senator Biden says:

"Aw c'mon"
"Malarkey"
"Scranton"
"Well Gwen"
"The policies of George Bush"
"Dick Cheney"
“John's a friend of mine” or a variation thereof
"Joe six-pack"

everyone drinks.

Anytime Senator Biden looks up to the rafters, audibly sighs OR raises his voice beyond an appropriate level out of sheer exasperation, everyone drinks. Arbiter will have final say as to what qualifies, though not a hard call to make.

Anytime Senator Biden makes an inappropriate reference to Governor Palin's gender, everyone drinks. Arbiter will have final say as to what qualifies, though not a hard call to make because you probably will hear Biden's handlers slapping their foreheads and blurting "D'oh!".

Anytime Senator Biden makes the sign of the cross and asks for God to grant him patience, everyone drink from their partner's drink as if being given communion.

When Senator Biden looks at Governor Palin and says "Get the hell off this stage, you're an insult to the process!" or any variation thereof - chug every last drop of booze in the room, doff your clothing and run naked through the neighborhood just for the hell of it.

The Chilla from Wasilla - The official drink for Governor Palin

Scale ingredients to servings - Serve in a Mason Jar

3 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 pint beer (preferably Midnight Sun Kodiak Brown)
2 oz Coca-Cola®

Pour the amaretto into the jar over crushed ice. Follow it up by pouring a chilled beer (Alaskan if possible). Then top it off with the Coke.

The Moji-Joe - The official drink for Senator Biden

1 1/2oz. Light Rum
1 oz. Lime Juice
1/2 Cup Delaware Punch or Hawaiian Punch
3-4 Mint leaves Club Soda

Combine lime juice, mint and punch in a Collins or highball glass.
Stir gently to bruise the mint.
Fill glass 3/4 with ice.
Add the rum.
Top with soda. Stir well.

The Perfect with a lemon twist - The official Viva Rachel Maddow drink

1.5oz sweet vermouth

1.5oz dry vermouth
lemon twist
over ice in a rocks glass

Watch Rachel personally whip this juicy bit of heaven up by clicking here

This drink is smooth and easy, as smooth and easy as “the Chuck” himself. Nothing harsh, or cloying or bitter. Just cool, baby. Smooth and cool, just like “the Chuck.”

the CHUCK TODD-Y

Fill glass with ice and add

1 oz Malibu Rum
1 oz Parrot Bay Rum
½ oz Grenadine or Crème de Almond
Top off glass with equal parts orange juice and pineapple juice.
Shake and pour into glass.

This drink was designed by Patrick - Official Viva Chuck Todd Mixologist,
who can be found in the summer months manning the spirits
at the Dragonfly Deck Bar in Kill Devil Hills, NC

right click - save link as
{file size 2MB }

Viva Chuck Todd Lexicon Watch:Dan Quayle-ized and Spiro Agnewed

2008-10-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the drubbing Governor Palin's been getting by the press regardless of their stripe, The Chuck ingeniously gives us two new words to describe the metastatic creep that is beseiging the brand called"Sarah Palin". And with that, we give you today's Viva Chuck Todd Lexicon Watch word(s): Dan Quayle-ized / Spiro Agnewed

Dan Quayle-ized / Spiro Agnewed
Function: Adverb
Usage: colloquial
Etymology: Modern English - First coined by Charles (Chuck) Todd in St. Louis, MO circa early-21st century

1 a: a pejorative appellation given to someone who is out of their depth while seeking the second highest office in the land. Dan Quayle-ized refers to Dan Quyle, the 44th Vice President and Spiro Agnew, the 39th. Both were much-maligned by the public and the press. 1 b: A complete a-hole, moron or both

The New York Times on Meet The Press post-election and the influence of Brokaw

2008-09-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

"...but it is leaning toward an ensemble of hosts that would be led by Chuck Todd, NBC’s political director, and include David Gregory, a correspondent and MSNBC anchor, according to a person who had been briefed on the proposal but was not authorized to comment, partly because the plans were not set. Like the turnover of anchors at all three network newscasts, the process of choosing a successor for Mr. Russert has been closely watched in media and political circles."

CHUCK POLL RESULTS:who won the debate?

2008-09-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, you voted and the results speak volumes. As well as mirror the growing consensus: Obama won - Grumpy ol' man loses.

The Chuck's early take on the Debate

2008-09-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

"Still, count me impressed by both candidates. I know it may sound a bit pollyannish, but I thought one would not bring their "A" game or that one would get complacent and that didn't happen. There are some who believe a "draw" is better for the candidate perceived to be ahead. If that's the case, then the polls will continue their Obama drift. But I wouldn't be surprised if the polls don't move much in either direction because neither candidate gave a reason why voters ought to stop listening and make their decision now."

