Renowned MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow has expressed her strong disapproval of NBC News’ decision to hire Ronna McDaniel as an on-air contributor, labeling it as “unfathomable.”
During a segment discussing historical American fascists, Maddow sharply criticized the hiring, likening it to employing a mobster in a district attorney’s office or a pickpocket as a TSA screener. She urged NBC News to reconsider their decision, emphasizing her colleagues’ objections to McDaniel’s appointment due to her attacks on journalists and her involvement in undermining democratic processes.
McDaniel’s hiring was announced by NBC News last Friday, with executives highlighting her insider knowledge and connections. However, former Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd also voiced his concerns about the decision, calling it “unfortunate for the program.”
Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mike Brzezinski echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for conservative voices in election coverage but expressing reservations about McDaniel’s credibility given her past actions as an election denier.
Maddow, as MSNBC’s leading primetime figure, affirmed that McDaniel would not be featured on the channel, clarifying any confusion caused by conflicting reports. She reiterated MSNBC’s stance, stating unequivocally that McDaniel’s presence on the network had been prohibited since Saturday.
The hiring of McDaniel has sparked controversy within NBC News, with Maddow and other prominent figures at the network voicing their opposition to her appointment.
