Chuck Todd is stepping down as moderator of the long-running NBC News political program “Meet the Press” in September and will be succeeded by Kristen Welker, a White House correspondent for the network. Todd will continue to work at NBC News after he departs the venerable Sunday program.
Chuck Todd is out at NBC's Meet the Press, Kristen Welker has been named the new moderator of the Sunday politics show. The transition will happen in September, a major change at one of broadcast television oldest institutions.
NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Todd said on Sunday that he'll be leaving “Meet the Press” after a tumultuous near-decade of moderating the NBC political panel show, and Welker will be taking over the reins.
As Kristen Welker's career gained attention, critics pointed to her parents' political affiliations with the Democratic party. Her mother, Julie Welker, served as a prominent Democratic donor and her father, Harvey Welker, worked as an engineer and consultant for several Democratic campaigns.
Welker's political views are not entirely clear, as she has maintained a professional distance from partisan politics throughout her career. However, she has been vocal about issues such as gun control and women's reproductive rights.
On the issue of gun control, Welker has expressed support for measures such as universal background checks and an assault weapons ban. She has also covered the aftermath of several mass shootings, including the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
Welker has also been a strong advocate for women's reproductive rights, covering the 2016 presidential election and the subsequent debate over access to birth control and abortion. She has interviewed several prominent pro-choice advocates, including Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood.
In addition to her coverage of domestic issues, Welker has also reported on national security and foreign policy. She has covered President Trump's negotiations with North Korea and his controversial travel ban, as well as the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Welker's appointment as moderator of “Meet the Press” makes her one of the most prominent women in political journalism, a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. She joins a small but growing number of women who have held high-profile positions in political media, including Rachel Maddow, Andrea Mitchell, and Judy Woodruff.
Critics have praised Welker for her professionalism and impartiality, while others have raised concerns about her family's political ties and the potential for bias in her reporting. However, Welker has maintained a reputation for fairness and accuracy throughout her career, and her appointment to “Meet the Press” is seen as a significant step forward for diversity in political journalism.
In conclusion, Kristen Welker's political views are not entirely clear, but she has been vocal about issues such as gun control and women's reproductive rights. As she takes on the role of moderator for “Meet the Press”, she will have the opportunity to shape the national conversation on politics and policy. Her appointment is a significant step forward for diversity in political journalism, and her professionalism and impartiality will be a valuable asset to the program.