Read The Chuck's full take here

A morning to remember:This morning on Morning Joe something special happened

2008-09-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

The crew here at the Viva Chuck Todd editorial offices bring themselves up to speed daily by scanning the latest DVR recording of the day's events that The Chuck might have been a part of. In most cases, the time viewing is spent fast-forwarding through all things not Chuck and stopping occasionally to watch something that looks like it got big laughs.

This morning's Morning Joe was a different show entirely. Just The Chuck and Scarborough alone co-hosting was a site to behold. What made it all so much better was the panoply of guests who added to the examination of the hell we all seem to be going through via the brittle economic situation. Noonan, Snowe, Herbert, Rubin, Murphy, Gibbs, Wallace, Stengel, Burnett, Haines and Zuckerman were all part of a coherent dialog that captivated for three hours. We honest to God wanted to fast-forward through something, yet the content of the show was compelling, topical and downright fascinating (Okay, Tommy Hilfiger was the off-key plunk at the end of the show). Scarborough shined as the passionate counterpoint and The Chuck served as the academic font that all who chatted went to for empirical data. The Chuck displayed a relaxed inquisitive nature not seen prior. He questioned everyone, especially James Rubin, former Clinton Administration Deputy Secretary of State cogently and respectfully. On the inverse, he was also often asked questions of by guests who really wanted to know the score.

From this office's perspective it was compelling TV; for those of you that saw it, what did you think?

NEW VIVA CHUCK TODD e-CARDS:giving comedy props to the Surface

2008-09-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

We realized that we haven't posted any new e-cards lately despite the damn things being a unmitigated hit. So, taking into account everyone's fascination with the new Microsoft Surface toy The Chuck gets to play with and the sexual overtones of The Chuck fondling something nightly, we thought these cards were the perfect marriage of the two...enjoy.

Not Cool:Matthews disses The Chuck

2008-09-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

One might have noticed The Chuck becoming extra passionate the last few days as a result of the tumultuous polling landscape and the circumstances wreaking havoc on them.

Today's NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll was the last shoe to drop in the pronouncement that the McCain campaign is listing and needs to right itself. The "Hail Mary" of today's campaign cessation announcement and debate reschedule was certainly chum for the news sharks and polling companies.

With that said, this kind of action means only one thing to The Chuck: constant NBC/MSNBC exposure. Every hour, The Chuck was there. He was on Morning Joe. He was on Hardball. He was on The Nightly News with Brian Williams. The man was a machine raising salient points and bringing the "gold standard" of polls (NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll) to the public.

But something happened today that could only be summarized as "not cool". On Hardball with Chris Matthews, The Chuck brought his game and was exceptionally forceful and expressive in his presentation of the facts. Obviously off his game, Matthews not only did his usual verbal toe-stepping on The Chuck, but cut to a phone-in McCain spokesperson without so much as a thank you to The Chuck. It was abrupt, inappropriate and rude. The Chuck is now in a position to bring some serious gravitas to the party and to cast him off without so much as a "thank you" is done at one's peril.

Set design inspired by the 70's

2008-09-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

This morning The Chuck suffered the greatest of indignities as he stood in front of the fugliest set known to broadcast news.

It was a slap-dash pile of taffeta and lighting girders that barely covered the back walls of the studio. The stark contrast to the state-of-the-art technology of the Microsoft Surface was not lost on Scarborough and Mike Murphy who ridiculed The Chuck accordingly.

Who could blame them actually? It was hideous and nowhere near the quality of old Laugh-In sets. But despite the huge liability, The Chuck persevered as the picture of professionalism and made it through as if he never looked over his shoulder.

Nice Job on Countdown Shuster

2008-09-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Hats off to you on filling in for Uncle Keith.

There's something about this guy we like (aside from the fact that he's a Chuckolyte button-carrying member).

CHUCK COUTURE: Jonathan Capehart dons the bow tie and the crowd goes Wilde

2008-09-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

In a bold and courageous move this morning, Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Post chose to out-George Will George Will by donning a rather, how shall we say, flamboyant polka-dotted bow tie that lacked the necessary rigidity to fend off the comments of those who would never dream of going where Mr. Capehart went in his tie choice.

It was by all accounts a calm morning despite the scurrilous election, still-to-be-determined averted financial collapse and the metaphorical end credits of Pax Americana. So none of us were prepared for what Capehart was wearing. We have all become somewhat innured to the double, triple, quadruple Windsors the young wordsmith has laid on us; but even the most seasoned Capehart fan did not see this coming - a bow tie!

It was a gloriously floppy dark slate blue number that provided a field for white dots to prance upon like jewels on blue velvet. It was tied in a knot that was structured yet fashionably laissez-faire at the ends. Capehart batted away comments with the confidence of someone who revels in being a trendsetter, despite that trend being somewhat obscured by decades. Although the dichotomy of Scarborough letting loose with a snide acknowledgment while wearing a skinny Sears tie that could only be riffed via a "Ryan Seacrest" reference, was rich indeed.

