Will Alex Wagner Replace Rachel Maddow on MSNBC?

The upcoming transition in the primetime lineup on MSNBC has garnered significant attention, with the decommissioning of Rachel Maddow’s daily 9pm show and the search for a new host to step into her shoes. This development has brought renewed interest in Alex Wagner, who recently returned to the network after a seven-year absence.

Context for the Transition

Reports indicate that Rachel Maddow will be concluding her nightly broadcast early in 2022, shifting to a once-a-week format that will run through the 2024 presidential election. This move aligns with a broader strategy aimed at directing attention more towards upcoming political events. The decommissioning of the daily show is part of a strategic shift, as it is a natural progression for the network to realign resources and focus on more critical periods of the election cycle.

Why Alex Wagner?

The question naturally arises: why Alex Wagner? There are several compelling reasons why she might be considered a suitable candidate to replace Rachel Maddow:

Recent Return to MSNBC: Alex Wagner made a highly visible return to MSNBC a week ago, taking over for Rachel Maddow for a week before covering Chris Hayes. This recent re-emergence suggests that the network views her as a viable option for a full-time slot. Previous Experience: Prior to her departure, Alex Wagner hosted a 4pm slot on MSNBC, demonstrating her experience in prime time broadcasting. Additionally, her tenure as a co-host on CBS This Morning Saturday and The Circus on Showtime also highlights her versatility and adaptability. Scores as a Senior Editor: Currently, Alex is a senior editor at The Atlantic, a respected news organization known for its comprehensive and rigorous reporting. This role indicates that she has a strong editorial background, which would be valuable in delivering accurate and insightful content.

Media Controversies and Public Perception

There are significant concerns about Alex Wagner’s suitability given her known stance on certain political and societal issues. Critics argue that she seems to embrace a narrative that is heavily anti-Republican, tone-deaf to facts, and ordained with a clear bias:

Anti-Republican Propaganda: Her recent appearances have been marked by a strong opposition to Republican policies, which some perceive as mere propaganda rather than balanced journalism. Bias and Tone: She is seen as lacking in nuance, often delivering messages with a firm conviction that borders on irrefutability, which some argue is detrimental to a fair and balanced discussion. Childhood Matters and Abortion: Her views on education, particularly in the matter of children’s sexual education, are also a subject of debate. Some critics view her stance as overly intrusive and potentially harmful. Voter Suppression: Reports of her criticism towards reasonable measures like requiring identification at the polls are often associated with accusations of suppressing voter rights, which raises significant ethical concerns.

Conclusion

While there is no definite answer to whether Alex Wagner will replace Rachel Maddow, her recent return and extensive background make her a likely candidate for the role. However, the question remains: is she truly ready for the prime time slot given the significant media and ethical concerns? The decision will be pivotal for the network’s future, and the public will be watching closely.