Hats off to you young Capehart. Our senses are now heightened to what comes next. Know this; we look forward to your Ascot next week.

filed by Viva Chuck Todd fashion editor, Devon O'Toole

FREE VIVA CHUCK TODD RINGTONEDecision 08 Theme Music

2008-09-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, we've really outdone ourselves on this one (right click - save link as).

We feel especially proud that we beat MSNBC to the punch, because we know all Chuckolytes and Maddites are going to install this pronto.

Q&A Cafe w/ Carol Joynt: THE CHUCK

2008-09-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

All political geeks who do not have the good fortune of living in or near Washington D.C are deprived the phenomenal political/entertainment watering hole known as Nathan's. Every week Nathan's puts on "'The Q&A Cafe with Carol Joynt' - a talk show taped live before an audience at Nathans Restaurant in Georgetown, Washington, DC. It's open to anyone who wants to attend". To see just how much of a Georgetown institution this place is, check this out.

This past week they hosted The Chuck. Emoting his usual affable and casual demeanor, dozens of lucky Chuckolytes got to enjoy The Chuck's nuggets of wisdom up close and personal. The interview in it's entirety is fun, intimate and in-depth. We especially liked the first five or so minutes of the interview where Carol talks about Viva Chuck Todd and Chuckolyte.com and gets The Chuck to comment. It was bittersweet in the fact that we like to get mentioned, but man, do we hate to see The Chuck squirm over us.

So with any further interruption, Q&A Cafe w/ Carol Joynt: Chuck Todd

Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V

And most importantly, A big Viva Chuck Todd gracias to Carol Joynt for the shout out to us Chuckolytes - your membership card is on it's way ;)

Q&A Cafe w/ Carol Joynt: THE CHUCKa Chuckolyte's perspective

2008-09-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

In between manning Microsoft Surface, First Read and the slate of appearances on NBC/MSNBC the Chuck found time to head over to Georgetown for a little salmon and grilling by Carol Joynt in her local Q&A. The man hasn’t slept since February but he still found time for this and it is why we adore him!

Chuckolytes will be thrilled to know that The Chuck is beloved and respected here at home as he is out on the Internets.

For the Viva Chuck Todd crew, I believe you have officially outdone the likes of The Drudge Report and Page Six of the NY Post in importance. Carol Joynt kicked off her interview not with the latest Gallup Polls, the Sarah Palin factor or how the Economic crisis was shifting the election – no, no with her priorities straight Ms. Joynt led the afternoon’s Q&A with VCT and the Chuckolytes (I swear we should have tour t-shirts). The Chuck’s response – “I keep my head down – they’ve been very kind…I just don’t want them to go negative”.

The interview covered a multitude of topics in all too brief an hour. Highlights included, The Chuck’s time at Hotline and his 15 years of work to wanting to kill Scarborough over the lame nickname “Chucky T”. Here is a sampling of The Chuck’s brilliance:

On Hotline: “It was way ahead of it’s time… a lighthouse for politics… I figured out how to read it on my Kindle.”

On the gossip about NBC/MSNBC in fighting: “There are a lot more untruths out there then truths."

On Russert: “I lost my father when I was sixteen. I feel the same way about Tim everyday when I have this list of 75,000 conversations I wish I could have with him.”

On Russert’s power at the network: “When someone passes on, there's always a mythology of the power someone had. Maybe what made Tim powerful within the news network is that he had more power than he ever used.”

On becoming the host of Meet the Press: “There’s no right answer to that question… To tell you the truth I don’t know if I want the job. Who wants to be the idiot who follows in Tim's shoes. Not only that, but you have to follow in Tim's shoes and now Tom [Brokaw]'s shoes.”

On the Internet: “The Internet is begging to be organized.”

On Bill Gates: “Steve Jobs is always going to be cooler than you, get over it”

On the rise of Cable News: “And then came the gift to cable news – Monica Lewinsky.” [as what catapulted cable news to prominence].

On those Polls: “Polls are going to be wrong this cycle...[because] it is going to be the percentage of the electorates [that determines the outcome].

By far The Chuck’s take on what makes the 2008 election historic is what sets him apart from the rest of the pack. “This is a marker election, not because of the first black nominee of a major party, or because of the first woman on a Republican national ticket, but because both of them are post baby boomers. 2008 shuts a door on baby boomers. The baby boom generation is going to have to do some soul searching about what happened. It should be Tom Brokaw’s next book. How this whole generation that ran the sports world, ran Wall Street, ran the business world… Baby boomers failed us as leaders.”

With modesty, humility, intellect and a dash of sarcasm The Chuck deftly sustained the sometimes intrusive questioning of the interviewer (who at times I just wanted to smack for interrupting him mid sentence). Although Joynt does deserve some props for coining a new turn of phrase – in referring to a fellow journalist’s changing his facial hair Joynt stated, “When I saw him the other day it was completely redone as a Chuck Todd”. That’s right folks; we have the beard, the goatee and now, The Chuck Todd – tell your neighbors.

The interview came to an end to which Chuck simply said, “This was almost fun.” And with that he paused briefly for photos and quickly dashed off in a cab back to Nebraska Ave.

filed by Viva Chuck Todd Senior Field Corespondent, Dalissa

Kitties, Eunuchs and bromance:Something was in the air this morning onMorning Joe

2008-09-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

At a press conference held earlier this morning by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, it was announced that a large-scale gas leak of nitrous oxide (aka "laughing gas") throughout the NBC studios at Rockefeller Plaza was responsible for today's silly and at times ridiculous behavior of the Morning Joe cast.

Minutes after Morning Joe ended it's broadcast, several HAZMAT teams were deployed throughout the building to locate and determine the severity of the leak. It was discovered that not one, but several tanks of nitrous oxide were being discharged throughout the building's ventilation system. Authorities are still trying to determine how such large amounts of the euphoric gas found it's way into 30 Rock, but in a Viva Chuck Todd exclusive, several NBC employees who on the condition of anonymity, claimed that several tanks of the gas were being used by Countdown with Keith Olbermann crew members to help them tolerate and laugh at Olbermann's jokes; providing the familiar off-camera chortles frequently heard on his show. It was also claimed by these sources that the gas was also being used by Rachel Maddow to help her get through the Kent Jones Just Enough segment at the end of her new show. Although the investigation is still in it's infancy, fingers already point to Al Roker as the key suspect for bringing the gas to 30 Rock. It appears that Roker has been using the gas for years on The Today Show cast and crew in getting them to think he was the least bit funny - a technique he adapted from his predecessor, Willard Scott.

The behavior that tipped the scales and led many viewers to flood the New York City 911 system with calls was the moment Harold Ford Jr. began to smile. Concern amongst viewers reached it's zenith when Ford actually tried to crack a joke. The uncharacteristically ebullient mood was not isolated to Ford. Ol' Man Barnacle and Our Man Willie sat uncomfortably close to each other throughout the entire show. The proximity of their chairs and the effect of the noxious gas was apparently too much for the men, culminating in a Bush/Merkel-esque shoulder rub and a celebratory on-air embrace. Earlier, Barnacle had admitted to being a "cat man" and someone who keeps his cat in his car's glove compartment while he shuffles around Home Depot in his off-hours. Another "canary in the coal mine" was Mika Brzezinski, who herself displayed effects of the gas. In her case though, she was serious, introspective and constantly trying to bring order to the group. Brzezinski is currently undergoing tests at New York-Presbyterian Hospital as doctors are tying to determine why laughing gas would have the opposite effect on her. Amazingly, Scarborough himself appeared to be unaffected, displaying the bi-polar tendencies usually seen by viewers.

In a related story, authorities were also dispatched to the CNBC studios at the New York Stock Exchange where International Superstar, Erin Burnett herself appeared to be a tad loopy and uttered the unfortunate term "eunuch" on-air raising suspicions that she too, was affected by the gas.

It is important to note that The Chuck was unharmed and the Washington D.C. bureau was declared safe by local authorities.

Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Wisconsin

2008-09-16T21:28:00.001-07:00

I really don't think the average Chuckolyte is ever going to get tired of seeing The Chuck man the Microsoft Surface con for election math.

This morning on Morning Joe he referred to himself as the "electoral waiter"; au contraire Monsieur Todd. You are a nothing less than a sorcerer conjuring up multiple permutations of electoral college outcomes.

Behold.

Viva Mika Brzezinski!

2008-09-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

So this morning on Morning Joe, Senator John McCain took a unprofessional shot at Mika for being a Barack Obama supporter.

In a question that was asked of him by Mika concerning the economy, McCain couched his answer with the provocative taunt to communicate to her assumed candidate of choice, Senator Obama, that the town hall offer still stands. Okay, Scarborough does it all the time and it's part of their schtick, but McCain often has trouble with punchlines and comedic timing so he came off as pugnacious or shall we say "pissy".

After that, hackles were raised and the woman scorned shot back unveiling inside familial information (Mika's two brothers work on presidential campaigns - one for Obama and one for McCain) and cut the Senator to the quick - check out the 7:25 mark on the video.

And now a word from our sponsor:New Cerebral Itch e-cards

2008-09-15T23:12:00.001-07:00

Here's just a couple of the new political e-cards we've added.

Did you really think we'd sit by and let this whole McCain/Palin thing go by without popping off?

48 or above

2008-09-14T22:31:00.001-07:00

To say The Chuck has been coming into his own lately would be an understatement tantamount to we've had a pinch of bad weather in the gulf.

This morning on Meet The Press, The Chuck minced no words as to where Obama's numbers need to be the Sunday before the general election in order to win. Our favorite part of this clip is The Chuck's closing facial expression. It almost says, "You can take that to the bank Suckas, I'll be over here lounging with my mojito while you people wrack your brains for the next 50 days."

George Will: Metaphor Thief

2008-09-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

When one Googles "Palin Bubble", The Chuck's article that was posted on Friday floats to the top. So color us cynical when we see conservative stalwart and This Week fixture, George Will make reference this morning to the "Palin Bubble" and carries it off as his own invention. The background chortling by George Stephanopoulos makes it that much more irritating in the fact that The Chuck brought this metaphor home, tied it up in a succinct package and now other people are not only mentioning it but trying to sell it as their own.

Then again, this has got to be in there somewhere with imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.

The Palin BubbleThe Chuck weighs in

2008-09-13T09:29:00.001-07:00

The Chuck paints an insightful metaphor explaining the fragile state of affairs surrounding Sarah Palin's popularity. Take our latest Chuck Poll and tell us what you think about the "Palin Bubble"

<a href ="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/923044/">Will the Palin Bubble burst?</a> (<a href ="http://www.polldaddy.com"> surveys</a>)

Finally, a story about you

2008-09-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

In the slick new online mag Culture 11, Chuckolytes were exclusively examined. Everyone you read about in the article are card-carrying Chuckolytes and we couldn't be prouder. We know what a cool and passionate lot you all are, now the world can know the same thing.

The Chuck assumes the con of the Starship MSNBC

2008-09-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Check out The Chuck using Microsoft Surface. An absolutely riveting interface technology that's bringing us that much closer to those cool-ass scenes in Minority Report and Iron Man. All we need is for them to integrate the LCARS interface and there will be a geek convergence like the world has never known.

You have no idea what we're taking about, do you Scarborough? Good - pass the Cheetos.

The Man, The Myth, The Chuck

2008-09-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

Allow us to dispense with the goofy polls, the drinking games and puckish little asides that populate this site and get back to what brought us here in the first place: A young gentleman who was plucked from obscurity to dazzle us with his gifts at a time when those gifts would be both greatly appreciated and desperately needed.

Today, Chuck had two shining moments that illuminated for so many why he is deserving of our admiration and respect. That is not to say that these two moments were rarities. In fact, each time he's on-air he says something that has most people muttering, "man, that guys knows his stuff." But today, there was no bombast of scheduled events or the noise of scandal or newsflash. There were just numbers.

Another individual who loves and understands these political numbers with the same fervor is Ol' Man Barnacle. Amidst the jovial chaos that is Morning Joe, Barnacle, losing every posture contest in the world, thoughtfully posed a question to Chuck about the stability of the huge 20 point flip in McCain's favor as illustrated by the Washington Post/ABC News Poll. Barnacle confessed that "instinct" was probably the only way Chuck could answer the question. The Chuck not missing a beat, sussed out the fallacy of a 20 point flip. Reminding Barnacle and us that his instinct is pretty damn adequate at times like these.

One train ride up to New York later, placed him on the set of Countdown with Keith Olbermann discussing the new numbers from the NBC/WSJ poll that confirmed the results from the earlier polls. Adding a new dimension to all of this Chuck let loose with another "Holy crap, where does this guy come up with these amazing points." moment concerning early voting ballots, October 15th and Palin as a debate audience member. Watch it and prepared to be slack-jawed. Hell, he made Olbermann take note; no small feat there.

The Chuck finally gets his shots in on Scarborough and chimes in on Palin and Hillary

2008-09-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Chuck finally goes after Scarborough in busting his hump for not being around 57 days before the election. Albeit in absentia, he still took a swing at his major ball-buster. Mika and Willie tried to defend him, but to no avail. Chuck referred to Scarborough's absence as a "bunch of hooey"; which we felt was a marvelous sound bite and choice nugget for a Viva Chuck Todd ringtone - click here to download.

The Chuck then got down to brass tacks and addressed the Palin issue, The Gallup Daily Tracking Polls and most interestingly, Hillary deflecting Palin for Obama.

Uncles Matthews and Olbermann are out

2008-09-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, MSNBC decided to give it's two biggest personalities some harsh news: Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann are relieved of their duty as election night hosts. From here on in, David Gregory (yeah, we know) will be at the helm and Matthews and Olbermann will be reduced to the role of analysts.

If you feel this was a needed move based on journalistic integrity or, if you're like us and have a brain-spraining time trying to imagine these two chiming in on election night as second fiddles to David Gregory, go ahead and participate in our newest poll:

<a href ="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/911454/">What do you think of MSNBC's decision of pulling Matthews and Olbermann off of election night hosting?</a> (<a href ="http://www.polldaddy.com"> surveys</a>) </center>

Viva Rachel Maddow is officially live!

2008-09-07T09:25:00.001-07:00

The creators of Viva Chuck Todd are very proud to announce that Viva Rachel Maddow is now hot and ready for prime time, just like it's namesake.

Maddites (that's right, you heard us, "Maddites") now have a place to follow their favorite Doctor of Political Science and clock cleaner of conservative asshats. And just like Viva Chuck Todd, the site will be a stunning success only with the involvement and contributions of it's readers. So, start commenting and sending those emails about what you would like to see on this site alongside the patented "Viva" flavah.

And while you're over at Viva Rachel Maddow, please visit the Viva Rachel Maddow online store. In addition to scoring schwag emblazoned with another great online brand featuring the hottest news personality right up there with The Chuck, all proceeds from the store will be donated to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Listeners of The Rachel Maddow Show on Air America and viewers of Countdown with Keith Olbermann will recognize this organization as well as it's founder, author and Iraq war veteran, Paul Rieckhoff - a frequent guest of both programs.

Now wipe away those tears of joy and get yourself over there. Your fellow Maddites await.

Rachel Maddow stands up against facial hair tyranny and stands up for The Chuck's goatee

2008-09-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

You know, there's a rush us Chuckolytes get when Rachel Maddow throws us some crossover love as she works The Chuck's goatee into the opening schtick of Countdown's Oddball segment.

The Chuck weighs in on the McCain convention hangover

2008-09-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

News You Can't Use:Andrea "Boom Boom" Mitchell

2008-09-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

Looking like a bacteria under attack in someone's bloodstream, Andrea Mitchell persevered beneath a onslaught of balloons on the floor of the Republican Convention post McCain acceptance. Our Man Willie does a great piece on the incident and the man responsible for the balloon deluge. The video is worth watching just for Scarborough's laughter in the background. Love'im or hate'im, Scarborough probably has one of the most infectious laughs second only to this kid.

Uh, is this mic on?

2008-09-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

The Chuck held court today for a gorgeous blooper and fed the beast with some innocent post-interview questioning that caused former McCain 2000 campaign manager and Republican strategist, Mike Murphy and Wall Street Journal columnist, Peggy Noonan to voice their genuine opinions about Sarah Palin and the new Republican gameplan while their microphones were mistakenly still hot.

Just the fact that the acclaimed wordsmith and doyenne of diction, Peggy Noonan uses the word "bullshit" makes this a classic and perhaps the greatest soundbite for a dance mashup since the Barbra Streisand classic. The surrounding content of her profanity is in direct contradiction to her column in the Wall Street Journal this morning which heaped praise on the "transformative" figure that is Palin. It brings this to a level of irony that is to be relished by all political junkies and anyone who gives a less than Christian gesture to the screen when Noonan comes on.

UPDATE: Noonan's column is now complete with a mea culpa posited as her "mugging" by the media. She also proclaimed regret for "blurting" a "barnyard epithet". Sorry honey, when you say "excuse me" before you let loose with your potty word, you ain't blurtin' a thing - that's premeditated cussin'.

The Chuck's new MSNBC Politics promo

2008-09-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Chuck does more to restore our faith in government with this promo than a 12-hour West Wing marathon.

Chuckolytes storm Denver!

2008-09-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

One of the main reasons for hauling our cans out to Denver was to meet Chuckolytes from all over the country. To be honest, we truly didn't anticipate the sheer numbers or the enthusiasm of the free-range Chuckolyte as they roamed the Denver streets.

We learned first thing Wednesday morning that the Morning Joe crew is raucous band of hardcore Chuckolytes. But when we got to the MSNBC broadcast cube to hand out Viva Chuck Todd schwag we really saw the revolution. Once our staff and their trusty yellow Viva Chuck Todd messenger bags filled with posters and Chuckolyte pins were spotted by The Chuck's fans we were essentially mauled. During The Chuck's anchoring gigs throughout the week, the crowd proudly held aloft Viva Chuck Todd posters and screamed his name.

One of the true highlights of this crazy scene was on Thursday when Obama Communications Director, Robert Gibbs came by the set to talk with The Chuck. While he was being mic'd he noticed all the Viva Chuck Todd posters. Mr. Gibbs cracked an impressed jovial smile and commented to The Chuck on how great the Chuckolyte presence was. After his appearance, Mr. Gibbs along with his staff made his way to a waiting car. Our editor Paul intercepted him and Mr. Gibbs immediately recognized the trusty yellow Viva Chuck Todd messenger bag and came over. He was genuinely amused by the Viva Chuck Todd schwag and asked if he could have each one of the posters; we gladly gave him several along with a handful of Chuckolyte and Chuck'08 pins. We were truly struck by how down-to-earth and just plain nice this man was. He graciously posed for a picture with us and got on his way not showing any of the stress someone in his position should show considering his candidate was hours from giving the biggest speech of the campaign. As we shook his hand, we wished him the best of luck on the evening's event...like that crew even needed it.

Viva Chuck Todd shout out from Rachel Maddow

2008-09-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

So let's just say right now that given the chance we'd drop everything and happily be Rachel Maddow's scantily clad house boy or girl forever. This woman is funny, classy, brilliant and also happened to know who the hell we were when we rushed the stage she was on in The Big Tent.

This is how it went down: She was moderating a discussion with the CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt on the Internet and Politics. It was a packed house but we were ready with our video camera and Viva Chuck Todd schwag. When the discussion ended, desperate techies with their resumes waving rushed Schmidt and those of us with a borderline dysfunctional adoration complex for Rachel shouted for her attention like 11 year-old Jonas Brothers fangirls. Being that Paul, our editor-in-chief is 6'5" and 220lbs the other geeks didn't stand a chance. He reached over the masses, handing Rachel a Chuckolyte pin, to which in all the chaos she said, "what's this?" That's when Paul held up his trusty yellow Viva Chuck Todd messenger bag and Rachel immediately recognized us. Now this is where we get all misty. Rachel squealed with glee and hugged Paul. After we brought Paul back to consciousness, we told her how popular her e-cards had become and she laughed mentioning that she'd received a bunch. We asked her if she'd say hi to all the Viva Chuck Todd fans and of course she obliged. You may be able to make it out in the video, but if not, after she said "hi" to all of you, Paul threw out the question "guess who owns 'Viva Rachel Maddow'?" Rachel looked down at us with a bit of a mischievous smile and a wink saying "I know, I know". Then...she was gone.

And we can't end this post without wishing Rachel with all sincerity, best wishes on the debut of her new MSNBC show, Monday, September 8 at 9pm EST. In celebration of that hallowed event, VivaRachelMaddow.com will officially launch on the same day. It will have all the flava you've come to know and love with Viva Chuck Todd along with some new surprises - bookmark it now.

Viva Chuck Todd shout out from DailyKos founder, Markos Moulitsas

2008-08-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

So we crashed The Big Tent in Denver and found the man of the hour, DailyKos founder, Markos Moulitsas signing his new book, Taking On the System: Rules for Radical Change in a Digital Era. We had to get in his face and present him with some Viva Chuck Todd schwag. Being the solid and accommodating chap he is, he agreed to give a shout out to the Viva Chuck Todd fans. Okay fine, it's obvious he didn't know who the hell we were, but he gets major points in our book for playing along.

The Viva Chuck Todd staff visits the set of Morning Joe in the Mile High City crawling with Democrats

2008-08-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a bit of a whirlwind for the Viva Chuck Todd staff since we touched down in Denver yesterday. Yes, you are correct in the fact that we were supposed to fly out last Saturday, but poor managerial skills by our office manager Kelly resulted in her delegating the travel booking responsibilities to one of the interns; who in turn booked us tickets to the Republican Convention in St. Paul leaving last Saturday. Yep, she transposed the events and dates and gave us literally tickets to nowhere (no offense St. Paul).

So we finally made it to the mile high city and got to see history first-hand. And that history would be a live Morning Joe taping at Sam's #3 diner in Downtown Denver. Angels sang as we walked through the door and saw the lights, the cameras and the back of Scarborough and Mika's heads. Through the glare we were able to see our man Willie and Ol' Man Barnacle. Simply...we wept. Once we composed ourselves, we split into teams to notify the appropriate people that the staff of Viva Chuck Todd had arrived. It's not presumptuous, that's just the way we roll.

And let us just say right now, that there were never a more hospitable group of people than the Morning Joe staff and their guests. We met everyone. Scarborough, Mika, Ol' Man Barnacle, David Schuster, Jonathan Capehart, Andrea Mitchell, Courtney Hazelet and of course, Our Man Willie. Who, lit up and welcomed us like a family member when we introduced ourselves. When presented with their Chuckloyte packets, Both Joe and Willie sincerely enjoyed getting their honorary Chuckolyte cards and Joe slapped his Chuckolyte pin on his lapel immediately. Willie in fact gave us a moment of his valuable time to personally address the Viva Chuck Todd fans along with the lovely Ms. Hazelett.

Once the excitement of being in the presence of such 21st Century media greatness ebbed, we realized that there were a couple of people who, shall we say, we have been less than cricket with. The first being Ol' Man Barnacle. Our editor Paul was chatting it up with him in quite a convivial manner which caused us to breathe a sigh of relief. It appears that Ol' Man Barnacle likes his curmudgeonly title and Viva Chuck Todd. He too enjoyed getting his Chuckolyte membership packet and shared some great Pat Buchanan stories with us. A true mensch.

Another chap we were a little nervous about confronting was Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart. Let's be frank, there's only so much ribbing a gentleman can take about his fashion sense. Well, Capehart laughed out loud in astonishment when our editor Paul introduced himself. Capehart, personable to say the least and was all quite good humored about the whole thing. The two of them even compared their silk Gordian knot cufflinks. Trust us, we rolled our eyes too. Capehart was kind enough to give us a moment of his time as well:

There's plenty more to report on what happened this morning, but we'll leave it there for right now. We have some absolutely plastered staff to scoop up and get into a taxi. But tomorrow we will be on the street in front of the MSNBC media megalith interviewing actual Chuck Todd fans and maybe we'll hear from the surprise MSNBC personality as well.

A day in the life of The Chuck:The Chuck and his own personal political Ironman competition

2008-08-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

As the first night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention comes to an end, it is inconceivable to believe Chuck Todd is going to survive the remainder of this week.

The man is superhuman. He shows up looking like the cat that swallowed the canary this morning on Morning Joe, simply beaming from the excitement of knowing that for the rest of the week he will be applying his gifts and opinions towards unfolding history. Hell, just the fact that he still had his hearing and a semblance of a voice after that mosh pit of a remote at Sams #3 diner where the Morning Joe crew was working from was a miracle in itself.

At 12:00pm EST he settled in nicely doing the anchor thing with some great guests such a former Governor of Virginia Mark Warner and presidential historian Michael Beschloss. After that it was a free-for-all for The Chuck popping in and out of everybody's broadcast all the way up till The Nightly News with Brian Williams. Believe it or not, the lad looked as fresh as he did 16 hours prior.

Below is a nice recap of the evening filed by Viva Chuck Todd Chief Field Correspondent, Lenore K.

7:11 p.m. ET
Chuck talked with Matthews about the Denver bubble they're in, saying the Clinton die-hards are a small group with a louder voice than numbers, and about how this is the British version of campaigning due to the 70-day sprint to the election, unless there's a days-long recount.

7:36 p.m. ET (following some Keith/Chris vs Joe unpleasantness)
Chuck with Keith —
Hillary. Again. The rollcall. Again.

After Keith launched into one of his endless multi-part questions, he got The Chuck smackdown: "Keith, you asked about eight questions. I'm going to try to answer a few of them."

He said the campaigns are working closely together on the rollcall, that the speeches are more contentious than the rollcall. That would seem to invite a follow-up question like, "How so, Chuck?" But no, apparently, the minds of Keith & Chris were elsewhere.

8:07 p.m. ET
Chuck talked about "the hidden hand of power of Nancy Pelosi," how she did a lot to shift the party away from the Clintons to Obama; how, while going after the superdelegates, the Clintons would still have had to get through a convention run by Pelosi & Dean, "two people who felt they never owed the Clintons anything."

10:08 p.m. ET
With Brian Williams —
Chuck talked about how modern conventions are defined by these moments (Kennedy speech), how there's a bigger thing [than the Clintons], how the keys to the party will be handed over to the Obamas even though Bill's still hanging on to them a bit.

10:28 p.m. ET
Chuck listed the three things Obama has to do this week: fill in the gaps (of his bio); create contrast with McCain; and create unity.

10:55 p.m. ET
Chuck said Michelle had a tough act to follow, but she was trying to connect with blue-collar voters, and with Hillary Clinton voters (because, I learned today, there's no more important bloc of voters in the whole world).

And in his 16th hour of work —
11:41 p.m. ET
Chuck said there'll be two memories from this convention: Obama's speech & Teddy Kennedy's, & the Clinton drama may fade into the background. Chris Matthews ended this segment with these insightful words: "I don't know how we could do any of this without Chuck Todd. He's the best. Chuck, you're the greatest."

Here here Matthews. We couldn't agree more.

Viva Chuck Poll:who's the best 4th wheel on Morning Joe?

2008-08-25T12:54:00.001-07:00

Back on August 5th we asked who would be the best 4th wheel (besides The Chuck) on the set of Morning Joe. Well, the results are in and the clear winner with 38% of the vote is "Anyone who tells Joe he's full of crap". Yep, anyone. Any warm body who'll sit across from Scarborough and call bull$#!& on him. Once again, the wisdom of our readers is frankly humbling. A strong second went to Ol' Man Barnacle with 28%. Third place went to Harold 'chuckles" Ford with 14% of the vote and the rest of the pack followed up with single digits.